
Lexus RX
Japanby Lexus
"The original luxury crossover, refined for five generations."
Rating
4.5/5
Overview
When the Lexus RX debuted in March 1998, it didn't just add another model to the lineup; it created a new category. By marrying a car-like unibody platform with SUV proportions and a premium interior, the RX gave buyers a vehicle that rode smoothly, handled predictably, and still offered the elevated seating and cargo flexibility they wanted from a utility vehicle. Competitors scrambled to follow, but the RX had already established the formula.
Five generations later, the RX remains Lexus's best-selling model globally, moving more than 800,000 units in 2023 alone. The current fifth-generation car, launched for the 2023 model year, continues to prioritize a quiet, compliant ride and meticulous build quality. It offers a choice of four powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter hybrid, a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, and a turbocharged hybrid setup in the F Sport Performance trim. Each variant aims for the same serene driving experience that has defined the nameplate since the beginning.
Standard equipment includes a 9.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker audio system, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assists. Available upgrades include a 14-inch display, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a 10-inch head-up display. The RX seats five passengers comfortably and provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Production takes place at Toyota's Tahara plant in Japan and its Cambridge, Ontario, facility.
Key Features
- Clean front-end design with 'spindle body'
- Full LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps
- Spacious cabin for five passengers
- Ample legroom and generous cargo space
- Standard 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Standard 12-speaker sound system
- Power front seats
- Sunroof
- Available 14-inch touchscreen
- Available leather upholstery
- Available ambient interior lighting
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Available 10-inch head-up display
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite (standard)
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Active lane control
- Blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control with curve speed management
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
- Intuitive parking assist with auto braking
- 10 airbags
Specifications
| RX 350 Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four |
| RX 350 Horsepower | 275 hp |
| RX 350 Torque | 317 lb-ft |
| RX 350 Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| RX 350 Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| RX 350 Combined Fuel Economy | 24-25 mpg |
| RX 350h (Hybrid) Total System Output | 246 hp, 233 lb-ft torque |
| RX 350h (Hybrid) Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) |
| RX 350h (Hybrid) Drivetrain | Standard AWD (E-Four system) |
| RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid) Total System Output | 304 hp |
| RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid) All-Electric Range | 37-38 miles (EPA estimated) |
| RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid) Combined MPGe | 83-85 MPGe (estimated) |
| RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid) Drivetrain | Electronically controlled, full-time AWD |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance Total System Output | 366 hp, 406 lb-ft torque |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance Drivetrain | DIRECT4 all-wheel drive |
| Length | 192.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Plush, quiet ride quality
- • High-quality interior materials and assembly
- • Strong reliability record and resale value
- • Comprehensive standard safety suite
- • Multiple electrified powertrain options
Cons
- • Dull handling compared to sportier rivals
- • Infotainment system has a learning curve
- • No third-row seating option
- • Mediocre fuel economy for base engine
- • Limited towing capacity (3,500 lbs max)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lexus RX cost?
Is the Lexus RX worth it?
What is the Lexus RX vs BMW X5?
When did the Lexus RX come out?
What are the Lexus RX specs?
Keywords
Sources
Product Info
- Brand
- Lexus
- Category
- Luxury Crossover SUV
- Released
- March 1998
- Price
- Starting at $49,950 (2024 RX 350 base MSRP)
- Availability
- Available
- Manufacturer
- Lexus
- Target Audience
- Affluent consumers (35-64 age group), established professionals, retirees, modern families
- Global Sales (2023)
- 824,258 units
- Electrified Vehicle Sales Share (2023)
- 47%
- North American Sales (2023)
- 355,606 units
- First Generation (XU10)
- 1998-2003
- Second Generation (XU30)
- 2003-2008
- Third Generation (AL10)
- 2008-2015
- Fourth Generation (AL20)
- 2015-2022
- Fifth Generation (ALA10/ALH10)
- 2022-Present
Where to Buy
Join the community
fans discussing