10 Lexus RX Competitors to Consider

2018 Lexus RX front profile driving ・ Photo by Lexus

In the midsize luxury SUV segment, there is one dominant, 800-pound gorilla vehicle. It’s the Lexus RX, and it has ruled the segment from a sales point of view for well over a decade.

Through the years, the Lexus formula for the RX has stayed pretty much the same — sumptuous room for five, stellar fit and finish, high-quality materials, and an ownership experience that is second to none. Very recently, Lexus changed it up — or more accurately, added to it — by offering a long wheelbase, three-row version of the RX in addition to the five-passenger model. Still, the two-row, five-passenger Lexus RX is the lead player, fueled by the roominess of the rear seat area and the helpful size of the cargo compartment.

It is a great vehicle, but if you’d like to look at others that are similar, you’ve come to the right place.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz has embarked on a strategy of blanketing every luxury vehicle segment with variants, and that strategy is very much in evidence in the midsize luxury category. Back in the far reaches of time, the GLE was known as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It led the brand’s charge into the luxury SUV wars, and it recently got a big-time makeover.

The new model, which includes a three-row version, is a size larger than before. Its wheelbase has been increased by a whopping (in vehicle terms) 3.1 inches. The new GLE will launch with a variety of engine offerings, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp, and a new turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 362 hp. Going on sale soon after the first of the year, it will give the Lexus RX more serious competition.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX made a place for itself in the midsize luxury SUV segment by offering three rows versus two. Though neither especially tall or large, the fact it offers room for up to seven passengers has been a big differentiator.

But the landscape is changing, and more three-row luxury SUVs are going on the market than ever before. In the face of the competition, the MDX will rely more than ever on its rewarding driving dynamics, good equipment level, and relatively low price. Even base MDXs have 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, power-operated leather-covered front seats, and three-zone climate control. Its 10-speaker audio system is controlled via a seven-inch touchscreen. The MDX is powered by a well-regarded 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes it fun to drive — at least in a crossover sense.

Photo by Acura

Infiniti QX60

The Infiniti QX60 shares a great deal with the Nissan Pathfinder, but that does nothing to disqualify it as a strong contender among midsize luxury SUVs. One of the key aspects that it shares with the Pathfinder is Nissan’s excellent 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 295 hp. It makes the QX60 one of the most responsive in its segment. The engine is matched with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Luxury brands don’t typically use CVTs, but with “D-Step Logic,” the transmission can mimic a conventional transmission.

Access to the third row is surprisingly easy due to the long travel of the sliding second-row seat. It overcomes the typical problem of having to remove a second row child seat to enable others to get in or out. The QX60’s option list includes leather seats, heated steering wheel, 15-speaker Bose audio system, and a 110-volt power outlet.

Photo by Infiniti

Cadillac XT5

Cadillac has labored very hard to establish its own “design language” that differentiates it from the luxury-brand pack. It has succeeded, but in the process created a brand persona that might alienate some potential buyers.

In any case, if you like Cadillac styling overall, you are almost certain to like the looks of the XT5 five-passenger SUV. The interior is expansive for a vehicle in the class, and it is filled with amenities like a split/sliding/reclining second-row, wi-fi hotspot capabilities, OnStar communications/concierge service, and Bose premium audio system. Upgrades can make the XT5 one of the most luxurious in the segment. Power comes from a venerable 310-hp 3.6-liter V6.

Photo by General Motors

BMW X5

BMW hates the idea of a “sport-utility vehicle” so much that it labels its crossovers “sports activity vehicles.” So, you can bet that the X5 is long on traditional BMW virtues like precise handling and satisfying performance, while giving a backseat to more mundane pursuits like cargo-carrying ability. We have hints that the next version of the X5 will up the ante in functionality, but that iteration could be two years out.

The current BMW X5 sDrive35i and xDrive35i are equipped with a 300-hp turbocharged six cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i is equipped with a 445-hp turbocharged V8 engine. Diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains also are available. All-wheel drive is standard on all models, with the exception of the rear-drive sDrive35i. The X5 provides ample room for five, but its optional third row is cramped.

Photo by BMW

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a three-row luxury crossover with attractive styling inside and out. Audi creates some of the best interiors in the business these days, and the Q7 is an excellent example of that. The standard MMI infotainment system is one of the most intuitive available. In base form, it includes a 7.0-inch display, voice recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The base engine in the Audi Q7 is a 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, while a 333-hp supercharged V6 engine is optional. Teamed with eight-speed automatic transmissions, both engines deliver satisfying performance. All-wheel drive is standard on all models, so you’ll be ready for virtually any driving condition.

Photo by Audi

Volvo XC90

Volvo hit a homer with its XC90 three-row crossover suv. It is filled with Volvo’s leading-edge safety equipment (most of it standard), and it delivers on luxury as well. We especially like the XC90’s smartly elegant interior. It is both functional and beautiful. After a learning curve, we also have come to like the Sensus infotainment system. We have to admit we’d prefer discrete buttons for some controls, but overall it gets high marks.

The XC90 also offers a dazzling array of powertrains. The T5 package includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four cylinder that delivers 250 hp, and the up-level T6 with supercharging as well as turbocharging delivers 316 hp. And there’s also a T8 hybrid version that offers 400 combined horsepower.

Photo by Volvo

Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-PACE is a sleek midsize crossover that has immediately established itself as one of the most stylish crossovers in the segment. It offers the brand’s intriguing and sometimes baffling mix of Old World interior craftsmanship and ergonomics. For instance, the cockpit is beautiful, but we defy you to figure out the operation of the infotainment system on the first try.

The engine compartment also houses a nearly mind-boggling variety of powerplants. There’s a 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a more aggressively boosted version of the engine that delivers 296 hp. There is a 180-hp turbodiesel, and at the top of the engine pyramid is the 380-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine it shares with the F-Type sports car.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Yes, in some instances there is a great deal of information contained simply in a vehicle’s name. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport might seem redundant and odd, but Land Rover is the brand and Range Rover Sport is the model name. To complicate the matter, Land Rover also offers the Range Rover model, which differs from the Range Rover Sport. The subject of this section is a midsize crossover suv with a more sporting orientation than the larger, more luxurious Range Rover.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, you should know that the Range Rover Sport offers nice standard features like 19-inch wheels, air suspension system, LED lighting, and dual-zone climate control. The Range Rover Sport is the first Jaguar Land Rover product to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. The P400e is capable of driving up to 31 miles in all-electric mode. Supercharged V6 and V8 engines, and a V6 turbodiesel, also are available.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus is Lincoln’s most recent entry in the midsize luxury suv market. It hangs its hat on handsome, upscale styling and an uncommonly robust array of driver-assist features bundled in an offering called Lincoln Co-Pilot360. It includes blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, lane-keeping, and a rearview camera. Evasive steer assist also is available on Nautilus.

The top powerplant is a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 335 hp, while the standard powerplant is a 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. Both engines include standard auto start-stop capability, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission. Options include 21-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, and 13-speaker Revel audio system.

Photo by Lincoln