2024 Lexus RX assessment | CarExpert

Sure, Lexus nonetheless sells RX fashions with no hybrid.

Other than its mum or dad Toyota, no model is extra related to hybrids than Lexus – within the first half of this yr, hybrids accounted for 78.3 per cent of RX gross sales.

For those who want your petrol engines un-electrified, although, Lexus will promote you the RX 350. That is the primary technology of RX to go with no V6, with 350 now denoting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The RX 350 is obtainable in both F Sport or Sports activities Luxurious trim, each of which characteristic adaptive suspension. Whereas each have ‘sport’ within the identify, it’s the cheaper F Sport that goes for a extra overtly dynamic look.

And certainly this does look sporty, with the new-generation RX that hit Australia throughout 2023 showing lower-slung than its predecessor.

On this period of fifty shades of gray, when you’re fortunate sufficient to get the choice of an precise color on a brand new automotive it’s usually blue or purple. Numerous these blues can usually be fairly boring, however not the Deep Blue of the RX. It’s a wealthy end that basically makes the RX pop.

The RX 350 F Sport has lots of the F Sport Dynamic’s styling components, however with a price ticket greater than $20,000 cheaper and no hybrid system to talk of.

It’s removed from the preferred RX, however is it being unfairly neglected?

How a lot does the Lexus RX price?

Pricing for the Lexus RX kicks off simply above $90,000 earlier than on-road prices.

To see how the RX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

What’s the Lexus RX like on the within?

The RX’s cabin is engaging and well-appointed.

Materials decisions are wonderful for essentially the most half. There’s laborious plastic on the base of the sprint and doorways, however there’s an especially gentle sprint prime, suede on the sprint, roof and doorways, leatherette on the perimeters of the centre console, and metallic paddle shifters.

There’s some gloss black trim, like seemingly each automotive in 2024, but it surely’s used sparingly with metallic trim unfold extra extensively on the centre console and to accent the sprint.

Additionally including to the atmosphere is a few discreet ambient lighting.

Our tester had a black inside, however the F Sport will also be had with a two-tone ‘darkish rose’ and black which is frankly way more fascinating. The Sports activities Luxurious presents much more inside finishes.

You press a button behind the outside deal with to open the door, and there’s an identical operation to exit the car. Why Lexus did this we don’t know, however this barely totally different method to door operation not less than feels high-quality.

Additionally totally different for the sake of being totally different is the steering wheel switchgear. We perceive the logic behind the touch-capacitive switches, which permit the 4 arrow buttons on all sides of the hub to successfully management eight capabilities seen within the head-up show, but it surely means easy issues like skipping a observe take an additional button push.

The infotainment system is the most recent Lexus system… which is a model the most recent Toyota system. Lexus didn’t even get a very distinctive pores and skin.

It seems crisp and fashionable, and has anchored local weather management shortcuts within the absence of bodily buttons for these capabilities. You do nonetheless get a pair of knobs for temperature adjustment although, and one other for quantity management.

General, it’s an enormous enchancment over the previous Lexus system. The cameras are good, with the surround-view digicam that includes a clear chassis mode, whereas Apple CarPlay is wi-fi. Android Auto nonetheless requires a cable to attach, although.

The digital instrument cluster seems a bit older, but it surely’s nonetheless simple to learn. By default it has a spherical central gauge, which adjustments once you have interaction Sport mode to incorporate a bar-type tachometer. Sadly, there’s no map view such as you’ll discover in an Audi.

For those who’re utilizing Google Maps whereas smartphone mirroring, your turn-by-turn directions will seem within the cluster.

There’s a wi-fi cellphone charger plus 4 USB retailers up entrance – three USB-C and one USB-A.

The entrance seats are wonderful. Not solely have they got energy adjustment, heating, and air flow, they’ve beautiful suede bolsters that hug you in.

Different considerate touches embrace lock settings that permit you to open any door to unlock the automotive, and seat heating and air flow that can activate upon startup when you had it on once you switched the automotive off.

