The Lexus SUV That May Be The Brand’s Smartest Used Buy
There is no more difficult decision than choosing a new Lexus SUV. Why? There are too many good options! Most automakers have a clear standout product that is the best they offer, but Lexus offers competitive models across several segments. The compact Lexus NX offers efficiency and value, the Lexus GX delivers off-road strength, and the flagship Lexus LX is the ultimate expression of a Lexus SUV. Yet, the smartest used buy is not always the cheapest, most capable, or most prestigious option. Once you consider all the details, one Lexus SUV separates itself from the rest. On the used market, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h may offer the most complete package available in Lexus’ entire SUV lineup.
Making The Case For Each Lexus SUV As A Used Buy
Lexus is unique because its entire SUV lineup can make a legitimate argument for being the best the brand has to offer. The key is identifying which model delivers the best balance overall rather than excelling in one area.
The Distinct Appeals Of The NX, GX, And LX
Let’s start with the most affordable option, the Lexus NX. The 2026 Lexus NX 350h FWD starts at $46,570, and its primary selling point is 40 mpg combined, an exceptional figure for a luxury SUV. Combine that with its ideal size for getting around town and fitting into tight parking spots, and you can quickly see why the NX is so popular. Its primary downside is the limited interior room and cargo space, which can be a factor depending on your family size.
Then there is the 2026 Lexus GX 550 Premium, an off-roader that excels at on-road comfort, starting at $68,335. Want a Mercedes G-Class but don’t trust the reliability of German engineering? The Lexus GX was created just for you. Just from the looks alone, you can tell the GX means business. The GX knows how to dominate the trail and the road, but its strong versatility comes at a cost: 17 mpg combined. Considering it also has more truck-like driving manners, you have to accept it won’t feel quite as refined as some of Lexus’ other SUV offerings.
At the top of the food chain is the 2026 Lexus LX 600 Premium, which starts at $108,550. This is the starting price point where you don’t care about mpg in the slightest and where the quality of the experience is everything. Lexus’ flagship SUV does indeed provide exceptional comfort and luxury, but its acquisition and ownership costs mean that it is most often reserved for a small segment of shoppers.
Why The RX 350h Emerges As The Best Overall Choice
If there is a Lexus SUV that balances the strengths of the entire Lexus lineup, it is the Lexus RX 350h. With all the other SUVs in the automaker’s lineup, you feel you have to compromise on at least one important factor. With the RX, however, you feel like you can have it all. It is larger and more comfortable than the NX, so rear-seat passengers won’t complain about legroom. The GX is exceptional off-road, but the RX is more versatile as it offers 36 mpg combined and standard AWD. The LX may have the RX beat in every detail except for efficiency, but it quite literally costs twice the price. With its strong resale value and reliability reputation, you simply can’t beat the overall package the Lexus RX offers. If you wanted the smartest deal you could find today, we’d suggest a 2023 RX 350h.
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Lexus offers some of the most reliable hybrid vehicles you can get. Whether you’re on a budget or have some money to spend, Lexus has you covered.
The 2023 RX 350h Hits The Sweet Spot In Today’s Used Market
The fifth-generation RX arrived in the 2023 model year and brought meaningful upgrades in several features like infotainment. Now, a few years of depreciation have made the latest generation significantly more accessible to a wider group of used SUV shoppers.
Depreciation Has Created A Compelling Value Opportunity
If we look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for a 2023 RX 350h, the range is between $38,700 for the Sport trim and $50,700 for the top-trim Luxury model. CarGurus’ average asking price over the last year for a 2023 RX is $47,407, down 7.1% year-over-year. The benefit of buying an RX only a few years old is that you can get a nearly brand-new vehicle with low mileage at a significant discount from the base MSRP. If you buy certified pre-owned, you can have the peace of mind that the factory warranty is still valid, and you receive all the same benefits as the original owner.
Shoppers Get Modern Luxury Without Paying New-Car Prices
With the 2023 model year, you get all the benefits of the latest generation RX without having to pay full price for a new 2026 model. The fifth-generation RX still has not received a mid-cycle refresh, meaning that there are no significant differences between a 2023 and a 2026 other than price increases. Gone is the trackpad-based infotainment control of the fourth-generation RX, which was often considered its most polarizing feature.
