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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $39,460–$45,945 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2017 Lexus RX earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.3/10, while Safety at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.3/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $39,460–$45,945, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus RX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2017 Lexus RX as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance and safety are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Lexus RX ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $39,460 starting price is about 9% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Across the RX model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $49,950 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $48,451 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $46,953 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.2/10 | $45,454 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.3/10 | $43,956 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.2/10 | $42,457 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $40,959 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $39,460 | |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $37,962 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $36,463 | Read review → |
We rate the 2017 Lexus RX's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2017 Lexus RX starts at $39,460 and ranges up to $45,945 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
