While Lexus didn’t create the luxury SUV, their RX certainly led in making posh, car-based crossovers so popular; a move that so many other luxury brands have now followed. They also brought electric assistance to the segment well before anyone else. But, it has taken them until now to get fully plugged in to what a hybrid is capable of.

The Lexus RX was truly a game changer when it arrived for the 1999 model year, taking the relatively new car-based crossover concept into luxury territory, yet keeping it attainable enough for suburbanites to be able to afford it just as easily as they could park it in their garages. Now, 25 years later, and the mid-size RX continues with the same ethos, while delivering even better efficiency by adding Toyota’s Prime plug-in hybrid technology, into what remains their best-seller, creating the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+.

Being a hybrid is not new, of course. The RX was the brand’s first hybrid back in 2006. Currently, that traditional hybrid system mates front- and rear-mounted electric motors with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated I4 with standard all-wheel drive for a combined output of 246 horsepower.

The RX450h+ takes the next step by using the same 18.1-kWh battery pack found in Lexus’ first PHEV, the compact NX450h+ that debuted in 2022, boosting total output to 304 horsepower, with up to 37-miles of EV driving. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 83.0 for the Combined MPGe and 35.0 mpg for strictly gasoline operation. Total range tops 500 miles.

Packing extra power boosts acceleration too. At our Mason Dixon test track, the 450h+ stayed smooth and steady off the line, but there was a noticeable amount of additional electric thrust, getting us to 60 in 6.0 seconds flat, just three-tenths slower than the much more powerful 500h F Sport Performance RX hybrid we tested last year.

Same economy-minded CVT as in most Toyota hybrids, but with simulated shifts built in to at least give the feel of a traditional automatic, and even paddle shifters. Engine noise was relatively subdued throughout the 14.5-second quarter-mile which we finished at 97 mph.

Even with the very soft ride quality leading to some noticeable body roll, the 450h+ performed very well in our handling course; quite neutral with no noticeable understeer or oversteer, while the steering itself was both quick and light. Stops felt very aggressive in our panic braking runs and averaged a good 119 feet from 60; while staying mostly isolated from all that harshness inside the cabin.

And the interior environment does truly live up to the high expectations that Lexus has set for themselves. The plug-in is available only in Luxury trim. That means a big 14-inch touchscreen display mounted high in front of the dash, panoramic glass roof, leather seating, ambient lighting, and a head-up display, are all standard. Seats are very comfortable up front, and in back too. Just two rows of seating in all RXs now, as Lexus has passed on three- row duties to the new TX.

There are unique displays in the digital gauge cluster for monitoring battery level, and seeing where power is coming from based on which drive mode is enabled. Helpful, since transitions between the battery and gas engine are not easily detected.

And while it may be all luxury inside, it looks quite sporty outside, wearing the same aggressive set of sheet-metal that arrived last year with the launch of the fifth-gen RX. Lexus’ “face full of grille” is in effect and 21-inch wheels are standard. No flashy graphics or logos, just a subtle plus symbol added to the powertrain signifier on the rear hatch, and of course a charge port integrated into the passenger side rear fender covered by a traditional fuel door. The battery can be replenished as quickly as 2.5 hours with a home style, Level 2, 240-volt charger.

While we feel everything about the RX450h+ is great, base pricing has it playing a premium role in the RX fleet, starting at $70,580. That’s about $10,000 more than the smaller NX450h+. It seems odd it has taken this long to get a plug-in hybrid version of the RX, and making it such a premium choice is probably not the best strategy to get a lot of them out there. But at least now the RX faithful can finally have their favorite-ute and plug it in too. As well-documented fans of the PHEV approach, we’re fully onboard with the 2024 Lexus RX450h+’s new plug-in status. We just wish more people could enjoy the RX… luxury of it.

When the cool little Mazda MX-5 Miata arrived for 1990, it immediately triggered a host of imitators and sparked a genuine global roadster revival. While that fad has faded, America’s love affair with the MX-5 has stayed strong. And, we’re pretty sure we know why!

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is probably one of the most recognizable cars on the road, and it has a way of putting a smile on our face every time we see one, not to mention any time we get a chance to hop behind the wheel. The Miata concept really hasn’t changed drastically over the last three decades, proof that Mazda got the formula right from the beginning.

Rear-wheel drive, minimal weight, tight suspension, willing engine, superb manual shifter, simple folding top, and just enough creature comforts to make long drives as pleasant as carving up backroad twisties.
An overload of power has never been part of that equation, and many may still decry the lack of horsepower, but just a reminder, this car was meant to rekindle the spirit of British roadsters from the 1960s that were a pure joy to drive, and had engines half as powerful as what the Miata works with today, which is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I4 with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission remains the standard; you must upgrade to top Grand Touring trim to even get the available six-speed automatic. And it all works together to deliver a joyful driving experience that few other vehicles can match.

The exterior design has gotten more purposeful and less cartoonish over the years; new for this year is updated lighting which now incorporates the LED DRLs into the headlight assembly, as well as a more cohesive design for the full LED taillights, plus some fresh wheel choices.

Continual upgrades under the skin too, with a new asymmetric limited-slip differential for all manual-equipped Miatas. Its purpose is to minimize oversteer, and if you think that means it’s less fun, you’d be wrong.

It was still a blast to dart through the handling course at our Mason Dixon test track and on the autocross circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Minimal body roll and perfectly neutral handling had us scooting through the turns with ease. Kinematic Posture Control was added back in ’22, using selective braking to tighten up cornering. Adding to it for ’24 is a new steering rack and updated software for the Electric Power Assisted Steering that provides better on-center feel and more precise control.

7.0 seconds to 60 mph won’t exactly get your blood pumping, but it’s plenty adequate for the Miata’s mission and the engine sounds great for a four-cylinder. The perfect feel and action of the shifter keeps you looking for reasons to shift gears. But keep those engine revs above 6,000 for the most power. We did and our best quarter-mile was 15.4 at 92 mph.

Our average braking distance of 118 feet from 60 mph may have been a little longer than we’re accustomed to from a performance car these days, but their predictable and fade-free nature will give you plenty of confidence at your next track day.

Things remain all business in the cockpit, with everything falling readily to hand, and comfortable seats locking you in place. The most notable change in here for ’24 is a bigger infotainment screen, growing from 7.0 to 8.8 inches.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings with the manual are 26 City, 34 Highway, and 29 Combined. That’s a slightly better than average Energy Impact Score of 10.3 barrels of annual oil use, with 5.0 tons of CO2 emissions.
Starting price is only $30,170; top Grand Touring goes for $35,470.

It’s true that the Mazda MX-5 Miata has barely evolved over the years; but fortunately for all of us, virtually all of the ways that it has changed have been for the better, yet even in 2024, it remains incredibly affordable. It has been such a constant presence and passion for so many of our MotorWeek staffers over the years it seems like it has been around for a lot longer than just three decades, and thankfully, it looks like there’s no slowing the Miata down.