Consumer Reports Really Thinks You Should Buy a Lexus SUV

The SUV market is extremely competitive but Lexus has proven over and over again that it isn’t afraid of competition. Each year it unrolls a very nice lineup of SUVs. This year, Consumer Reports put together a list of the “Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy Right Now.” Reading through the list, it quickly becomes obvious that the organization thinks you should buy a Lexus SUV.

The 2021 Lexus RX is one of the best SUVs to buy

The black Lexus RX 450h on display at the Brussels Motor Show
The Lexus RX 450h | Didier Messens/Getty Images

Consumer Reviews placed the 2021 Lexus RX at No. 2 on their list of the Best Luxury SUVs. The exterior of the RX has a sporty, almost aggressive style that will likely appeal to contemporary drivers. According to a review Drew Dorian wrote for Car and Driver the interior is relaxed in appearance and quite comfortable. Exactly the type of environment you want to be in while you’re on a long road trip.

“Continuing long-standing RX hallmarks, the interior is bank-vault quiet, and the ride is soft, cushy, and insulating.,” Consumer Reviews wrote in their road test report. “The interior is tastefully done with materials that look elegant and plush. The seats are comfortable-nay, downright soporific. Big wood panels ornament the center console. The rear seat is roomy; the cargo hold, useful.”

Lexus RX features that will surely impress drivers and passengers alike include an Android Auto/Apply CarPlay compatible infotainment system, a third-row seat that provides the perfect place for kids and pets to ride, and lots of fantastic safety features including pedestrian detection. The vehicle averages 31 mpg.

Drivers have six different Lexus trim options to choose from, including a hybrid. You should anticipate spending between $45,220 and $57,310 for a Lexus RX. 

Expect nimble handling from the 2021 Lexus NX

With an overall Consumer Reports score of 82 out of 100, the 2021 Lexus NX is sitting pretty in fourth place on the list. U.S. News reports that some of the NX’s most appealing traits include that the vehicle provides an extremely smooth ride, that the cabin design provides comfortable seating that provides passengers with plenty of room, an outstanding predicted reliability rating, and an impressive safety rating.

One of the most impressive changes Lexus made to the 2021 NX is making sure that blind-spot monitoring is a standard feature. This makes highway and city driving considerably less stressful. If you’re worried about transporting luggage, pets, or sports equipment you’ll be pleased to learn that the NX has 17.7 cu. ft. of cargo space.

“The NX handles quite nimbly. It’s willing and able to change directions eagerly, and turn-in response is prompt,” Consumer Reports stated following the road test. “Through all maneuvers, the body stays rather flat and unperturbed.”

If you’re interested in the 2021 Lexus NX, you have three different trim options to choose from which includes a hybrid version. If you’re unable to find a dealership promotion, you should anticipate paying $37,610 – $46,910.

The 2021 UX is a popular reviewer’s choice

The 2021 Lexus UX didn’t just make the list for Best Luxury SUVs, but it was also the No. 1 vehicle on Consumer Reports Luxury Entry-Level Sport-Utility Vehicles. The consumer review editors were particularly impressed with this vehicle’s predicted reliability, predicted customer satisfaction, and that it’s an environmentally sound choice.

“The UX biggest advantage is its standard advanced safety equipment and the hybrid’s excellent fuel economy,” Consumer Reports wrote following the road test.

Autotrader felt that while the UX’s current body style is a bit on the quirky side, they didn’t think it was so outlandish that drivers would be turned off by the vehicle’s appearance. They were pleased that the 2021 UX had had an improved throttle response when compared to previous years. 

While the vehicle handles well and has a relatively quick response time, Autotrader does suggest spending a little more money for the 250-hp engine if you have any intention of transporting passengers or large loads of luggage.

The biggest drawback to the UX is that while the front of the vehicle provides drivers and shotgun riders with plenty of leg and headroom, there isn’t a great deal of cargo space behind the front seats. 

The 2021 Lexus GX is a luxurious truck-like SUV

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Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Lexus GX an overall score of 79 out of 100. Things they liked about this particular Lexus SUV included the high predicted reliability and predicted customer satisfaction.

This larger SUV is a great choice for drivers who like the luxury connected to the Lexus brand, the convenience of an SUV, and the way trucks handle. While the steering can be a little stiff and the GX can be a little awkward when you’re trying to maneuver it into a cramped parking space, it does handle nicely and gives you a nice sense of power while you’re driving.

 “The GX rides comfortably, especially at low speeds,” Consumer Reports wrote following the road test. “It soaks up common bumps with good isolation and the suspension is very compliant. As speeds rise, however, uneven pavement provokes some rubbery kicks and side-to-side rocking. The highway ride is fairly smooth. The cabin is outstandingly quiet, with barely any wind or road noise, and just a pleasing hum from the engine.”

If you’re interested in the 2021 Lexus GX, you have three different trim options to choose from and should plan on spending between $53,450 and $64,715

Are you excited by Lexus’s 2021 SUV lineup?