SUVs are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Among Japanese cars, Lexus has a particularly large lineup with seven models, offering a wide range of attractive options. This time, we’ve compiled a ranking of popular models up to 2024. We’ve considered which models we recommend.
What is an SUV?
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a type of automobile and is translated as “sports multi-purpose vehicle.”
- A living and cargo space called a “shell” has been created in the bed of an SUV pickup truck.
- Cross-country vehicle: A four-wheel drive vehicle designed for serious off-road driving (bad roads), such as a ladder frame structure (Land Cruiser, Jimny, etc.).
- Crossover SUVs are vehicles with a monocoque structure that are larger or taller than sedans or compact cars (such as the Harrier and Yaris Cross).
In recent years, there are many crossover SUVs, but not many cross-country vehicles. This is because they are rarely driven on rough roads and are more focused on city driving.
2023 Lexus Annual Sales SUV Ranking
We calculated the cumulative sales figures based on the number of passenger car sales by model for fiscal year 2023 from January to December 2023. The most popular model is the NX350h, followed by the UX250h and the RX500h.
| Ranking | Car model | Number of units |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | NX350h | 29,141 units |
| 2nd place | UX250h | 10,172 units |
| 3rd place | RX500h | 9,260 units |
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX has been on sale since 2014. It is based on the TNGA “GA-K platform,” the same platform as the Toyota “RAV4” and “Harrier,” and features Lexus’ unique design and equipment. A partially improved version of the luxury crossover SUV “NX” was released on March 2, 2023.
Lexus NX Features
Evolved design : As the first model of the new generation, it adopts a new exterior design. The front bumper, rear bumper, headlights, and taillights have been redesigned from the previous model, giving it a more rugged and sophisticated look.
Enhanced safety equipment : The Lexus Safety System+ has been upgraded, with improved collision mitigation braking and radar cruise control to compensate for the driver’s blind spots.
Improved convenience : A high-resolution 14-inch wide touch display is used. A digital inner mirror is now standard. Rear seat comfort has also been improved.
Lexus’ first PHEV model , the NX450h+, can run on EV (motor) power for up to 87km (WLTC mode), a feature unique to plug-in hybrids.
Lexus NX specs
| Specifications | NX450h+ | NX350h | NX350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,660mm | 4,660mm | 4,660mm |
| Overall width | 1,865mm | 1,865mm | 1,865mm |
| Overall height | 1,640mm | 1,640mm | 1,640mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,690mm | 2,690mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine + motor |
2.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine |
|
| Maximum power | 135kW (185PS) / 6,000rpm |
140kW (190PS) / 6,000rpm |
275hp (279ps) |
| Maximum torque | 228Nm (23.2kgmf) / 3,600-3,700rpm |
243Nm (24.8kgmf) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
43.8kgm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kW (182ps) |
134kW (182ps) |
– |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm (27.5kgm) |
270Nm (27.5kgm) |
– |
| Rear motor maximum output |
40kW (54ps) |
40kW (54ps) |
– |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
|
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
Direct Shift 8AT |
|
| Drive system | E-Four | 2WD/E-Four | 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 19.6km/L | 19.9km/L to 22.2km/L |
11.7km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
Lexus UX
Since its launch in 2018, the UX has led the spread of Lexus electrified vehicles, with cumulative sales of approximately 340,000 units in over 80 countries and regions as of the end of October 2023, with electrified vehicle sales accounting for 90% of the total. A minor change model was released in early January 2024.
Lexus UX Features
Excellent fuel economy : Equipped with a 2.0L hybrid system, it achieves a WLTC mode fuel economy of 26.3km/L.
Compact body size : With a length of 4,495mm, width of 1,840mm and height of 1,540mm, the compact body size makes it easy to handle.
Strengthened body rigidity : Line tracing control and flat body control have been adopted to improve handling stability.
Comfortable ride : Quietness has been improved by updating the roof damping material and adding vibration-damping material to the dash panel, rear wheelhouse, etc.
About Lexus UX specs
| Specifications | UX 300e | UX300h |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,495mm | 4,495mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,840mm |
| Overall height | 1,540mm | 1,520mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,640mm |
| engine | motor | Inline 4-cylinder 2.0L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | – | 111kW (152ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | – | 188Nm (19.2kgfm) / 4,400rpm~5,200rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
150kW (203PS) | 83kw (133ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
300Nm (30.5kgfm) |
206Nm (21.0kgm) |
| Rear motor maximum output |
– | 30kw (41ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
– | 84Nm (8.6kgm) |
transmission |
– | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| fuel | – | Unleaded regular gasoline |
| Lithium-ion battery |
72.8kWh | kWh |
Driving range per charge |
512km | – |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
– | 24.7km/L~ 26.3km/L (2WD) 23.4km/L~ 25.2km/L (E-Four) |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) | 2WD (FF) / 4WD (E-Four) |
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1998. The current model, released in November 2022, is the fifth-generation RX (third generation in Japan). The RX is known for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and reliable performance .
Lexus RX
Lexus RX Features
Spindle body : This is a design concept that evokes the image of Lexus’ “new driving” style. At a glance, it is clear that it is a Lexus RX, and the design enhances its presence.
Luggage space : There is enough space to carry four 63L and 77L suitcases. It can also carry four 9.5-inch golf bags, so there are few cases where you will be inconvenienced by the lack of cargo space in everyday use. You can also fold down the rear seats to create even more luggage space if necessary.
Driving force system : This performance model employs the new four-wheel drive system “DIRECT4” to pursue driving pleasure. It also features “Brake Vehicle Stability Control” to control the vehicle’s posture while driving, and “DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering)” a large-steering angle rear wheel steering system that provides excellent maneuverability and a sense of security at high speeds.
Lexus RX specs
| size | RX |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,890mm |
| Overall width | 1,920mm |
| Overall height | 1,695mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Specifications | RX350 |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.4L direct injection turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 205kW (279PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 430Nm (43.8kgmf) / 1,700-3,600rpm |
| transmission | Direct Shift-8AT |
| Drive system | AWD |
| Fuel type | premium gasoline |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 11.8km/L (2WD) 11.2km/L (4WD) |
| Specifications | RX350h |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor |
| Maximum power | 140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kw (182ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm (27.5kgm) |
| Rear motor maximum output |
40kw (54ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
121Nm (12.3kgm) |
| System Maximum Output | 184w (250ps) |
| transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD (E-Four) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.2km/L (2WD) 18.7km/L (4WD) |
| Specifications | RX450h+ |
|---|---|
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 135kW (185PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 228Nm (23.2kgmf) / 3,600-3,700rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kW (182ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm |
| Rear motor maximum output |
40kW (54ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
| System Output | 225kW (306ps) |
| transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | AWD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 18.8km/L (4WD) |
summary
As of 2024, Lexus has sold seven models, all of which are attractive. Please consider which car best suits your lifestyle and the area where you live.
