Why This 3-Year-Old Hybrid SUV Outshines Most New Cars in Reliability

Certain automakers tend to simply outdo the competition when it comes to creating sturdy and reliable SUVs. One such automaker is Lexus, which has claimed its spot at the top by offering high-quality vehicles for decades. Of the Japanese brand’s many SUVs that are likely to last you a long time, this midsize SUV stands out.

The model in question was Lexus’ first hybrid vehicle, and it has come a long way since, changing and evolving with the times. It is such a sturdy vehicle that a three-year-old model is still likely to outlive brand-new models from its competitors. This is thanks to some ingenious engineering and years of experience. Exploring the history of Lexus and this 25+ year-old nameplate, here’s what makes the 2022 model year such a sturdy vehicle.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including CarEdge, the EPA, Cars.com, J.D. Power, and Edmunds.

The Lexus RX Is Consistently Among The Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

In recent years, Lexus has been seen as the gold standard for reliability, which is particularly impressive because they make luxury vehicles. This shines through in vehicles like their compact SUV, the RX Hybrid. It may not be the most exciting of cars in terms of performance, but it is smooth as butter and is likely to last you a very long time. The RX remains the brand’s most reliable SUV to this day.

Reliability

To people who have owned a Lexus before, the RX being a super-reliable vehicle is not exactly a surprise. While the 2022 model year might be a bit new to judge its reliability, it comes from a generation that launched back in 2016. Looking at owner reviews for all models within this generation, it is hard to find people complaining about any mechanical issues. J.D. Power also awards the RX a great 85 out of 100 for quality and reliability.

This model year is also considered to be sturdy by some of the highest authorities. The NHTSA notes that there aren’t any major complaints for the 2022 RX450h. There are also no recalls for the Lexus, meaning that you don’t have to rely on the previous owner having sorted out any major issues.

Lexus’s Long History With Hybrids

Hybrids are at times considered to be less reliable than their gasoline-only counterparts. This makes sense, as they have more moving parts and there are more things that can go wrong. However, certain automakers have had a particularly long time to perfect the craft of developing hybrids, and Lexus is among them. Their first hybrid vehicle was actually the RX back in 2005.

As many know, Lexus is the luxury wing of Toyota. This means that they’ve benefited from a lot of the technology and development achieved by their mainstream sibling.

Toyota launched its first hybrid vehicle in the U.S.
a whole five years earlier than the RX with the 2000 Prius. This history is what has helped both brands create solid and refined hybrid vehicles in the modern age.

Everyone knows that Toyota has a fantastic reputation when it comes to reliability, and so does Lexus. In fact, there is an argument that modern Lexus vehicles are even more reliable than their Toyota counterparts. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as the third most reliable automaker in 2024, sitting behind Subaru but above Toyota. It is this combination of experience and engineering that helps them to create reliable cars that will likely outlast newer models from other brands.

The 2022 Lexus RX Has An Impressively Sturdy Hybrid Powertrain

If you’re looking for a sporty SUV that handles tight corners at high speeds, the RX is not your best option. However, if you’re looking for something smooth, comfortable, and efficient, you aren’t going to do much better than Lexus’ compact SUV. It features a lot of the benefits that the gas-powered model offers, while at the same time offering much better efficiency.

Performance Specifications

The 2022 RX came in two forms. The RX350 is the gas-only model which utilizes a 3.5-liter V-6. The hybrid RX450h uses the same engine but pairs it with two electric motors. Despite having more power than the gas model, it is about a second slower off the line. The hybrid system in the Lexus SUV is there for efficiency purposes rather than adding any performance.

In terms of performance, the RX is a bit lacking. Even the gas model’s run to 60 miles per hour, which it makes in 6.7 seconds, is slow for this segment. Steering is a little light and handling is not a priority. Everything about the RX feels relaxed. However, its extremely smooth ride and quiet cabin make it one of the best options if you’re looking for a luxury cruiser.

Fuel Economy

The hybrid RX450h can be had in two forms. The L is an extended wheelbase model that offers a little bit more room on the inside. The smaller version is the more efficient of the two, particularly in the city, with the L dropping two miles per gallon in this test. In general, the hybrid RX performs better in urban areas where the electric motor is most efficient. On the highway, where the gasoline engine has to work a little harder, its fuel economy is slightly worse.

There are some who claim that the RX450h is capable of better efficiency than the EPA claims, including Car and Driver. In their highway test, the RX managed to outperform the highway test results posted by the EPA. They claim that they managed 31 miles per gallon in their 200-mile highway test.

You Can Grab A 2022 Lexus RX450h Off The Used Market For A Steal

The price of a brand-new luxury SUV, especially a hybrid one, is higher than most people would be able to afford. However, the combination of Lexus being one of the most affordable luxury brands to buy from, and short-term depreciation means that the 2022 model year can be had at a bargain. It’ll also give you a much better return on investment than buying one new.

Average Used Price

The RX comes in three different forms, with an overall average price of $47,451. CarEdge estimates the average price of a new car to currently be sitting at around $48,397, meaning this luxury hybrid SUV is cheaper. The RX is a comfortable and well-fitted SUV in any form, meaning that even the most affordable trim will serve you well.

Considering the small jump in price, we’d take a look at the F Sport as the best bang-for-your-buck option. It adds some pretty excellent aesthetic elements alongside some upgraded equipment. Check that they model you’re interested in has also been equipped with the Navigation package, which adds a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, in-dash navigation, a DVD/CD player, and a premium 12-speaker sound system.

Depreciation

While things are changing as we march towards an electrified future, it is still true that hybrid vehicles depreciate quicker than gas-only models in most cases. The RX, however, holds its value relatively well. Buying a three-year-old RX450h is definitely the sweet spot as well, with the Lexus SUV having lost most of its value in its first two years. After this point, depreciation remains slow and steady, meaning that you’ll get more of your money back when you sell than if you had bought it brand new.