The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV that Lexus, a high-end brand of Toyota, has been selling since 1998. The Toyota Harrier was initially made available in its native Japan in late 1997, while export sales of the Lexus RX started in March 1998. [1] There have been four generations of the RX made to date, the first being tiny in size and the latter three being categorized as mid-size. The RX is regarded as the first premium crossover SUV[2][3]. The RX series has utilized both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive setups, and many gasoline powertrain options, including V6 engines and hybrid systems, have been provided. The RX stands above the smaller NX crossover with a smaller displacement inline-four engine and below the bigger GX and LX (marketed as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Toyota Land Cruiser body-on-frame SUVs outside of North America) in the Lexus model lineup. RX stands for “Radiant Crossover,” hence the name. [4] In some markets, it has also been referred to as “Recreational Cross Country.” [5] The Highlander/Kluger and the Harrier and Venza were once the RX’s Toyota competitors.
Sales of the 3.0 liter V6-powered first-generation RX 300 started in 1998. A 2.2-liter inline-four, later increased to 2.4 liters, was also available in the 1997 Harrier for the Japanese market. The second-generation RX 300 (3.0 liter V6) and RX 330 (3.3 liter V6) vehicles first went on sale in 2003, while the more potent RX 350 (3.5 liter V6) took their place in the market in 2006. In the Japanese market Harrier, a 3.0 liter V6 engine and a 2.4 liter inline-four engine were offered. The 3.3-liter second-generation vehicle was made available in 2005 as a hybridized gasoline-electric version under the names RX 400h in international countries and Harrier Hybrid in Japan. Both the RX 350 (3.5-liter V6) and RX 450h (3.5-liter V6 hybrid) models were initially available for the third generation, which debuted in 2009. Since 2010, however, Lexus has also marketed the entry-level RX 270 (2.7-liter inline-four) in several Asian markets, including Japan. Japanese sales now take place under the RX moniker rather than Harrier as they had in the past since the third generation’s debut. The 2.7-liter engine was replaced by a turbocharged (2.0-liter inline-four) RX 200t/300 variant in the fourth generation.
Since its debut, Toyota Motor Kyushu has been producing the RX. The RX and RX Hybrid were the first Lexus models to be produced outside of Japan; North American market versions were made at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada factory in Cambridge, Ontario starting in 2003 (RX), and it was enlarged in 2014. (RX Hybrid). [6] Since 2009, hybrid transaxles are manufactured at the Kokura facility in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. [7] [8]
In This Article...
What does RX in a Lexus mean?
RX Lexus. Radiant Crossover is the name of the particular model. The word Radiant stands for the optimistic future that Lexus had in mind when the car was introduced at the beginning of the millennium.
What is the Lexus version of the RX?
The Lexus RX 350L and Toyota Highlander are two of the most well-liked SUVs on the market. The Lexus RX 350 has far more expensive materials and a sportier ride, but the Highlander is one of the best options for a three-row SUV. These cars are somewhat different from one another.
What distinguishes a Lexus RX from a Lexus RX 350?
The main seating capacity difference between these two RX trims is the RX 350 L’s addition of a third row, which the base RX 350 lacks. With captain’s seats for 6 or a bench for 7, the RX L can accommodate up to 7 passengers, although the RX can only accommodate 5. The RX L is the ideal large SUV for you if you need to transport a lot of luggage and equipment in addition to passengers. This adds up to greater cargo space possibilities in the RX L behind each row of seats. However, the RX 350 has the advantage of having slightly more space in terms of the first and second/rear rows’ headroom and legroom measurements. How much passenger and cargo room do you actually need ultimately determines which of the two you should choose. If you decide that, an RX is available for you.
What Lexus model is the most trustworthy?
According to a Consumer Reports study, the Lexus GX was rated as the most dependable car on the road for 2022. This roomy luxury SUV can handle off-road conditions, making it a favorite of families and adventurers.
What Lexus model is the best-of-the-best?
Lexus GS F MSRP: $85,010 The GS F, the most potent of all Lexus sedans, achieves an exquisite balance between driving dynamics and refinement. The 467-hp V8 engine in the GS F is the pinnacle of Lexus engineering and design both inside and out.
