There's a reason used-car shoppers hunt the 2020-2022 RX like treasure: those V6 models are the last of a breed that could cruise to 300k miles on oil changes alone, with interiors that still felt worth the luxury badge. The current generation split the fanbase, sharper styling and better tech, sure, but the four-cylinder turbo sounds coarse under throttle and the cabin took a step down in material quality, swapping soft-touch surfaces for more hard plastics. Worse, the hybrid variants have a documented 12V battery defect that leaves owners stranded often enough that keeping a jump pack onboard is now common practice among RX350h and RX450h+ drivers. If you want the bulletproof Lexus experience, buy a late V6 model. If the new look calls to you, skip the hybrids or accept you're beta-testing a fix.
This three-row crossover delivers surprising space and features for the money, but only if you spec it right. The 2.0L engine is a false economy, it whines and struggles with passengers and cargo, making highway merges an exercise in patience. Spring for the 2.4L AWD or skip it entirely; the fuel economy difference is negligible and the drivability gap is enormous. The CVT demands religious fluid changes every 30-40k miles, treat it like an oil change you can't miss, or budget for a $4,000 replacement. Current models (2022+) share bones with the Nissan Rogue and feel genuinely upscale inside, a pleasant surprise at this price point. The real wildcard: Mitsubishi's US dealer network has collapsed 16% since the pandemic, with 35 franchises terminated in 18 months. If your nearest dealer closes, you're stuck driving an hour for warranty work or routine service. For families who need affordable three-row space and have a stable dealer nearby, it's a smart buy. If you value driving engagement or worry about orphaned-brand risk, the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 are safer bets.