The current system now offers a 14-inch touchscreen that is both more responsive and a higher-quality display, with optional voice control. Smartphone integration also takes a larger leap, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. In terms of safety, the fifth-generation RX offers Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes features such as all-speed dynamic radar cruise control and turn signal linking. In every aspect that matters, the 2023 RX 350h still looks and feels just like a brand-new SUV.
Why Buying A Four-Year-Old Lexus RX 350 For This Reason Alone Makes Complete Sense
The Lexus RX 350 is well-known for being an excellent luxury SUV, but there’s one compelling reason to go back four years or more for it.
A High Standard In Comfort, Efficiency, And Reliability
The RX 350h succeeds because it focuses on the key traits that owners deal with daily. When it comes to long-term ownership, the value of these qualities becomes even clearer.
Why Going Hybrid Is A No-Brainer
At the heart of the RX Hybrid is a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces a combined 246 horsepower and provides 36 mpg combined. If we compare that to the 2026 BMW X5 sDrive40i, the BMW SUV offers 375 hp and 25 mpg combined. While that extra power is nice, is it really worth the 10 mpg difference? When it comes to overall value, the answer is no. You will save $250 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle achieving 28 mpg combined in the 2023 RX 350h. The 2026 X5 sDrive40i, in comparison, will cost you $4,500 more in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle achieving 28 mpg combined.
The RX 350h provides impressively smooth operation in both city and highway driving. The eCVT transmission may not shift as fast as the X5’s ZF eight-speed automatic, but it seamlessly handles start-stop cycling in a way the BMW SUV cannot replicate. Once you consider the proven reputation of Lexus’ hybrid powertrain, the added performance benefits of the BMW SUV feel more like a luxury and less like a requirement.
The RX 350h Excels In The Areas Luxury Shoppers Care About
Indeed, the RX 350h is renowned for its comfortable ride quality and whisper-quiet cabin experience. Its spacious interior can handle five passengers with ease, and its family-friendly practicality is undeniable. J.D. Power gave the 2023 Lexus RX model a consumer score of 81/100, with an 81/100 score in the Quality and Reliability category and an 80/100 in the Driving Experience category. While the Lexus RX may not be the Japanese luxury brand’s flagship on paper, in practice, it is the brand’s bestselling and most important model. The reason the Lexus RX remains the bestselling luxury vehicle on the market is that it sets the standard for both comfort and refinement while keeping upkeep costs and other common luxury compromises to a minimum.
Lexus RX350h F Sport Design: A Luxurious Blend Of Comfort And Quality
Experience the seamless fusion of Japanese aesthetics and cutting-edge technology in this luxurious crossover.
What To Know Before Buying A Used RX 350h
While a 2023 RX 350h is one of the safest luxury SUV purchases you could make, any purchase with a price tag in the tens of thousands deserves proper due diligence. A thorough inspection can help ensure buyers receive the long-term value the RX is known for.
Confirming The Vehicle’s History And Maintenance Record
Just like any used vehicle, you first want to start with a careful review of its service history and accident reports, which can be found via Carfax. While a Carfax report is not comprehensive, it should give you a good idea of where and how often the vehicle was serviced. Another detail worth checking is if any recalls are applicable, and whether the designated fix has been completed and recorded. In person, quick things you can check are the condition of the tires and brakes.
When inspecting tires, it’s important not just to look at the tread depth, but the wear pattern across the tread. Many tires can look like they have plenty of life left according to the tread, but have camber wear that may not initially be seen without further inspection. It’s important to inspect the inner shoulder of the tires for this reason, as wear in this area is not often spotted with a less-thorough inspection. Don’t wear your best shirt because you are going to have to get a bit down and dirty to complete this simple inspection.
Checking Hybrid And Technology Components Carefully
A picture of the Lexus RX’s powertrains
If this is your first hybrid vehicle, one thing you want to ensure is that the hybrid system is working properly. On a 2023 Lexus RX 350h, you will be able to see how your hybrid system is working via the S-Flow menu, available through the central touchscreen.
In this menu, you will see a breakdown of the battery system, where you should clearly be able to see when the vehicle is utilizing pure battery power, represented by green arrows, when the gas engine kicks in, represented by purple arrows, and when the battery is charging, represented by blue arrows. The battery pack should both lose and gain charge as you drive according to your pedal inputs and speed. If you are unsure of any aspect of the functionality, don’t hesitate to consider a pre-purchase inspection. A $150 inspection might sound like a lot of money, but it could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Happy hunting!
Sources: Lexus, BMW, Kelley Blue Book, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Carfax
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