New vs used Lexus RX: What are the top 3 differences?
One of the luxury Japanese automaker Lexus’s bread and butter models, the Lexus RX, is now midway through its fourth generation. Since its first introduction in 1998, the RX has amassed worldwide sales in excess of 2.5 million units. The fourth generation entered the market in 2015 and received its most-recent update in mid-2019. We compare the pre-facelift RX to the latest model, to see if it’s worthwhile buying a used one over a new one.
Locally, the Lexus RX model range comprises the RX350 EX, the RX350L EX (an extended wheelbase version with three rows of seats), and the flagship RX450h SE – a powerful hybrid in the top-level trim. The mid-life update to the Lexus RX350 EX retains the lovely 3.5-ltre V6 base engine that produces a healthy 221kW with 370Nm of torque, which is mated to a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission for the RX350 models.
The RX350L is a little less powerful at 216kW and 358Nm (due to the different exhaust system enforced by the extra seating row). For the RX450h hybrid, we see the same engine (albeit in a different state of tune), but with the addition of an electric motor to create new system totals of 230kW and 335Nm. So, seeing as the under-bonnet changes are negligible, what’s else has changed?
1. Underpinnings
It's not easy to improve on the smooth drive offered up by a Lexus RX of any generation, but the men in white coats seem to have taken that as a challenge. In days of old, you would never mention driving dynamics in the same sentence as an SUV, but the segment has now moved so far along that many have the handling and feel of a much sportier car. A few things (mainly in the suspension and body shell) have been fettled, though, and the result is enhanced handling, improved responsiveness, and a smoother feel with reduced vibration - not that there was any noticeable vibration in the previous model anyway.
To exploit the newly-increased body rigidity, the suspension saw the addition of a “friction control device” in the dampers, that Lexus says reduces high-frequency vibration caused by minute road-surface imperfections. The increased rigidity in the suspension comes from stiffer and thicker stabiliser bars. New manufacturing techniques in laser-screw welding and spot welding, and using new high-strength adhesives, are claimed to result in sharper and more immediate steering response. Whether you can feel this on the daily commute or not is altogether a different story...
Related: 2020 Lexus RX model range update report - Comfort, now with added F-Sportiness.
2. Technology
Being a luxury SUV means the Lexus RX isn’t going to be shy of features, and the new one steps it up even further. One place it needed some changes was to the infotainment system. As it was, you needed to be quite handy with new tech to be able to exploit what was already on offer. And, when faced with the latest German offerings, it was clearly falling behind.
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice right away is the new trackpad infotainment control system, replacing the old remote touch interface that was, quite frankly, terrible to use. Tech geeks would see this change as reason enough to opt for the latest Lexus RX over the previous version, but it’s still not as intuitive to use as the German systems.
The central display has also been improved: there’s now an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen if the standard 8.0-inch screen (also an improvement) doesn’t do it for you. Another big bonus is the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which makes the current Lexus RX, believe it or not, the first Lexus to feature this technology.
Related: Lexus RX vs BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE - which one offers the best value for money?
3. Visual impact
The Lexus RX has always had striking lines and imposing looks, and the mid-life update has only improved further in this area. In some market segments, the looks don’t matter too much, but when it comes to luxury SUVs, it’s not something that can be ignored, especially in the upper echelons, where the competition is as fierce as it gets. The Lexus RX has to do battle with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Audi Q7, the BMW X5 and Jaguar’s I-Pace, all of which are rather easy on the eyes.
The cosmetic changes aren’t massive or in-your-face, but they may just be the right ones in the right places that could sway you to more closely look at the facelift version over the previous one, or vice versa. The front of the facelifted Lexus RX sees a new mesh pattern of three-dimensional “L” shapes incorporated into the signature “spindle” grille, and the headlights have slimmed down a little making them look more assertive. This extends to the bumper as well: it’s even more aggressive than the old version.
Round the back, the bumper’s new design is lower and wider, making it look a bit chunkier, but in a “body-building” kind of way and not an “eaten too many pies” kind of way. The new combination LED taillights are also not immediately noticeable as a change, but they are different nonetheless. Lastly, if the previous version’s colour palette didn’t have something for your taste, the new kid can be had in two new shades: Ice Ecru and Terrane Khaki, the latter having proved especially popular on the Lexus smaller UX.
Related: Lexus RX350L launch report - When only perfection will do.
Verdict
If you do opt for the 2019/2020 facelifted version of the Lexus RX, the pricing starts at R1 032 200 and, depending on the trim and options, it can rise all the way to just shy of R1 400 000. The previous generation Lexus RX may be missing a few things in comparison, but for many buyers, they’re not the kind of things that can make or break a sale. Especially as clean, low mileage examples of the pre-facelift RX can be sourced from around the R600 000 mark.
