If you’re after a luxury SUV but don’t want to go do a full European, don’t discount a Lexus. Show The Lexus RX is a solid car with a number of models in the range costing from around $72K, to over $110K. I test drove the RX 350 F Sport which costs $93,970, before on-road costs and extras, so it is getting up there price-wise, competing with the Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Volkswagen Touareg. This one is a five-seater, though it does come with seven seats, if that’s what you’re after. Here’s how it did over a few weeks with my family of four. ShowHide all sections The Lexus RX range heads into 2022 largely unchanged, though the limited-edition Crafted models haven’t carried over for the new model year. As before, there’s RX300, RX350, RX450h, RX350L and RX450hL variants to choose from, with non-L versions offering five seats and L versions seating up to seven people. Pricing ranges from just over $73,000 before on-road costs for the entry-level RX300 Luxury, topping out at $112,460 plus on-roads for the seven-seat RX450hL Sports Luxury V6 hybrid. Pricing
All prices exclude on-road costs
EnginesThree powertrains options are available across the 2022 Lexus RX range, though the entry-level RX300 is only available as a five-seater. RX300 models feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic, with outputs of 175kW (4800-5600rpm) and 350Nm (1650-4000rpm). Acceleration from 0-100 takes a claimed 9.2 seconds, and the four-cylinder RX features idle stop/start technology as standard. The RX350 and RX350L are powered by a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol driving all four wheels via an eight-speed auto. Five-seat versions develop 221kW (6300rpm) and 370Nm (4600-4700rpm), while the seven-seat L makes 216kW and 358Nm due to a revised single exhaust system to accommodate the third row of seating. Lexus claims the RX350 can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 8.0 seconds, while the RX350L is 0.2s slower at 8.2 seconds.
Finally, the RX450h and RX450hL team an Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol (193kW/335Nm) with 123kW/335Nm front and 50kW/139Nm rear electric motors, as well as a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. System power output for the hybrid is quoted at 230kW, with no system torque figure quoted, and drive is sent to an ‘E-Four’ electrified all-wheel drive system – petrol engine drives the front, 50kW e-motor drives the rear. The transmission is an e-CVT with six simulated ‘steps’. The hybrid is the most efficient and the quickest, according to Lexus, with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 7.7 seconds in the RX450h and 8.0 seconds in the RX450hL. All models quote a top speed of 200km/h – not that it really matters in strictly-governed Australia. Fuel EconomyCombined fuel consumption by variant is as follows:
Petrol versions of the Lexus RX (RX300, RX350, RX350L) feature a 72L fuel tank, while hybrid models (RX450h, RX450hL) have a slightly smaller 65L tank. All variants require minimum 95 RON premium unleaded. Lexus says all engines are Euro 6 compliant, with combined CO2 output as follows:
Servicing and WarrantyThe Lexus RX is covered by a four-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing intervals are a typical 12 months and 15,000km, whichever comes first. Lexus’s servicing is capped at $595 per visit. You also get access to the Lexus Encore ownership program, which gives owners access to Caltex fuel discounts, invitations to luxury dinners and events, as well as luxury hotel partnership benefits. SafetyAll versions of the RX range were included in ANCAP’s five-star rating from 2015 off the back of Euro NCAP testing. The range received an adult occupant protection score of 83 per cent (despite a 0.0 from 3 result for AEB City), 82 per cent for child occupant protection, 79 per cent for pedestrian protection and 74 per cent for safety assist (with 0.0 out of 3 for speed assistance system). Standard assistance equipment includes:
There’s also a nifty Drive Start Control that reduces power if you grab the wrong between transmission drive modes (for example, Drive to Reverse). The 10-airbag suite encompasses dual front, driver’s knee, front passenger cushion, as well as dual side and curtain coverage for the first and second rows. DimensionsThe 2022 Lexus RX line-up quotes varying dimensions based on body variant and engine variant. RX300 and RX350 models are 4890mm long, 1895mm wide, and 1690mm tall, with a 2790mm wheelbase. The RX450h differs slightly in overall height, being 5mm shorter at 1685mm. Finally, the RX350L and RX450hL measure 5000mm long, 1895mm wide and 1700mm tall with the same 2790mm wheelbase. Ground clearance (measured at the exhaust pipe) is 200mm for RX300 and RX350 variants, while the RX450h hybrids quote 195mm. Kerb weight depends on variant, ranging from 1890kg at its lightest (RX300) to 2275kg at its heaviest (RX450hL). As for towing capacity, the RX300 is rated to tow 1000kg, the RX350 and RX450h 1500kg, while the L models are not able to tow.
Standard EquipmentRX300 Luxury highlights:
The optional Enhancement Pack ($6030) for RX300 Luxury adds:
RX350 and RX450h Luxury add:
The optional Enhancement Pack ($4500) for RX350/RX450h Luxury adds:
RX300/RX350/RX450h F Sport adds:
RX350/RX450h Sports Luxury adds:
Click on the images for the full gallery MORE: Everything Lexus RX What does F Sport add to RX350?Addition of Sport S+ drive mode. F Sport-tuned power steering. F Sport-specific badging. Specific F Sport wheels.
Does RX 350 F Sport require premium gas?You must only use unleaded gasoline in the RX, with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This means the Lexus RX does not require premium gasoline, as the premium octane rating is 91 or higher. Of course, you are free to put premium gas in your Lexus RX, as it can provide better performance, but it is not needed.
How fast is the RX350 F sport?Top Speed of the Lexus RX 350
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 has a top speed of 124 miles per hour. This is a testament to the bold 3.5 liter V-6 engine and the standard 8-speed auto transmission, working together to give an exhilarating drive.
Where is the Lexus RX 350 F Sport made?Cambridge, Ontario, Canada is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. This plant is responsible for the Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Finally, the US home to Lexus is Georgetown, Kentucky, United States.
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