History/Overview
The Lexus RX is the upscale Toyota brand’s long-running mid-size crossover model. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Highlander, the RX sets itself apart nicely with bold styling, a well-appointed cabin and a smooth, relaxed driving feel.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
New for 2022 is a Moonlight Edition with blacked-out exterior trim elements, a portable telescope, and a tea set. There are also new paint colour options. An all-new generation of RX is on its way for the 2023 model year.
Available Trims
Lexus offers its mid-size crossover model as the gas-powered RX 350 and the gas-electric hybrid RX 450h. In both, the engine is a 3.5L V6, but the RX 350 gets an eight-speed transmission where the RX 450h uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to blend the V6’s power with that of an electric motor.
Both the RX 350 and RX 450h come in five-, six-, and seven-seat configurations.
Standard Features
The RX’s standard kit includes passive keyless entry, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker audio, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescope adjustments, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone A/C, a sunroof, LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels.
All RX models come with forward collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane tracing assist.
RX 450h adds a power tailgate, and RX 350 L and RX 450h L gain a power-folding third-row seat.
RX 450h L adds a panoramic view monitor, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, upgraded sound system, a hands-free tailgate, upgraded front seats, wood/leather steering wheel trim, a head-up display, navigation, 20-inch wheels, auto-levelling headlights, LED fog lights, and rear cross-traffic braking.
Key Options
A luxury package adds LED fog lights, auto-levelling headlights, park assist, wood/leather steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, upgraded seats, and rear cross-traffic braking. An F Sport Series 2 package is similar but gets unique wheels.
An executive package brings wireless phone charging, panoramic view cameras, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, and an upgraded stereo. An F Sport Series 3 pack comes with similar convenience features but gets more aggressive styling.
Fuel Economy
Lexus’s fuel consumption estimates are 12.2/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the RX 350, and 13.1/9.4 in the larger RX 350 L. The RX 450h is rated for 7.5/8.4 L/100 km, and the RX 450h L’s estimates are 8.1/8.4 L/100 km.
Competition
With the RX, Lexus competes with popular mid-size luxury crossovers like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Lincoln Nautilus, Buick Enclave, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Infiniti QX60.
