Now and then, a luxury car quietly slips past its flashier rivals, reminding the world that comfort, reliability, and good engineering still matter. That car, at least for the last quarter, is the Lexus RX. While many buyers continue to chase after sharp-handling German crossovers or tech-packed European machines, a large chunk of luxury SUV shoppers chose something far more grounded: the calm, composed, and incredibly consistent Lexus RX.
With 27,539 units sold in Q3, the RX put up some very impressive numbers. Take one look at the car, and that should be enough to tell you about the way it blends comfort, luxury, and everyday usability, with tradition and new-age hybrid tech. The RX isn’t loud or flamboyant, and it doesn’t need to be. Its appeal lies in the things it does quietly and consistently well.
How The RX Outsold BMW And Audi Last Quarter
This wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of the 2026 Lexus RX offering something many buyers want right now: comfort, hybrid efficiency, reliability, and a famously stress-free ownership experience. While BMW and Audi continue to lead in driving dynamics and technology flash, the RX has carved out a loyal following built on ease of use and everyday livability.
Luxury SUV Sales Report
|
Q3 2025 |
Q3 2024 |
|
|
Lexus RX |
27,539 |
28,386 |
|
BMW X5 |
18,283 |
12,425 |
|
Audi Q7 |
4,280 |
5,658 |
|
BMW X3 |
20,980 |
15,319 |
|
Audi Q5 |
9,720 |
14,677 |
In other words, the RX dominated where the majority of buyers actually shop: the middle, where comfort meets value. So yes, for a while now, the quiet, collected Lexus RX has been walking into a competitive arena and calmly outselling two of the biggest names in European luxury.
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The RX Has A Design Language That Speaks In Calm, Confident Tones
The Lexus RX has always stood apart from its rivals when it came to design. Instead of going for aggressive body lines or an oversized grille, the RX leans into a styling that can be a little bold but controlled. With the latest generation, that balance is fine-tuned even more. The spindle grille is cleaner, the profile flows more smoothly, and the headlights feel sharp without looking angry.
The proportions hit that sweet spot between athletic and sophisticated. It isn’t pretending to be a racecar, nor is it shaped like a rolling sofa. It’s simply well-judged. Lexus designers often talk about “understated presence,” and the RX nails that. It is a luxury SUV that looks excellent without demanding attention. For many buyers who value subtle charm over shock factor, that’s a huge part of the appeal.
An Interior That Feels Like A Lounge, Not A Cockpit
Step inside the RX and you immediately understand why this SUV has such staying power. The cabin feels warm, clean, and well-crafted. It is less like a tech-filled room and more like a beautifully furnished lounge. Lexus has been a master at materials and textures, and the RX continues this tradition with soft-touch surfaces, carefully stitched leather, and a layout that feels naturally intuitive.
One key difference between the RX and many of its German rivals is its approach to technology. Instead of overwhelming drivers with a maze of menus or screens layered on screens, Lexus focuses on simplicity. The large touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, physical buttons remain where they are required, and the entire interface feels designed for humans and not for showing off. The seats deserve a special mention. They strike a well-defined balance between plush and supportive.
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The Lexus RX’s Powertrains Prioritize Smoothness Over Shock Value
The RX lineup offers a mix of traditional gasoline and hybrid powertrains, but no matter which one you choose, the engine feels buttery smooth, the transmission shifts with almost no sensation, and the entire drivetrain simply disappears into the background. The hybrid variants are particularly impressive.
Lexus was early to the hybrid luxury game, and that experience shows. The RX hybrids deliver strong efficiency, instant low-end torque, and the kind of silent, seamless operation that makes you forget an engine is even running. They’re ideal for city driving, where the electric assist keeps everything quiet and effortless. Even the F Sport versions, which dial up the styling and offer slightly firmer dynamics, stay true to the RX’s personality. They add flavor without turning the vehicle into something it’s not.
2026 Lexus RX Powertrain Specifications
|
Lexus RX 350 |
Lexus RX 350h |
RX 500h |
RX 450h+ |
|
|
Powertrain |
2.4-liter, inline-four, turbo |
2.5-liter, inline-four, hybrid |
2.4-liter, inline-four, turbo, hybrid |
2.5-liter, inline-four, PHEV |
|
Horsepower (Total System Output) |
275 HP |
246 HP |
366 HP |
304 HP |
|
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
233 LB-FT |
406 LB-FT |
|
|
Transmission |
8-speed direct automatic |
CVT |
6-speed direct automatic |
CVT |
|
Driveline |
FWD/AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
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The RX’s True Superpower Is Comfort
Lexus engineers have tuned the suspension not for sportiness, but for serenity. Potholes, bumps, and expansion joints simply glide away beneath you. The steering is light but precise, the body stays steady during turns, and the cabin remains whisper-quiet even at highway speeds. This is where the RX sets itself apart. German rivals often chase the “sporty SUV” identity, which usually translates to firmer ride quality. The RX, on the other hand, fully embraces the idea that a luxury SUV should feel luxurious first.
Technology That’s Practical, Not Overwhelming
Modern luxury cars often feel like smartphone showcases. The RX takes a different approach: everything feels helpful without being distracting. The head-up display is clear and unobtrusive. The digital instrument cluster avoids clutter. The infotainment system is large and modern, but still simple to use while driving. Even the driver-assistance features strike the right balance.
Lexus has always designed tech with “quiet confidence,” and the RX embodies this perfectly. You never feel like the car is babysitting you, nor do you feel like you have to dig through menus just to change the climate control.
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Why The RX Continues To Win Hearts
In a market full of loud personalities, the 2026 Lexus RX succeeds because it knows exactly who it is. It doesn’t try to be the sportiest. It doesn’t try to be the most high-tech. It focuses instead on the qualities that matter to real people living real daily lives: smoothness, silence, comfort, and consistency.
For families, it’s practical. For commuters, it’s relaxing. For long-distance travelers, it’s serene. For non-enthusiast buyers who just want a luxury SUV that feels expensive and drives effortlessly, the RX hits every note perfectly.
Sources: The EPA, GoodCarBadCar