2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of more upscale models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while potentially compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with thin daytime running lights above and larger headlights flanking the grille, creating a sleek, shark-nose look. The Envista's interior, though similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined appearance with softer materials, albeit with a somewhat artificial texture. The cabin was a step up from the Trax, but still aligned with entry-level expectations.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more understated exterior despite its $75,000 price tag. The model featured exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, but its overall design was considered unremarkable. The RX lineup offered three hybrid models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h. Each model came with standard all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with prices starting from $52,875. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic choices were less than ideal. The RX avoided the common single curved display, opting for a more traditional layout.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, shared with the Trax, offered a refined driving experience, delivering power smoothly. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The Envista featured a torsion-beam rear suspension on base models, while higher trims with 19-inch wheels received a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension for improved ride quality. The suspension was tuned to minimize road noise, and the Envista handled corners well, though it felt unsettled on imperfect straightaways. Overall, the Envista provided a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a comfortable ride.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three distinct powertrains. The RX 350h, with 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, prioritized efficiency with a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The RX 500h's sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 all-wheel-drive system provided a dynamic driving experience, though it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 20.9 mpg. Despite its power, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked communication between the road and driver, making it less rewarding in dynamic driving situations.

The 2024 Buick Envista, with its coupe-like design, was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch. This resulted in increased rear-seat legroom by three inches and greater shoulder room in both rows. However, the sloping roofline reduced headroom, particularly for second-row passengers. The Envista's car-like design offered good outward visibility and maneuverability, but cargo space was limited to 20.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and other entry-level crossovers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, focusing on occupant comfort, provided ample interior space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were less comfortable over long drives. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, offered comfort and space for adults. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While practical, the cargo area was limited for a midsize SUV, and the cargo cover could obstruct loading.

The 2024 Buick Envista came equipped with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface was similar to the Trax, with easy-to-use controls, though the center stack's tilt favored the driver. Optional tech features were limited, with no head-up display available, but the standard equipment was impressive for the price range.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a high-tech experience, though some expected features were optional. The RX 500h Black Line Special Edition included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with Lexus Interface infotainment. The system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. However, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The RX Hybrid's technology worked well overall, though occasional glitches occurred, and the head-up display was smaller than some competitors.

The 2024 Buick Envista's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert, similar to the Chevy Trax.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also featured Predictive Driving Assist and optional Convenience Package with a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but a Poor rating from the IIHS for frontal-impact protection.