By Larry Printz Autoblog
It's no secret that the Lexus RX is a known quantity. It remains a serene five-passenger SUV that prioritizes comfort and quiet over athleticism and driver engagement. It's powered by a perfectly adequate 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. You can also get a hybrid driveline, but we review that separately.
As it is, the RX returns decent fuel economy of 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg with all-wheel drive with premium unleaded fuel. What it doesn't return is high performance. Power is adequate, but far from the abundant power you might expect in a luxury vehicle. Getting to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds with front-wheel drive and 7.2 seconds with all-wheel drive. Even though performance is merely average at best, serenity is the RX's stock-in-trade.
Inside, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, which can be upgraded to a 14-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are standard, with optional navigation and a head-up display. It is roomy, however, providing 102 cubic feet of passenger space and 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 46 cubic feet. Ground clearance is 8.1 inches. Yet in a world where SUVs are emerging more quickly than you can say "Nappa leather seats," there are some serious competitors that might just give you more of what you're looking for-whether it's performance, technology, or just a better overall driving experience.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX gets a light facelift this year, with bigger changes coming inside. There, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen sits four inches closer to the driver, and features built-in Google Assistant, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless smartphone charger comes standard, as do eight USB ports around the cabin, which has 139 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 71 cubic feet with the seats stowed. Ground clearance is 7.3 inches.
Power comes courtesy of a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and the 10-speed come standard on upper-level models. Premium unleaded fuel is required. The EPA rates the MDX at 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg with all-wheel drive. Turbo models return 19 mpg. Towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds, depending on the trim. Positively athletic in a way few SUVs are, the MDX drives like a sports sedan. It exhibits exceptional cornering behavior, remaining flat and showing little to no body roll, while still being comfortable. It's a whole mess of fun.
Genesis GV80
Distinctive and incredibly handsome, the GV80 gets a revised appearance for 2025, but retains its good looks. Inside is a massive 27-inch OLED display that incorporates both the driver's instrument cluster and infotainment system. Uniquely, you can start the car using fingerprint recognition and awaken the 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It's EPA-rated at 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. A larger 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine is also offered, but fuel economy drops to 19 mpg, and premium unleaded fuel is, of course, required.
The towing capacity is rated at 6,000 pounds, with a ground clearance of 8.1 inches. An electronically-controlled suspension uses the GV80's cameras to read the road surface ahead and prepares the suspension to enhance ride comfort and high-speed stability. Despite its natural agility, it never comes at the expense of ride comfort. Better yet, the beautifully-trimmed cabin proves expansive, with 109 cubic feet of passenger space and a massive 35 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 84 cubic feet. It makes for a remarkable package, one that handily beats the Lexus.
Lincoln Nautilus
Having received a total redesign last year, the Lincoln Nautilus enters its second year with a stunning 48-inch display that spans the width of the interior. It's controlled by a smaller, secondary 11.1-inch touchscreen placed close to the driver on the center console with standard wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and integrated Amazon Alexa. The Nautilus also offers a unique option called Lincoln Rejuvenate, which activates when the car is parked, turning on aroma therapy and massaging the driver's seat while the 48-inch panoramic display shows soothing scenes.
A 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive are standard. It's EPA rated at 24 mpg in mixed city/highway driving using regular unleaded gasoline. A gas/electric hybrid is also offered, but we review that separately. Towing capacity is 1,750 pounds. Like the other models, here, the Nautilus does not provide engaging, sporty driving dynamics, but it is surprisingly competent and comfortable. The cabin offers 114 cubic feet of passenger space and 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 69 cubic feet. Ground clearance measures 7.9 inches, so it can handle rough weather. The Nautilus provides a pleasantly immersive environment that proves to be special, and it's the only vehicle here built in China.
Final thoughts
The Lexus RX is a solid choice if you're after a well-rounded luxury SUV that leans toward comfort rather than performance. But in today's market, the competition has intensified. So, before you pull the trigger on that RX, take a moment to try the Genesis GV80, which beats the Lexus in several respects and is easily a better vehicle. The Lincoln Nautilus's unique instrument panel may also win you over, as it makes a statement that the other vehicles here do not.
Most of these vehicles place a premium on comfort and ride quality over driving dynamics, although the Genesis proves to be the best of the bunch in that regard. That said, the Acura MDX is the athlete here, returning a stellar driving experience with commendable ride quality. And, like the Genesis, it offers three rows, whereas the others offer two. So, if you're thinking of a Lexus RX, be sure to try its rivals. You might just find that the right fit isn't the one you expected.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
