Overview

The Lexus RX has been a mainstay of the premium SUV market for a while now. It’s been on sale continuously since 1999, passing through seven model changes in that time. It’s one of the pioneers of the modern luxury SUV that forged the niche’s conventions with cars like the original Range Rover and the Mercedes M-Class.

This is the newest version of the RX. It’s now in its fifth proper generation – and it’s loaded with all the equipment Lexus can throw at it, including a full suite of clever driving assistance technology, the latest version of the firm’s infotainment setup and a choice of three cutting-edge powertrains.

As you’d expect from Lexus, it’s an all-electrified SUV, but definitely not electric – the firm has a standalone EV model, the RZ. For the RX there are a pair of plug-in hybrids as well as a self-charging hybrid. So, it has all the green kudos you could throw at it. But, then, so do key competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the upstart Genesis GV80.

The cheapest model in the RX line-up is the 350h. It’s powered by the same 250hp 2.5-litre full hybrid system found in the entry-level Toyota RAV4. Above that, there’s the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, powered by the same 309hp powertrain as the RAV4 PHEV.

At the top of the SUV’s range there’s the performance focused RX 500h, which gains Lexus’s first ever turbocharged hybrid system. It comprises a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a pair of electric motors and a compact battery pack. There are four trim levels called Premium Pack, Premium Plus Pack, Takumi and F Sport. The first three are available on the 350h and the 450h+, while the last is only available on the sporty 500h.

Standard equipment for the Premium Pack includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger and synthetic leather upholstery.

Premium Plus Pack cars gain ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a 64-colour ambient lighting system, a handsfree tailgate with a kick sensor and real leather upholstery. There’s also a memory function for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and door mirrors.

The RX 500h F Sport gets all the equipment from the Premium and Premium Plus packs, plus some sporty touches like aluminium paddle shifters, a leather steering wheel and set of model-specific 21-inch alloy wheels. You can also specify the Takumi grade’s heated, ventilated and power adjustable rear seats as optional extras.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Lexus RX and rating them in our verdict. Along the way, we’ll consider the car’s driving experience, the quality and comfort of its interior, the level of practicality available and how much it’ll cost you to keep it on the road.