Ryobi has built a reputation as the budget-friendly option that doesn't completely sacrifice performance, and this 40V mower fits that mold well. It's not going to out-muscle an EGO or a Greenworks Pro, but that's also not what it's designed to do.
The self-propelled system works well enough, though keeping the drive speed at around 75% seems to be the sweet spot. If you crank it higher, it starts to feel a bit aggressive on turns. Cut quality across all 10 height positions (1 to 4 inches) is respectable, and the brushless motor runs noticeably quieter than the brushed version it replaced.
Where Ryobi earns its keep is in runtime. Paired with two 6Ah batteries, reviewers report getting close to 100 minutes of mowing time, which is enough for most suburban lots. And if you're already invested in Ryobi's 40V ONE+ system, the battery compatibility across their entire tool lineup sweetens the deal considerably.
Things to Consider: St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at peak growth will test this mower's limits. The 40V platform handles maintenance mowing well, but if the lawn gets overgrown, expect to slow down and make multiple passes. The 20-inch deck is also an inch smaller than most competitors, meaning slightly more laps to cover the same ground.