When it comes to storage, there’s a spacious centre console bin with a stunning gentle lid that may be opened from both aspect.

There’s a snug second-row bench, although the panoramic sunroof impinges on headroom and people measuring 180cm or taller will discover their hair brushing the roof.

The roof additionally fades in barely on the sides and impacts headroom for the outboard occupants.

When it comes to facilities there are separate temperature controls, a fold-down centre armrest, bottle holders that match 1L bottles like these up entrance, and one other two USB-C retailers.

There are three top-tether and two ISOFIX anchor factors for little one seats.

Open the tailgate and also you’ll discover 612L of area, in addition to a 120V outlet. There are additionally buttons to drop the second row, which expands whole storage capability to 1678L.

Below the boot flooring sits a space-saver spare.

To see how the RX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

What’s below the bonnet?

Hybrid energy dominates the RX lineup, however the petrol on take a look at right here continues to be out there in its place.

To see how the RX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

How does the Lexus RX drive?

Whereas the RX 350 nameplate is acquainted, gone is the three.5-litre V6 in favour of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.

It’s down a little bit of energy (16kW) on the previous mill, however there’s a sizeable 60Nm extra torque. Not solely that, peak torque is obtainable decrease within the rev vary – from 1700rpm to 3600rpm, as a substitute of at 4600rpm with the V6.

Claimed 0-100km/h time is 7.6 seconds, which sounds about proper. The powertrain is responsive, well-matched with an eight-speed automated transmission that shifts easily and with out fuss. There’s no delay off the road or any unseemly turbo lag.

Sounds nice, proper? Properly, the issue is it doesn’t really sound nice.

The engine notice isn’t befitting of a Lexus, sounding coarse and strained regardless that this engine is peppy and the general degree of sound deadening within the automotive is kind of good. Get on the freeway, for instance, and wind and tyre noise is minimal.

Given Toyota has been culling non-hybrid petrol choices from its native lineup, we wouldn’t be stunned if Lexus begins doing the identical. That might be a disgrace as, regardless of the charmless sound it makes, that is fairly an excellent engine.

We admire the better flexibility of this powertrain in comparison with the previous V6, however we simply want it sounded pretty much as good because the engine it changed. Even some faux sound á la Genesis’ Lively Sound Design can be one thing.

It’s simply one of many components of the Lexus RX’s dynamics that makes this automotive really feel a bit confused.

You mightn’t count on this, however on a spirited mountain drive the RX is definitely surprisingly enjoyable. The centre of gravity feels low and so physique roll within the corners is well-contained, whereas the steering could lack a bit in really feel however presents good weighting even outdoors of Sport mode.

In common driving, although, the experience can really feel unsettled. It doesn’t clomp over bumps, however there’s only a bit an excessive amount of bob and float – notably for one thing with an F Sport badge.

Have interaction sport mode and you may really feel the adaptive dampers agency up a bit, and but there’s nonetheless an excessive amount of physique motion.

I don’t assume anyone is anticipating an RX to be some hardcore sports activities SUV, however I’d count on a experience that feels extra buttoned-down.

There’s no bodily swap for drive mode choice, aside from Path Mode which is designed to regulate wheelspin on tough roads.

To toggle to the opposite drive modes you should use the touchscreen, although there may be not less than a shortcut within the dropdown menu.

Gas financial system was so-so. We averaged 11L/100km on a loop consisting of inner-city, suburban and freeway driving, and consumption climbed to 12.4L/100km over the course of every week – admittedly with a heavy city skew.

The RX’s driver help methods work effectively, with the mixture of Lexus’ Lane Tracing Help and adaptive cruise management making freeway driving easy.

The common lane-keep help doesn’t really feel prefer it’s continually tugging on the wheel, merely providing you with a slight nudge if it detects you’re stepping out into one other lane.

