America’s most popular mid-size luxury SUV has just been redesigned. Considering the status this nameplate has been enjoying for decades, it was expected that the new generation would bring only evolutionary changes. That’s exactly what happened with the 2023 model and if we consider that the 2024 Lexus RX 350 is about to represent the second production year of the generation, we are pretty sure that there will be no significant changes. Moreover, this should be a typical carryover model.
So, we expect to see familiar pros and cons. There are many things to like about this SUV, starting from the excellent build quality, long list of standard and available equipment and a pretty efficient powertrain. We also like the ride quality, which is smooth and comfortable, but still reasonably engaging. On the other hand, the biggest complaint goes to the small cargo are, while the infotainment system could have been more intuitive as well.
Since there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2024 Lexus RX 350 will arrive sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2024 Lexus RX 350 Design
As we’ve just mentioned, this will be the second production year of the new generation and if we consider the most recent changes and novelties, it is pretty much for sure that this is going to be a typical carryover model. We count on the same design, which is now based on the TNGA platform and brings improved ride quality, especially in terms of handling, thanks to the weight reduction and lower center of gravity.
Of course, there is the new styling as well, which not looks more elegant and more mature than before. The next year shouldn’t bring any aesthetic changes, though there is always room for things like new color options.
Interior
On the inside, there is a lot to like about the new RX 350, so we count on the same design for the next year. It may not look as flashy as some German competition, but the RX’s interior features excellent build quality. The materials are nice, and everything seems assembled extremely well. Furthermore, we like the conservative design of the new dashboard, especially because of its driver-oriented layout.
The front seats are traditionally among the best in the class, with excellent comfort and support. Furthermore, we really like the rear seats, which offer more passenger space than the previous generation, thanks to the longer wheelbase. On the other hand, the biggest drawback of this cabin is the cargo area, which is among the smallest in the class. You may count on no more than 30 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet in total.
Features
In terms of standard and available features, yearly updates are always possible. Still, we don’t believe that the 2024 Lexus RX 350 could bring any significant change in this aspect. Instead, we count on mostly the same organization. So, base models should come with goodies like a 9.8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, six USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, push-button start, multi-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting.
Among upgrades, expect to find goodies like a 14-inch touch screen, navigation, the Hey Lexus virtual assistant, a 21-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, a moonroof and a digital key app.
When it comes to safety features, base models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams etc. Also, count on available upgrades like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, surround-view camera and more.
2024 Lexus RX 350 Engine
Despite the old designation, the new generation doesn’t feature the good-old 3.5-liter V6 anymore. Instead, there is a smaller and more efficient 2.4-liter turbo-four, which features a max output of 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes coupled with a very refined 8-speed automatic transmission. Base models feature front-wheel drive, while AWD layout is available too.
The whole system provides pretty decent overall performance and, at the same time, fuel economy is really good. This mid-size luxury SUV returns around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for this segment.
2024 Lexus RX 350 Release Date and Price
Since there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2024 Lexus RX 350 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. Base models should go around 49.000 dollars, while German premium models like BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE will remain key competitors.