Which is preferable, a Lexus or a Toyota?
In the U.S. News Battle of the Brands comparison, Lexus defeated Toyota in five of the 13 categories performance, interior, safety, subcompact SUV, and midsize SUV outperforming Toyota in all 13 categories. In the 44-inch midsize SUV class, the two brands were tied.
Although Lexus only triumphed in less than half of the categories, U.S. News nonetheless named it the superior vehicle overall. This is largely attributable to how well the high-end brand performed in the crucial areas of safety and performance. In the latter, Lexus cars typically outperform even the most sporty Toyota models in terms of handling.
Toyota is surpassed by Lexus in terms of interior design as well. While both companies have generally appealing interiors, Lexus cars consistently come with premium materials, cozy seats, and a more opulent vibe.
The Lexus brand is known for its emphasis on luxury, comfort, and overall performance. If you have a higher income and desire a car that provides a pleasant driving experience without compromising performance, upgrading can be worthwhile. If you’re looking for a sports vehicle or an SUV, the upgrade is especially valuable because Lexus consistently obtains top ratings in these categories.
Is the Lexus RX the Highlander’s similar size?
You’ll find it simpler to get in and out of the Lexus RX 350 than the Toyota Highlander in a confined parking space because it is slightly thinner. The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 use almost the same amount of space in your garage when comparing overall lengths.
Which SUV from Lexus is the most dependable?
The most trustworthy SUV is the Lexus GX. According to CR, this vehicle received a great score of 81. The GX is a full-size luxury SUV with three rows of seating and a potent V8 engine. This car is indestructible and has a lengthy lifespan because to its body-on-frame design. The GX offers all you need if you’re looking for an SUV that can tackle off-road adventures and tow up to 6,500 pounds.
What makes the RX 350 so well-liked?
One of the most well-known luxury car brands in the US is Lexus. The fact that Toyota owns it is a major contributor to its popularity. It comes as no surprise that the Lexus RX continues to outsell rivals given the popularity of the brand as a whole. Even when measured against the Genesis GV80 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most analysts concur that the RX doesn’t face particularly challenging competition.
What Lexus SUV is the most opulent?
The Lexus LX is the largest and most opulent SUV offered by the Japanese luxury brand, and for 2022 it will receive a complete overhaul from the wheel nuts up.
To what Lexus does the Toyota Highlander compare?
Many of the same opulent amenities found in the Lexus RX 350, which has a base price of $41,900, are also available in the Highlander LTD model. Given that both SUVs are equally equipped, it is important to analyze their differences.
Has the Lexus RX seven seats?
Discover luxury that centers on you. This luxury SUV includes distinctive, subtle elements that perfectly balance power and sophistication and produce an excellent driving experience. The RX is versatile for any lifestyle and offers 5 or 7 seats, so you may choose the experience you want.
What are some typical Lexus issues?
The most frequent faults reported by Lexus owners are oil leaks, melted dashboards and door panels, frequent Check Engine light lighting, PCM storage of specific codes, and airbag-related problems.
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 has received 122 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) since its release, making it the company’s worst offender overall. The 2011 LS and the 2015 ES are recognized as the second and third most reliable Lexus models ever, respectively, while the Lexus GS consistently experiences few issues throughout all model years.
For a more detailed overview of the most typical Lexus issues in still-for-sale cars, see the chart below.
Is Lexus more dependable than Mercedes?
Reliability is yet another key consideration when buying a new car. 470,000 vehicles from its members were subjected to thorough analysis by Consumer Reports. Lexus received a score of 75, placing third7 out of 28 brands (including mainstream and luxury brands). Lexus has a big lead over Mercedes-Benz, which received a 43 and was rated 20th in reliability.
Are Lexus breakdowns frequent?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, Lexus is ranked 7th among all automobile brands out of 32. This evaluation is based on the average of 345 different models. A Lexus has above average ownership expenses because its average yearly repair cost is $551. The average Lexus owner visits a repair facility 0.5 times annually, and there is an 8% chance that the repair will be significant.