The motive force consideration monitoring generally is a bit fussy, warning you to concentrate every time it may possibly’t see your full face – for instance, when you’re blowing your nostril. Nevertheless, now we have definitely handled worse methods than this.

One minor annoyance we had with the RX, although, was its lack of ability to recollect your auto maintain setting. This characteristic doesn’t default to on upon startup.

What do you get?

There are 4 distinct trim ranges within the native Lexus RX vary.

RX Luxurious tools highlights:

• Bi-LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights, fog lights
• Heated exterior mirrors with driver’s aspect auto-dimming
• Rear privateness glass
• 19-inch alloy wheels with vibrant machined end
• Roof rails
• Energy tailgate
• 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Android Auto
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• 12-speaker Panasonic sound system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Lexus Linked Providers
• 5 x USB-C retailers, two x 12V, one x USB-A
• 8-way energy entrance seats with two-way energy lumbar
• Heated entrance seats
• Leatherette upholstery
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Energy-adjustable steering column
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Ambient lighting

RX F Sport provides:

• 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels
• Bi-LED headlights
  • BladeScan expertise
  • Adaptive high-beam
  • Dynamic auto-levelling
  • Cornering lights
  • Headlight cleaners
• F Sport exterior look bundle with distinctive bumpers, grille
• Adaptive suspension
• Aluminium monobloc six-piston calipers
• Palms-free energy tailgate
• Encompass-view digicam
• Dimpled leather-wrapped steering wheel
• F Sport scuff plates
• F Sport shifter
• F Sport instrument cluster
• Heated and ventilated entrance sport seats
• Aluminium pedals
• Quick access driver’s seat
• Contact-sensitive steering wheel controls
• Multi-colour ambient lighting
• 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Lively Noise Management
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Rear door sunshades
• Good key card

RX Sport Luxurious provides (over Luxurious):

• Bi-LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
• 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
• Encompass-view cameras
• Adaptive suspension
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Lively Noise Management (RX350 solely)
• 10-way energy entrance seats with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery
• 4-way lumbar help and reminiscence
• Heated steering wheel with woodgrain trim
• Energy-folding and reclining rear seats
• Heated and ventilated outboard rear seats

RX 500h F Sport Efficiency provides (over F Sport):

• Enhancement Bundle(s)
• Matte black 21-inch alloy wheels
• Black aluminium monobloc entrance calipers
• Piano black bumper aspect moulding
• Physique-coloured rocker trim
• Lively Sound Management
• Dynamic Rear Steering

Lexus presents Enhancement Packs on most RXs, and on the RX 350 F Sport there are two out there. Our tester got here outfitted with the $3000 Enhancement Pack 1 which provides a panoramic sunroof.

You too can go for the $4100 Enhancement Pack 2, which incorporates this plus a digital rear-view mirror, semi-automatic parking help, and a heated steering wheel.

Is the Lexus RX secure?

The Lexus RX has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, based mostly on testing carried out in 2022.

Commonplace security tools contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Intersection collision avoidance help
• Emergency steering help
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Tracing Help (lane centring)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Velocity signal recognition
• Encompass-view digicam
• Entrance and rear parking sensors

How a lot does the Lexus RX price to run?

To see how the RX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus RX

It’s clear why the Lexus RX is so fashionable as a hybrid.

The electrified powertrain is significantly thriftier than this turbo 4, with out being a lot slower.

We love how versatile the turbo 4 is, however we’re not as enamoured with the way it sounds. The hybrid isn’t precisely sonorous, however not less than it may possibly run on pure electrical energy at decrease speeds which aids each refinement and gas financial system.

The RX 350 F Sport’s experience additionally disappoints, feeling a bit unsettled. At the very least there’s no affect harshness, whereas the RX’s dealing with is surprisingly composed.

No matter whether or not you’re shopping for the RX 350 F Sport or one other RX, you get the identical sturdy fits, together with a high-quality cabin and fashionable (finally) infotainment.

We’d simply steer you in direction of a RX 350h.

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