Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Lexus LS

The fifth-generation LS

strays from its historic

place as the embodiment

of stress-free comfortable

motoring by piling on com-

plicated controls, a less cushy ride, and

compromised seating. This redesigned

flagship brings lots of tech and less

conservative styling. Available with

rear- or all-wheel drive, the standard

drivetrain is a 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic

transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car doesn't

impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low speeds. A hybrid is

available. The wide car is too bulky to feel nimble. The optional air suspension

keeps the Lexus steady, but bumps punch through more often than they should.

The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious, but the controls are extremely convo-

luted and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.



OVERALL

SCORE

52

$75,450-$100,865

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 20

Lexus LX

This luxury SUV is based on

the Toyota Land Cruiser,

itself quite plush and

upscale. Power comes

from a strong 5.7-liter V8

shared with the Tundra pickup. This

engine got only 14 mpg overall in the

Land Cruiser we tested. The LX has a

comfortable ride and a quiet, plush,

and well-assembled cabin. Handling

is lackluster but ultimately secure, and the LX is very capable off-road. Like the

Toyota, the LX has an off-road crawl mode that manages throttle and braking

over rough terrain. The height-adjustable suspension further enables the LX

to traverse off-road. But the power-folding third-row seat folds up to the sides,

limiting cargo space. The Lexus Safety System+, which includes automatic

emergency braking and lane departure warning, is standard. A five-passenger

version is available.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$86,380-$91,380

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Lexus NX!

The NX is a pleasant

compact luxury SUV.

Handling is responsive,

and the ride is firm. The

cabin is quiet. The NX 300's

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder provides

ample acceleration and delivers

24 mpg overall. The NX 300h hybrid

gets an impressive 29 mpg overall,

but it feels underpowered and tends

to be noisy during acceleration or hill climbing. Snazzy details lend the interior

a high-tech appeal and anime style, but the cockpit is snug. Elbow room is a

bit tight, and the styling compromises rear visibility and crimps cargo space.

The fussy touchpad that's used to interact with the infotainment screen is frus-

trating and distracting to operate. The freshened 2020 model has improved

ride comfort. Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning with

lane keeping assistance are standard. Blind spot warning is optional, however.

OVERALL

SCORE

$36,870-$46,360

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 71-74 MPG 24-29

Lexus RC

The RC is a coupe version

of the IS sedan. It uses a

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder

or a 3.5-liter V6 engine

coupled to an eight-speed

automatic. Ordinarily, it's a rear-drive

car, but an all-wheel-drive version is

available with a six-speed automatic.

High-performance RC F versions

come with a 5.0-liter V8. That prodi-

gious output is routed to the rear wheels, and it makes the RC F super-quick,

with a loud exhaust bark. The various driving modes sharpen throttle and

steering response, but the car's weight ultimately compromises its agility. There

is a symbolic rear seat that can accommodate two small passengers. Controls

are frustrating because of a fussy touchpad that interacts with the infotainment

screen. Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning with lane

keeping assistance are standard, but blind spot warning is optional.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$41,295-$96,800

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Lexus RX

!

The RX got a freshening

for 2020 that brought

suspension tweaks and

improvements to the

infotainment system.

It is now Android Auto and Apple

CarPlay compatible. The awkward

mouse controller is replaced with

an awkward touchpad. The 3.5-liter

V6 delivers a commendable

22 mpg overall. The fuel-thrifty 450h hybrid gets an excellent 29 mpg overall

in our tests. Ride comfort is plush, whether buyers get the base car on

18-inch tires or more uplevel versions with 20-inch tires. Handling is ponderous

and devoid of any sporty feel but ultimately secure. Inside, the RX is very

quiet and well-finished. It has a standard suite of advanced safety and driver

assistance features. The three-row model RX L has more cargo space and a

very tight third-row seat.

OVERALL

SCORE

$44,150-$56,460

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 77-80 MPG 22-29

Lexus UX

!

Lexus' new entry-level

luxury SUV is the brand's

smallest model. It has

standard front-wheel drive,

and all-wheel drive comes

only on the hybrid version. The hybrid

got an excellent 37 mpg overall in our

tests, but its engine is very whiny when

it revs. The UX has a comfortable ride,

but it isn't as plush as the bigger, more

expensive Lexus SUVs. Handling is responsive, and the compact size makes the

UX very maneuverable, but it isn't sporty to drive. Visibility is limited all-around,

and the interior is tight, particularly the rear seat. The interior is not as fancy

as it is in other Lexus models, yet it has many of the brand's fussy controls.

Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian

detection, and lane keeping assistance are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$32,300-$39,550

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 71 MPG 37

Lincoln Aviator

The Aviator is a three-row

luxury SUV, positioned

between the Nautilus and

Navigator. It's powered

by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo

engine that provides effortless thrust.

Handling is remarkably agile for such

a large vehicle, the ride is comfortable,

and the cabin stays hushed. The

interior is lavishly furnished with

chrome, wood, and leather, and the seats are plush and supportive. However,

some controls are unintuitive, such as the push-button gear selector and

electronic door latches. Fortunately, the large infotainment screen responds

quickly and is easy to use. The second-row seat is roomy, but the third row

is tight. Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 safety suite, with automatic emergency braking,

pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane

keeping assistance, and automatic high beams, is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

72

$51,100-$87,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 19

Lincoln Continental

!

Lincoln's high-tech flagship

sedan is based on the

accomplished MKZ. The

base engine is a lackluster

3.7-liter V6. The 2.7-liter

twin-turbo V6, however, packs a lot

of punch. The top-level trims get

a 400-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with

all-wheel drive optional. The ride is

very comfortable, and the cabin is super-quiet. Handling is responsive, yet

the Continental is also a very comfortable and relaxed cruiser. The cabin is

nicely finished and very roomy, particularly in the back. Though the standard

front seats aren't particularly supportive, the optional ones are better. We're

no fans of the push-button gear selector or the electronic buttons that are

used instead of an interior door handle. Forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking, and blind spot warning are all standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$46,305-$75,470

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 20

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