MODEL
Lexus RX 350
NHTSA safety across every Lexus RX 350 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Lexus RX 350 we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 85. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lexus RX 350 is a midsize luxury SUV that has anchored the premium crossover segment since its debut, competing against European stalwarts while appealing to buyers who prioritize refined comfort, upscale interiors, and a polished ownership experience. The 2020 to 2025 generation targets affluent families and professional commuters who want prestige, practicality, and a credible safety record in a single package.
The Lexus RX 350 posts a genuinely strong safety profile across the 2020 to 2025 model years we cover at MotorCaliber. Its best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 89 out of 100 in the 2024 model year, placing it firmly in our Strong band. Crash-test geometry tells an honest story: a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact testing is impressive and reflects well-engineered structural protection for occupants. The 4 out of 5 frontal score is solid but not flawless, and the 4 out of 5 rollover rating is typical for a midsize SUV with a relatively high ride height. Shoppers should note both numbers without dismissing them. Perhaps the most striking data point is the recall count: zero recalls across six model years. For a vehicle sold in large volumes, that is a meaningful signal of manufacturing consistency. The 281 owner complaints logged with NHTSA over this period include 30 reported crashes and 30 reported injuries, all unverified allegations. That complaint volume is not alarming relative to the RX 350's sales footprint, but the injury-to-complaint ratio warrants attention from prospective buyers doing deep research. No fatalities are reported in the dataset. On balance, the RX 350 presents one of the cleaner safety records in its segment, anchored by a zero-recall run and a top-tier side-impact result.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the RX 350 as one of the most refined and polished entries in the midsize luxury SUV class, praising its composed ride quality, well-crafted cabin materials, and hushed highway manners. Driving dynamics are described as smooth and confidence-inspiring rather than sporty. Most reviewers position it as a strong value proposition within the premium segment given its overall execution and comfort.
- Zero recalls across the 2020 to 2025 model years is an exceptional record for a high-volume luxury SUV and suggests consistent build quality at the manufacturing level.
- The 2024 model year earns the segment's best NHTSA Safety Index in our dataset at 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band and making it the benchmark year to target if safety scoring is your priority.
- Side-impact protection scores a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, but the frontal and rollover ratings both land at 4 out of 5, so buyers should not assume across-the-board perfection in crash-test performance.
- NHTSA records 281 owner complaints for this generation, including 30 reported crashes and 30 reported injuries, all unverified allegations. While not alarming at this sales volume, shoppers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's database before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2026 Lexus RX 350 with 2 recalls.