Admittedly, finding a reliable and luxurious used SUV to make you stand out in the crowd is not always a walk in the park. It’s understandable if you want something that looks slightly different, with hybrid power and dependability that can match the industry leader in the SUV sector. Fortunately, Lexus RX pretty much ticks all the right boxes and is affordable.
The majority of the RXs are hybrids powered by 3.5-liter V6 308bhp engines with two electric powers. There are no diesel versions of this model. If the idea of a hybrid RX does not seem attractive for you, a 2.0-liter petrol turbo option, RX 200t, with 225bhp, is still available.
The Various Variants of Lexus RX
The most basic RX was the S version, and the SE and Luxury are luxurious premier models. There is also a middle ground F Sport version.
F Sport Premier is its hybrid version that blends sporty styling with the luxurious trimmings of the Premier model. In 2018, the brand added another variant, Sport, which boasts dual-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, a 12.3-inch display, and an infotainment system with a sat-nav, among other features as standard.
Driving Experience
Ordinarily, the petrol RX versions will give you a decent performance on the road, but you may need to push it a bit more than the hybrid. Some drivers say that it is also a bit louder, but not to the point where it is irritating.
The cruise in the hybrid does an excellent job in quieting things down when riding around town. Typically, the petrol motor cuts out to leave you with a more tranquil and enjoyable electricity drive. The brakes on the hybrid may come out a bit hard, and there is a learning curve to making smooth stops.
Well, you should not expect a sports car performance with the RX. The steering may feel uninvolving and may lean over when negotiating the bends. But apart from that, the RX has some of the most effective suspensions that smoothen sudden bumps. The ride is light and comfortable.
Overall, the RX is quite refined, with quiet and smooth engines and almost non-existent wind and road noise.
The Interior Features
The incredibly solid and appealing dashboard is a highlight of the RX. It has some neat styling and exquisite sweeping lines. There are some shared materials with some of the low-end Toyotas, but the overall effect is sufficiently upmarket to match with its peers in the luxury SUV market.
Nevertheless, the front and the rear seating leave little to desire in terms of space. The competition of the same size has better legroom, and you get up to 7 seats. The RX seven-seaters were introduced in 2018, and so the early RX drivers have to make do with five seats.
Most 5-seater SUVs make up for the relatively constricted seating arrangement with a sizable boot, but that is not the case with RX. It fits a bit less than the five-seater rivals.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
The RX 200t fuel efficiency figures are not that pleasing, with an average of 36.2mpg. On the other hand, the hybrid 450h version has a better performance based on the NEDC testing averaging at 47.9mpg, which is much better than most other five-seater diesel SUVs.
The 200t has 181g/km, the highest of the RX range in terms of emissions. The 450h hybrid is much better at 127g/km.
Buying the RX, registered before 1 April 2017, when the new tax regime was installed, is a wise move, and especially so for the hybrid version. The low co2 emissions reduce the hybrid tax burden, and which is much better for your pocket. It will set you back a bit more for RXs registered after 1 April 2017.
Servicing Costs and Reliability
The servicing costs are not so much different from that of the other comparable SUVs on the market. However, RX can boast a clearer and more transparent servicing.
There are no major issues affecting the Lexus model, so there is nothing specific to look out for when shopping. Still, it is vital to check for scarves and grazes, considering that Lexus is a big vehicle. Of course, the SUV has parking sensors, but it doesn’t hurt to check.
The latest reliability survey indicates that most RX buyers were generally satisfied with it, which obviously spills over to you as the second-hand buyer. The Lexus brand has made a name for itself, especially for its hybrid and electric vehicle. That pretty much means that you will be getting a decent SUV, and which is the main idea.
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If you want to know more details about specifications and models, please refer to Wikipedia or other catalogs.