Launch
The first-generation Lexus RX was launched in 1997. A year after it was offered worldwide. The vehicle was produced in a unibody chassis and runs using a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
Its second generation was revealed at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The freshly designed crossover features a sleek interior and a lavish cabin fitted with modern amenities.
In 2008, its third-generation entered the premium vehicle market fitted with a revised 3.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Its fourth and current generation debuted at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. In May 2019, Lexus Manila unveiled a refreshed Lexus RX meant to satisfy the rising demand for posh crossovers in the local market.
Exterior
The Lexus RX 350, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport, and the Lexus RX 450 shares the same dimension of 4,890mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,685mm tall. The Lexus RX 350L is a bit bulkier with a length of 5,000mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,700mm tall.
Their well-designed front bears the Japanese premium carmaker’s signature sporty spindle grille with a mesh grille, chrome-plated lower shield, a Bi-Beam or a three-eyed LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, and LED cornering lamps. Their robust and athletic body is sculpted with dramatic lines and curves designed with an electrochromic auto-dimming exterior side mirror and a sturdy roof rail at the top. At the rear, a pair of LED turn signals and fog lamps provide efficient illumination.
Supporting the mighty crossover is a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels that adds to its athletic presence.
Interior
The Lexus RX series boasts a roomy cabin with innovative amenities. Highlights include an interior with 3D film, aluminum, or Shimamoku trim. It also comes with power-adjustable seats with memory switches and power lumbar support, F-sport, leather or wood steering wheel, an automatic air conditioning system with clean air filter, electrochromic inside the rear window, and the 60/40 rear seat configuration with split-folding and reclining function that efficiently extends cargo space.
Technology & Safety Features
Providing infotainment is a 12.3-inch EMV touchscreen display with a remote touch interface. The sound system is provided by either the Lexus RX premium sound system with nine speakers or the Mark Levinson premium surround system with 15 speakers.
Safety is assured as it is equipped with a generous number of SRS airbags, an anti-lock brake system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, traction control, back up camera, and rain-sensing wipers.
Platform & Chassis
All variants of the Lexus RX are fitted with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a double-wishbone suspension at the rear. Braking power is assisted by ventilated discs at the front and rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX Sport 350, and the Lexus RX 350L are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 24-Valve engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission with ECT. it is guaranteed to deliver 296 horsepower with 370 Nm of torque.
The Lexus RX 450 is equipped with the same engine but is paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. It is matched with a CVT transmission and is tested to produce 259 horsepower with 335 Nm of torque.
