The Lexus RX expertly blends the brand’s practical roots with its typical full-on assault on noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), impressive fit and finish, and delightful use of premium touch surfaces. In this latest generation, the formula expands to include a wide range of powertrain options that achieve distinct experiences, and it is easy to see how this five-seater crossover continues to be one of the segment’s best-selling nameplates and is a sure bet for the years ahead.
Distinctly pointed daytime running lights, LED beam headlights, and a blend of sharp creases and soft curves do their best to integrate the brand’s latest styling theme including the massive “spindle grille” design. At least, no one can state that it is boring.
Transitioning along the body side, the mix of plain and busy surfaces as well as a long hood and shorter dash-to-axle distance don’t feel as naturally formed as many of the RX’s competitors. Where the RX scores a few points are with its lower body sides, and chrome window trim that delivers a steady line (with a little flair) and a more pronounced sloping roofline than the one that actually exists, intricate designs at the edges of its tail lights that fuse into a solid lightbar that extends across the tailgate, and (hiding in plain sight) button-activated door latches that enable a faster door-actuator operation, a slim handle design, and an ergonomic pull-to-open operation.
Inside, there’s little controversy in design. Even though a large central touchscreen display is ubiquitous in today’s modern cars and a two-tier dash is a common way to visually break up what would otherwise be a deep dashboard surface, the interior achieves a unique and premium status through the use of suede-like and leather materials, ambient lighting, soft-touch surfaces, and precisely assembled components.
On long drives, the plainly shaped seats are supremely comfortable, the steering wheel feels natural to hold, the padded door armrests are appreciated, the cabin is hushed from most noise, and road feedback, while very muted, feels impressively engaging. Around town, the relaxed steering ratio tightens up for a much shaper turn-in that can even feel a bit sporty, and at even lower speeds, the Traffic Jam Assist can essentially take over (as long as you’re paying attention).
Outward visibility is excellent and even more helpful at low speeds, is the high-definition surround-view display that generates an accurate image of the ground directly underneath the vehicle and tires.
By far the greatest design miscue lies with the steering wheel’s two touchpads that are used to access basic commands such as changing the channel, answering the phone, or adjusting certain driving settings. However, in reality, the system sometimes requires a wake-up tap before it accepts a command, and, because it projects the menu and selection are displayed through the head-up display, those wearing polarized sunglasses can’t easily see what is about to be selected. It’s a bit distracting and entirely unnecessary.
The RX is now a five-passenger-only crossover (no more extended model), leaving the three-row people-hauling duties to the Lexus TX. Those riding in the back seat of the RX will find an incredibly quiet cabin, a smooth ride, and plenty of premium details such as extended ambient lighting, suede-like door and seat inserts, and heated and ventilated seats (in this fully loaded example) that will make one feel appreciated.
The RX’s sloped roofline is a compromise toward styling, although its overall cargo capacity remains crossover-typical spacious. Showing off Toyota’s engineering prowess, there is no loss of cargo space for the hybrid models with their battery packs.
Lexus knows that a sporting version is important for the image of the model, whether that means better handling, more power, or just looks. In the case of the RX, Lexus offers something one of each with the RX F Sport Handling (shown above), RX F Sport Performance, or RX F Sport Design.
The RX 350 F Sport Handling is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the last generation’s V6 engine. A turbocharged engine’s desirable torque plateau and improved fuel efficiency are the primary reasons for manufacturers to make this switch, however, managing the surge of power provided by the turbo is the crux of most and causes drivability to suffer. Here, the relatively large 2.4-liter engine delivers a confidence-inspiring linear acceleration that feels natural (and forceful) at almost any speed. The eight-speed automatic also deserves credit as its shifts are relatively quick and it is smartly programmed to make good use of the engine’s extended power found in the lower RPMs.
The Lexus RX 450h+ may lack any F performance designation, but this powertrain serves up the best of both ends of the everyday-performance spectrum, and does so with few drawbacks. In fact, simply knowing the depth of the advantages offered by the ” + ” over a simple ” h ” designation of the RX 350h feels like a bit of insider knowledge.
The hybrid-and-turbocharged RX 500h is the only RX model to wear the F Sport Performance designation, as its suite of drivetrain and chassis enhancements the party, however, the RX 450h+ is an excellent drag strip machine.
Stick to accelerating in a straight line, and the RX450h+ is ready to put a smile on your face. With a fun-enhancing battery charge, the EV mode provides silent instantaneous, and smooth acceleration up to common suburban speed limits. With the engine allowed to join the party, the acceleration is downright impressive at any speed.
Credit also goes to the CVT, which was once a naughty three-letter label, to smoothly feed in the engine’s power and even if a sustained higher rev is required (very unusual) the inherent high level of sound insulation of the RX keeps it suppressed to the background.
This smoothness in power delivery from both fuel sources is an impressive feat of engineering and feels light-years more mature than other new PHEV competitors.
But the RX 450h+ may also be cross-shopped with the RX 350h, itself a refined, efficient, but less powerful hybrid so those considering the RX 450h+ will likely be OK with regularly plugging in to make the most of the additional hardware.
Thankfully, Lexus provides several easy options to keep the battery juiced up. An overnight 120V household outlet will add about 30 miles of range (a Level 2 charger provides a full battery in about 2.5 hours for a range of 37-ish miles), a highly-capable regenerative “braking” system can soak up miles of downhill runs from the mountains to Denver, and utilize the excess engine power all serve as possibly means for ensuring the battery remains (at least somewhat charged) keep the powerful advantages of the “+” alive.
As one can predict, the hardware utilized by the RX 450h+ is also more costly than the familiar hybrid model and Lexus only offers it in a fully-loaded trim, Luxury, meaning this crossover crosses over the $72,000 mark or about about $9,000 more than an equivalently-equipped RX 350h.
In conclusion, the RX is a comfortable space. Its interesting styling becomes less noticeable over time, the ride is unlikely to disturb any riders, even with the F Sport treatment, the powertrains are efficient within their own categories, and each powertrain is well suited for daily duty. And that may be the best compliment for the RX – for all the advancements, the RX achieves a level of premium and familiarity that is easy to appreciate every day.
Lexus provided the RX 350 F Sport and the RX 450h+ for Pilgrim Motor Press publication.