History/Overview
Through 20 years on the market, the RX has established itself as a pre-eminent player in the mid-size luxury crossover segment. Now in its fourth generation, the RX is one of the poshest feeling vehicles in its class thanks to a quiet ride and strong, smooth V6 engine.
Lexus was among the first to bring hybrid power to the class, a move that helped establish Lexus and its Toyota parent as leaders in electrified driving long before it gained mainstream acceptance in the 2010s.
Lexus builds the standard RX in Ontario, but makes the seven-seat L versions in Japan.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
Lexus has refreshed its RX crossover for 2020 in a bid to keep it at the head of its class. New styling front and rear is bolstered by redesigned wheels and headlights.
New tech features include the Android Auto smartphone integration system, making the RX Lexus' first model to offer it. Last year's joystick-based touchscreen controller is replaced with Lexus' newer touchpad design. The 2020 Lexus RX also gets an enhanced active safety system with bicyclist detection and lane tracing assist.
Underneath, the 2020 RX gets a revised suspension with hollow stabilizer bars that are stronger than before. They combine with a firmer suspension to promise a more engaging driving experience.
Available Trims
Base trim is called RX 350, powered by a 3.5L V6 that makes 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. AWD and an eight-speed transmission are standard. The hybrid RX 450h pairs a V6 with electric motors for a combined total of 308 hp and trades the eight-speed for a continuously variable transmission. Both powertrains are also offered in the seven-seat RX 350L and RX 450hL.
Standard Features
RX 350 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a heated, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker stereo with two USB inputs and a subwoofer, heated, ventilated and eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power tailgate, passive keyless entry, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision detection with automatic braking, lane departure alert, automatic high-beam headlights and dynamic cruise control.
RX 450h adds a sunroof, cornering lights, premium auto-leveling LED headlights, LED taillights and 20-inch wheels.
Key Options
Options in RX 350 start with a Premium package of navigation and an in-dash DVD player.
A Luxury package brings front and rear parking sensors, rear door sunshades, a 12.3-inch display, premium LED headlights and taillights, wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, premium leather upholstery, 10-way front seats and 20-inch wheels.
F Sport Series 2 adds F Sport exterior appearance touches, a special gauge cluster, air suspension and sport pedals. A Series 3 package brings a 15-speaker stereo, hands-free tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, 360-degree exterior camera views and power-folding rear seat with power recline.
The Executive package combines the goodies of the Luxury and F Sport Series 3 packages.
The RX 450hL hybrid can be optioned with the Luxury, Executive and F Sport Series 3 packages.
Fuel Economy
As we write this, Lexus had not published fuel consumption figures for the 2020 RX, but the ratings should be similar to those for the 2019 models. RX 350 models are rated 12.2/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the five-seat model and 13.1/9.4 for the larger RX 350L. RX 450h figures are 7.5/8.4 L/100 km for the standard model and 8.1/8.4 in the 450hL.
Competition
RX competitors include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Audi Q5/Q7, Volvo XC90, Lincoln Nautilus (previously the MKX), Buick Envision and Enclave and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. If you're after the seven-seater RX L, Infiniti offers the QX60 as its alternative.
