Lexus is not a brand that asks for attention. It simply builds the best vehicles it can and lets the products do the talking. As Toyota's premium arm, it goes without saying that Lexus is as reliable as a Swiss train conductor's wristwatch, and nowadays, it's bustling with tech.
Related: Lexus RX (2023) First Drive Review
The Lexus RX is a popular model for the brand, and they recently unveiled the all-new 5th generation RX, which takes what they've learned over the years and improves on the recipe. There are a few changes that will upset the purists, but as a whole, this vehicle that finds itself stuck in no man's land should not be ignored.
Styling
I don't think a single person out there can call the Lexus RX 'generic'. There's very little that looks to be copied from other designs outside of the Lexus portfolio, and the new fifth-generation RX continues this trend. From the angular, narrow LED headlights to the faceted door panels, the RX blends sportiness with the impression of space and luxury.
The Lexus spindle grille is now an integrated unit in the front end, giving the RX a more modern, futuristic look. This generation's bonnet is longer, and the A-pillar has been moved back, all in a bid to create that sporty appearance. Naturally, the sportiest of the batch is the F-Sport, with its 21-inch wheels and front bumper that receives a more aggressive front bumper with a larger front air dam.
The wheelbase is 60 mm longer than on the previous generation, and the track has been widened by 15 mm up front and 45 mm at the rear. This is all done deliberately, as Lexus approached the design of the all-new 5th generation with the intention of lowering the centre of gravity.
The Drive
The new RX uses the GA-K platform, which they claim stiffens the chassis and lowers the centre of gravity, helping create a more sporty driving experience. The driving experience is certainly sportier than one would find on the comparative Mercedes-Benz GLE or BMW X5, but it's not the final word either. Body roll is agreeable, and feedback through the steering is responsive.
The large, 6-pot brakes on the F-Sport have a progressive feel and inspire confidence. They comfortably check the sizeable SUV up from high speeds with minimal fuss. The RX won't be setting record lap times, but when you wish to press on and enjoy a twisted piece of tarmac, the RX will let you do so and seemingly enjoy doing it as well. The F-Sport's AWD system inspires confidence, and the wide tyres lend themselves to providing more grip than you would typically need.
Performance
One of the biggest adjustments found in the 5th generation Lexus RX is the switch to downscaled power plants. Where the RX 350 traditionally had a 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet, you will now find a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This unit is rated at 205kW and 430Nm torque, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 7.6 seconds, and Lexus says you will top out at 200 km/h.
Space and Comfort
The RX is not a small vehicle, comparable with contemporaries like the aforementioned GLE-Class, X5, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90. As such, it offers a generous amount of space with a sizeable 612-litre boot that is further expandable when the rear seats are folded down. Rear legroom is more than generous, and seating five adults in the RX is a simple task.
With that said, the layout and design still manage to feel cosseting and enveloping, allowing the driver to connect with the vehicle and making it feel smaller than it is. This is aided by the layout for the controls, which is vastly improved from previous Lexus offerings but not quite as intuitive as one might wish for. A large, 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system rests in the middle of the dashboard with a handful of physical buttons for frequently accessed shortcuts. The multifunction steering wheel has variable buttons that will do different things, depending on the selected mode - but one has to monitor the promotes in the Heads-Up display to see what these are. Not always ideal.
Safety
Lexus doesn't shortchange you on the safety systems and features, and the RX 350 F-Sport is no different. Aside from the usual array of ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist, the RX includes Lexus Safety System +3, a complement of systems including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Crash Safety that prepares the vehicle in milliseconds before an impact, and Abnormal Driver Condition Response System that ensures the safety of the occupants if the driver becomes incapacitated.
Fuel Consumption
Lexus claims that on the combined cycle, one can expect to return fuel consumption figures of 8.7 l/100km. This should, theoretically, yield a range of 776 km from the 67.5-litre fuel tank. The real-world consumption figures read differently, though, and we recorded figures of 9.5 L/100km.
Price
The Lexus RX 350 F-Sport retails for R1 574 100 and is sold with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan that covers it for the same 7-years/105 000 km. There are no surprises with the Lexus RX 350 F-Sport, and you see what you get, so there's no options list to speak of; simply choose your colour and be on your way.
The Verdict
The Lexus RX finds itself in a strange place where one would usually associate it with the larger SUVs, but its price suggests that it competes with the smaller ones like the GLC-Class, X3, and XC60. This makes it a rather good value-for-money option for the discerning buyer who isn't too concerned with the image they're conveying (as we know, South Africans can be badge snobs). It is a popular model for Lexus and, despite the powerplant's downsizing, is sure to do well in the years to come.
