Road trips are something many people like to go on, and one of the most important things to consider when it comes to road trips is the car. Getting the right car can make a big difference in all aspects of a road trip, and there’s only one luxury midsize SUV that’s great for road trips. Here’s a look at the 2022 Lexus RX and why Consumer Reports said it’s one of the best options.

An overview of the best luxury midsize SUV for road trips

Like Consumer Reports wrote, the things that make a car great for road trips also make a car great for everyday driving. This shouldn’t be too surprising since something like cargo capacity is a necessity for both types of driving. For example, folks need a lot of cargo capacity to carry their groceries with their regular car and carry souvenirs and snacks when on a road trip.

This logic also applies to fuel economy, interior comfort, and more. With gas prices as high as they are, getting an efficient car matters for commuting and road trips. This is why fuel-efficient cars like the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Tucson are on Consumer Reports’ list. They have great fuel economies and are solid in every relevant area. 

Why the 2022 Lexus RX is one of the best options for road trips

When it comes to folks looking to go on a road trip with three people, there’s only one luxury midsize SUV that made Consumer Reports’ list. That SUV is the 2022 Lexus RX, and just like the other cars on the list, the RX is a solid car for regular driving, too. Since it’s a luxury car and a Lexus, it’ll also be very reliable on road trips and comfortable.

The standard RX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which gets 22 mpg overall. Consumer Reports wrote that the RX’s fuel economy is the benchmark for its segment, but Lexus also offers a hybrid version of that engine. The hybrid version gets 29 mpg and should allow Lexus customers to save quite a few bucks on a road trip.

The RX also has a good amount of cargo capacity and many standard smart safety features. The car comes with Lexus Safety System+, which gives the RX standard features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. As a result, the RX is a very safe car, and that’s important to have when on a lengthy road trip.

An overview of the 2022 Lexus RX a luxury midsize SUV

While the RX offers a luxurious and efficient option for road trips and daily driving, it’s still a Lexus and won’t be cheap. It starts at about $46,000, and while it’s a solid car in many areas, it does have a few flaws, according to Consumer Reports. 

The RX is a reliable vehicle with powerful and efficient engine options, but its handling and braking aren’t as good. Consumer Reports said that its handling was “clumsy” and braking wasn’t great when the road was wet. And while the RX’s hybrid engine has a great fuel economy, it doesn’t have a smooth transition between its gas-powered engine and its electric motor.