Lexus RX

The driving experience of the Lexus RX revolves around comfort and refinement. It is not designed to be overtly sporty, but it excels in delivering a calm and composed ride.

City Driving Experience

In city conditions, the hybrid system allows the Lexus RX to run in EV mode at low speeds. That is a typical trait of all strong hybrid vehicles. This makes it extremely quiet in traffic conditions. The steering is light and visibility is good for a vehicle of this size. Hence, driving it around the city is not cumbersome at all.

The suspension absorbs potholes effectively, which is ideal for Indian roads. In fact, that is a critical aspect of this luxury SUV. As a consequence, the start-stop traffic feels effortless due to the smooth e-CVT gearbox.

Highway Driving Experience

On the other hand, the RX feels stable and relaxed on the highways. The opulent SUV prioritises cruising comfort in the 350h guise, while the RX 500h offers strong acceleration and confident overtakes. Finally, the high-speed stability is excellent, and the cabin remains whisper-quiet even at triple-digit speeds. This ensures confident operation during spirited rides.

The RX 350h Exquisite is ideal for buyers who want comfort and efficiency. It delivers a plush ride and excellent fuel economy, while keeping the affordability in check in comparison to the highest trim.

In addition to that, the RX 350h Luxury adds cosmetic enhancements and a slightly sportier feel. Hence, those who want the SUV with a more imposing road presence and some more creature comforts should ideally go for this version.

Finally, the RX 500h F Sport+ is for those who want performance without sacrificing hybrid efficiency. With AWD and significantly higher power, it offers a more engaging drive. Therefore, the driving aficionados would purchase this avatar in a heartbeat. For most Indian buyers, the RX 350h strikes the best balance between price, features and efficiency.

The Lexus RX delivers performance that is tuned for smoothness rather than outright aggression. In essence, there is enough grunt in the hybrid mill to get the owners excited about the long highway journeys.

• 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds (RX 350h)

• 0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds (RX 500h)

The RX 350h feels effortless in daily driving. The hybrid system provides instant torque, making city acceleration smooth and linear. In fact, the transition between electric and petrol power is almost imperceptible. That smoothness is what hybrid mills are famous for.

The RX 500h, on the other hand, feels significantly quicker. The turbo-hybrid setup delivers strong mid-range punch and confident overtaking ability. In any case, both variants prioritise ride comfort. The suspension is tuned for Indian road conditions, ensuring a plush experience even on broken surfaces.

The latest RX adopts the new design language from the Japanese luxury carmaker. The trademark spindle grille has evolved into a cleaner, body-coloured unit, giving the SUV a more sophisticated look. In addition, the slim LED headlamps, striking LED DRLs and sharp character lines add to its modern appeal. Also, the chrome elements on the lower section of the bumper add to the bling. 

Moving down the sides encapsulates a distinct curve on the side body panels, a coupe-like roofline and black side pillars, which enhance its sporty stance without compromising practicality. Moreover, the elegant alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, rugged rear bumper and connected LED tail lamps give the RX strong road presence. It looks premium without being overly aggressive. All in all, the SUV certainly bears a strong road presence.

The interior of the Lexus RX is among the best in its class in terms of material quality and comfort. In fact, that has been its major appeal because that is what the consumers want at this price point.

Seating & Space

The RX offers spacious seating for five adults. The front seats are electrically adjustable with heating and ventilation. Also, the rear seat comfort is excellent, making it ideal for chauffeur-driven usage. In India, owners love to use it as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Practicality & Storage

Being a premium mid-size SUV, the boot space stands at around 461 litres. This is adequate for long journeys even for large families. The cabin also offers multiple storage spaces. Therefore, one wouldn’t feel the need for more compartments inside the cabin.

Technology & Features

The tech and convenience amenities are the most important aspects of modern cars. This becomes truly eminent in cars at this price point. Some of the main in-cabin attractions of the RX include a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, Mark Levinson premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, 10-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support up/down headrest adjustment driver & passenger memory function, colour head-up display, touch tracing operation, wireless charger, 3-zone automatic climate control, etc. Evidently, the list of tech, connectivity and convenience amenities is rather extensive.

Safety remains among the most imperative aspects for Lexus. The RX comes with Lexus Safety System+ which includes Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Adaptive cruise control, Lane keep assist, Blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera, Autonomous emergency braking, Lexus Safety System +3, Pre collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Full Speed range, etc. These features ensure that the RX remains safe in both city and highway conditions.

Lexus RX Rivals & Positioning

In India, the Lexus RX competes with:

• Mercedes-Benz GLE - It has to be among the most successful products in this space with its brand value and appeal.

• BMW X5 - The X5 combines the latest tech and performance brilliantly, which is why it is a go-to choice for a whole bunch of celebrities.

• Audi Q7 - The Q7 represents just about the best that Audi has to offer. This includes tech, convenience, styling and performance.

However, the RX differentiates itself with hybrid efficiency, superior refinement and lower long-term running costs.

Some of the main strengths and weaknesses of the Lexus RX luxury SUV include:

The Lexus RX is ideal for buyers who value comfort, efficiency and long-term reliability. It may not be the sportiest SUV in its segment, but it excels in delivering a serene luxury experience. For Indian buyers looking for a hybrid luxury SUV that is comfortable, feature-rich and easy to live with, the RX makes perfect sense.