The Lexus RX is a luxury midsize crossover that, depending on model, seats 5 or 7 passengers. It's offered with front- or all-wheel drive and is powered by a V6 engines. RX is offered with gas-only and gas-electric powertrains. The most recent version was introduced in 2016. In 2020 RX received freshened front and rear styling, suspension improvements intended to improve handling and new infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play support. Changes for 2021 include additional standard safety features and an available wireless charging dock for cell phones, Competitors include the Acura MDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5/Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Jaguar F-pace, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC60.
Standard models seat 5 passengers while models with an "L" designation are 4.5-inches longer and 200 pounds heavier and seat 7 passengers. Gas only models are designated 350 and hybrid models 450h. Trim levels include base, F Sport and L (7-passenger model). Gas-only models are available with front- or all-wheel drive while hybrid models come only with all-wheel drive.
RX 350 models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In the 5-passenger model it makes 295 horsepower, in the L model it makes 290 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid RX models use the same V6 engine but mate it with a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission for a total system horsepower of 308.
Every RX comes standard with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning with emergency brake assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features include rear automated braking, and front and rear parking sensors. Standard features include power-operated tailgate, and dual-zone climate control. The F Sport package adds paddle shifters, perforated leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, F Sport heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum interior trim panels, sport-tuned variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, and F Sport exterior styling.
The RX 350 and RX 350L are both powered by the same V6 engine, so acceleration and passing performance between the two is very similar. In both cases you can expect a 0-60 MPH sprint of about 7.5 seconds. Though by no means slow, that's a second or two behind than most competitors. In addition, the traditional automatic seems to be geared more for economy than performance, resulting in somewhat sloppy shifting around town.
Lexus RX 450h models utilize the same engine (albeit in different tune) and swap out the conventional automatic transmission for a continuously variable automatic that pairs with a couple of electric motors. There's also an electric motor on the rear axle, which provides a measure of all-wheel drive. For the most part, driving the 450h is very similar to the gas model. There's definitely additional slop in power delivery and greater delay when pulling away from stop light or pulling out to pass a semi on the highway. But for the most part, the hybrid powertrain proves quite tractable around town and greatly improves fuel efficiently, as we will soon see.
The RX's all-wheel-drive system -- gas-only or hybrid -- does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. Under most circumstances, front-drive with a good set of all-season tires is all most will need, but the AWD system does add a wee bit more traction on slippery surfaces.
Partly due to the RX's size and portly 4,500-pound curb weight, fuel economy for the 7-passenger, AWD gas-only model is a middling 18 MPG city, 25 MPG highway. That's near the bottom of the class. Thankfully, things look much better for the RX 450h. It posts EPA numbers of 31 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Both tops in the class. Unfortunately, while the gas-only model runs fine on regular fuel the hybrid requires premium-grade gasoline.
In routine suburban driving, Gas models struggle to reach about 23 MPG while the Lexus RX 350h can easily match the EPA's rating of 29 MPG. Impressive indeed! Keep in mind though, hybrid fuel economy tends to dip to more realistic ratings in extreme hot or cold weather.
The Lexus RX has always set the standard for ride comfort in the luxury crossover class and the latest edition does not disappoint. The absorbent suspension does an excellent job of eliminating road imperfections and softening harsh impacts. There's a bit of bounding on badly broken roads, but overall, the suspension remains composed and the ride comfortable.
On the flipside, the RX is one of the least athletic luxury crossovers on the market. Although, why anyone would want a crossover to handle like a sports car is a curious question. Still, the RX has too much body lean and brake dive in quick maneuvers. Opting for the F Sport package brings the RX closer to it's rivals, but still falls a notch or two short. In addition, the RX consistently has the longest braking distances in the class.
Interior noise levels are among the lowest in the class. Even more so on the hybrid where the electric motors help reduce engine noise further. On the highway, even at extra-legal speeds, the RX is delightfully free from wind and road noise.
RX offers a posh and upscale interior with materials that are appropriate for the price. Front seats offer ample head and leg room and are thickly padded -- offering great support on long trips. In addition, the seats have lots of adjustments and a power tilt-telescope steering wheel is standard. On the 5-passenger model second-row seats are among the roomiest in the class. Opting for the L means that the second-row seats give up a bit of leg room to make space for that third row. Speaking of the third row, it's best used by children but does offer cupholders and separate climate controls.
Entry and exit from the first- or second-row seats is a snap thanks to very large door openings and a modest ride height. Accessing the third-row seats can be a challenge. Outward visibility is good forward and directly to the side. However, the non-existent rear three-quarter windows and narrow backlight make maneuvering in tight spots a chore.
The dashboard layout is fairly conventional for a luxury crossover. There is a large display screen in the center and an easy-to-decipher instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. As expected, the cabin boasts a plethora of buttons -- thankfully they are mostly well placed and clearly marked.
The standard infotainment display screen is 8 inches with a 12.2-inch screen optional. Both are touch activated now (yea) and mounted high in the center of the dashboard. Perhaps even bigger news is the integration of Android Auto and Apple Car Play support as standard. Though the menus are still somewhat complicated, the new system is worlds ahead of the one it replaces and fixes the RX's biggest weakness.
Cargo capacity on the 5-passenger is quite good. Behind the second-row seats, the 5-passenger offers 18.4 cubic feet and seats down, cargo capacity is 56.3 cubic feet. The 7-passenger model has just a scant 7.45 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats in use but an impressive 58 cubic feet with the seats folded. Cabin storage isn't bad with lots of open and covered bins throughout.
Bottom Line -- Overall, the Lexus RX offers great value, ample comfort and refinement, solid reliability and terrific resale value. The hybrid is easily the most fuel efficient in the class, but that economy comes with a price up front and then each time you fill up with premium-grade fuel. Downsides include the somewhat flaccid ride on base models and skimpy third-row. There are so many players in this class, be sure to drive more than a few before you make up your mind.
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