2020 Lexus RX

The range starts off with the RX 350 at an MSRP of $44,150, exclusive of tax, licensing, registration, and Lexus' destination fee of $1,025. Next is the RX 350L with its extended body length at $47,300, followed by the bolder RX 350 F Sport at $47,950. All versions feature FWD by default, but AWD can be optioned on each for an extra $1,400. A fully loaded RX 350 F Sport can quickly approach the $60k mark.

The Lexus RX driving experience can best be described as a bowl of vanilla ice cream with no sprinkles. Fine as a plain dessert, but nothing to get excited over. The steering carries a surprising amount of weight but with absolutely no feedback coming through the wheel, there's no way to enjoy the driving experience. Lexus has included Eco, Normal, and Sport modes for the driver to toggle through but if they change anything about the driving experience, we couldn't detect it. Even in Sport Mode, the RX is hesitant to respond to throttle inputs, waiting until long after the gap in traffic has vanished before initiating a downshift from the transmission.

For 2020, Lexus has added hollow front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce weight and limit body roll as well as re-tuned shock absorbers and stiffer roll bars to create a smoother ride. These changes have definitely made the RX smooth but at the expense of composure. The RX handles like a bowl of pudding on wheels, so we suggest you take corners slowly. Our tester was not equipped with the F Sport equipment, since it isn't available on the RX 350L, but we doubt it will improve the car enough to match its European rivals with regard to driving dynamics.

As the best-selling (non-Tesla) luxury vehicle in the US, it doesn't appear as though the RX's faults have kept people from buying it. There are plenty of attributes to enjoy about the RX including its comfort and build quality but we feel there are better options in this class, especially if you need three rows. In its transformation to become a three-row vehicle, we feel like Lexus has completely botched the RX. The 350L model looks awkward at the back and the third row is too small even for children. Our tester carried an MSRP of $63,330 and we can honestly say we'd be happier buying a Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade and pocketing nearly $20,000.

Comfortable though the RX may be, options like the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, and Volvo XC90 all seem like more exciting options. Don't want a European car? Then check out the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Lincoln Aviator, and the upcoming Genesis GV80. The RX is an acceptable choice as a two-row model but we'd avoid the L model.

If we were to option out a Lexus RX, we'd attempt to keep the cost down as much as possible because the $44,150 starting price is reasonable for a mid-size luxury SUV. We'd attempt to avoid the pricey packages and instead opt for cheaper ala carte options. Some notable inclusions would be heated/ventilated front seats for $640, which requires you to select the $800 Premium Package and $1,350 moonroof. We'd then go for the color head-up display, offered at $600. As described with front-wheel-drive, the RX will set you back $48,565.

The NX is a smaller, five-seater SUV from Lexus. Starting at $36,870, it comes in at nearly $10,000 less expensive than the base RX 350. Of course, that means a less powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower, although the NX's lighter weight means it is actually the quicker of the two SUVs, able to get to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. At nearly 10 inches shorter, the NX is a bit more nimble than the RX, but both are typically Lexus with a comfortable ride and excellent refinement and build quality. Both have below-average cargo capacities among luxury SUVs, but they are better than most for quality and predicted reliability, as is the case for most models from the Lexus stable. If you don't require the RX's extra available seats and smoother V6 engine, the NX will save you a fair amount of cash while providing a similar level of luxury and comfort.

Both of these Japanese luxury SUVs represent more luxurious offerings from Toyota and Honda. Under the hood, the MDX uses a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Although this is slightly down on the standard RX's 295 hp, the MDX is much sprightlier off the line and can tow more than the Lexus when equipped with all-wheel-drive. The MDX is also a more enjoyable SUV to drive with weighty steering and a comfy ride. On the downside, the Acura's dual-screen infotainment system isn't the best and its cabin doesn't evoke the same quality feel of the one in the RX. Both are three-row SUVs, but only the MDX provides any degree of comfort in the third row for adults. Because a three-row SUV should be able to accommodate seven passengers in comfort, this is the aspect that swings our vote in favor of the Acura.