Lexus is Toyota's luxury wing and offers customers anything from coupe models to sedans and SUVs. The Lexus RX fits within the SUV range and is positioned near the top in terms of size and features. The Lexus RX is offered in four derivatives with the entry-point to the range being Lexus RX 350 EX and the flagship model being the petrol-electric hybrid Lexus RX 450h SE.
The latest iteration of the RX range comes with a host of updates starting with styling upgrades and connectivity and safety improvements to enhancements to ride and handling. The 2019 updates even saw the new Lexus RX 350 F-Sport derivative introduced. We investigate and list the top three things you need to know about the Lexus RX range.
1. Powertrains
The Lexus RX range is not only serviced by a petrol motor but also a petrol-electric hybrid. What few would know is that the Lexus RX was the first luxury SUV in its segment to offer a self-charging hybrid engine with the RX 400h that was launched in 2005. Let's see how the latest compare with its petrol-powered siblings.
| Lexus RX 350 EX | Lexus RX 350L EX | Lexus RX 350 F-Sport | Lexus RX 450h SE | |
| Engine | 3.5-litre, V6 petrol | 3.5-litre, V6 petrol | 3.5-litre, V6 petrol | 3.5-litre, V6 petrol + Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 5-step CVT |
| Power | 221 kW | 216 kW | 221 kW | 230 kW |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 358 Nm | 370 Nm | 335 Nm + 139 electric |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.0s | N/A | 8.0s | 7.7s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 9.6 L / 100 km | 10.2 L / 100 km | 9.6 L / 100 km | 5.7 L / 100 km |
| CO2 emission | 223 g/km | 234 g/km | 223 g/km | 131 g/km |
*This table was populated with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za
2. Safety
One area in which the Lexus RX truly shines is safety. All four derivatives come standard with ABS brakes with brake assist as well as stability- and traction control. Also installed is a hill-start assist system and Active Cornering Assist. Regardless of the derivative, you opt for, you will get a blind spot monitor as well as, rear cross-traffic alert for those tight parking spaces.
On the interior, occupants are kept safe by no less than 10 airbags, front and side airbags for both front occupants, a knee airbag for the driver as well as, side airbags for the rear occupants and curtain airbags. The RX 350 F-Sport and 450h SE models further come fitted with a high-beam assist system and the Lexus Safety System+ which incorporates a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic brake assist preparation for when it detects a possible collision taking place.
3. Technology
Lexus RX customers are also treated to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has been moved forward for a better viewing angle while remaining within easy reach of both the front occupants. The system can also be controlled with either the Lexus Remote Touch Interface or with voice control.
The Lexus RX range also comes fitted with four USB ports which, if a smartphone is connected to will activate the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality depending on your device. The Google or Siri assistance systems also become available through the voice control system. The driver is further treated to adaptive cruise control as well as lane-keep assist systems.
All four models also come fitted as standard with an automatic climate control system. Customers of the RX 350 EX and 350L EX variants can also expect an ambient lighting package and wireless charger as standard while F-Sport and 450h SE owners will get a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The 450h SE model also comes standard with a head-up display unit which focuses the driver's attention on the road ahead.
