Lexus
LBX
The LBX is the entry-level route into Lexus ownership. It’s a dinky little five-door, five-seat crossover with lots of personality and driving dynamics that are focused more on urban agility than on long-distance comfort. Belying its small footprint is a high-quality and well-specified cabin that doesn’t disgrace the Lexus badge on the pert nose, while under that lies an efficient hybrid system that is quiet and smooth around town.
A dinky little five-door, five-seat crossover with lots of personality and driving dynamics that are focused more on urban agility than on long-distance comfo
RZ
Lexus’ all-electric mid-sized SUV is not simply another battery-powered premium car that follows the herd. With some innovative technology, a distinctive image and Lexus’ impeccable reputation for reliability, it has obvious appeal as a rogue alternative to the established SUV models. But though the market is competitive, the RZ’s classy cabin, intuitive technology and likeable driving experience, as well as its ample performance, mean it’s more than just a novelty option.
ES
The default choices in the large executive saloon market usually come from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, but the Lexus ES is a worthy alternative. It was developed with space, comfort, reliability and smoothness in mind. Most of the German marques big up their cars’ dynamic prowess, and that’s to the benefit of ES owners, as this is a lovely thing to waft about in and is surprising value compared with its rivals. A 2.5-litre petrol engine is part of its 178hp hybrid system driving the front wheels for diesel-like economy without the downsides.
NX
Lexus registered over 1,000 new cars in 2024, representing a massive increase in sales. That boost was led by the lovely NX 450h+, a mid-sized SUV ostensibly competing with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The NX is powered by a smooth plug-in hybrid system that officially goes up to 76km on a charge. Just as impressively, the NX remains efficient on a long drive even when its battery charge has been used up. One of the best aspects of the car, however, is its cabin. Lexus may not get much recognition for its interior design, but the Japanese manufacturer is hard to beat when it comes to incredibly high quality.
RX
The Lexus RX is the firm’s range-topping SUV, a five-door, five-seat model that looks more like a coupe-SUV than most upright alternatives. Actually, the RX is also priced unusually, sitting between classes of car and making it look like auspiciously good value. Not that Lexus leans into that side of things when marketing it, as the RX is a seriously high-quality product with a luscious and spacious interior. The only powertrain option is a plug-in hybrid – badged ‘450h+’ for an electric range of nearly 70km – but as it’s a good all-rounder, there’s arguably no need for anything else.
UX
Before the LBX arrived, the ‘baby’ of the Lexus lineup was the angular-looking UX. It’s offered in ‘300h’ hybrid format only – using a hybrid system you don’t plug in – and though it looks like an SUV, this front-wheel-drive crossover feels more like a coupe to drive. It has an exceedingly good chassis, and that hybrid system is generally economical – unless you’re exploiting the car’s ability on a particularly interesting road, of course.
