Around the World: Lexus RX
Since its launch in 1998, more than 2.94 million Lexus RX units have sold globally, and for Lexus New Zealand it is the top selling model in its range, making up 30 per cent of sales.
The new facelift line up starts at $97,400 for the RX350 and finishes at $127,500 for the seven-seater RX450hL 3 hybrid Limited AWD.
All are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, with hybrid dominating the line up.
We see what global motoring experts think about this SUV.
The Lexus RX SUV got a facelift late last year. Photo: Lexus
Top Gear
The British magazine and website gave it 6/10.
“The fourth-generation RX was launched in 2015 and has since been updated with slightly different exterior (and interior) styling. Anyone would struggle to tell them apart.
The other updates ought to be more noticeable - the infotainment (a major weak point) has been given a going over, while changes to the suspension and chassis are supposed to make the RX both more comfortable and more involving to drive. There’s also new tech in the form of ‘Bladescan’ LED headlights.
The seven-seat RX L, which has a 110mm longer body and a more upright rear-window to accommodate a third row of seats, gets all the same updates. Like many others, it is more of a ‘five-plus-two’ than an honest seven-seater, with rearmost chairs best suited to kids (despite a new setting that gives 95mm more legroom). Saying that, with all the seats in use, there’s still enough boot space for a couple of golf bags behind. Because Lexus.”
Car wow
The Lexus RX comes as five- or seven-seater. Photo: Lexus
AutoMuse favourite Mat Watson gave it 7/10
“Set off down the road in the Lexus RX L and the first thing that strikes you is how easy, comfortable and relaxing it is to drive, although it’s a shame the self-drive tech is pretty basic.
Pootle along at town speeds and the car will run on silent electric power alone, only using its petrol engine if you need a little extra go, which makes it an extremely calming way to cut through busy city streets.
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol only ever sounds harsh under hard acceleration but, since the Lexus RX L isn’t a car that likes to be driven quickly, you probably won’t be doing that very often. Compared with, say, an Audi Q7 the Lexus’ steering feels slow and unresponsive and its body rolls a lot in bends.
As a stress-free way to get from A to B in town, then, the RX L is hard to fault but, the infotainment system can be infuriating and if you do a lot of motorway driving, an Audi Q7 will be a much better bet. It is also a good deal cheaper than alternative seven-seat hybrids.”
Car Advice
The interior of the Lexus RX had a major overhaul. Photo: Lexus
The Australian website gave it 8.3/10.
“Despite much of the effort being invested into lifting ride quality and dynamic abilities, as well as improving that long-running bugbear that is the marque’s infotainment user interface – things that are tough to see – there’s also some subtle restyling front and rear, including new lighting designs and a cleaner grille. While, inside, there’s expanded choice of 15 different variations of seat and trim finish and colourisation.
But climb in and hit the road, and true to form there’s nothing bare-boned or cut-priced about the most basic Lexus experience. From the sense of build quality to powertrain urgency, and from features through to on-road behaviour, it feels fulsome and generously laden.
Did we feel any net benefit to the on-demand all-wheel-drive system? Not for leisurely urban and country driving as tested, though the low-speed (sub-40km/h) ‘lock’ function might well pay tractive dividends off the beaten path.
Some ‘10 engineering changes’ centring around construction, chassis and suspension conspire towards a nicer on-road experience for an SUV breed that was pretty damn fine to begin with.”
Car and Driver
The Lexus RX makes an excellent long-distance cruiser. Photo: Lexus
The American reviewer gave it 6.5/10.
“If a plush-riding premium crossover is what I want, the 2020 Lexus RX would be a great option. But don't let its aggressive exterior design fool you into thinking it'll tickle your driving fancy; it's not sporty, but it is comfortable and stylish.
Buyers can choose between the two-row or three-row L models and can go with the standard 3.5-litre V-6 in the RX350 or opt for the RX450h and its hybrid powertrain. No matter the combination, the RX provides relaxed acceleration to match its relaxed driving demeanor, but performance isn't what this softy is known best for. Instead, it wafts along in silence and coddles occupants in its well-equipped cabin.
What the RX does best is ride comfortably; it irons out rough stretches of road and delivers a compliant ride. The cabin remains quiet and well isolated from the road, making the RX an excellent long-distance cruiser.”
