For many years, the Lexus RX has been synonymous with a large and luxurious SUV equipped with an economical hybrid powertrain. We have currently tested its modernized fourth generation, which has received light retouches of the external appearance, has also earned a touch screen for on-board infotainment and now also offers a hybrid drive system of the fourth generation.
The hybrid we tested therefore had a smooth-sounding six-cylinder petrol engine, a pair of electric motors, an automatic transmission with continuously variable transmission and the highest level of Luxury equipment.
Modernized exterior
The current modernization affected the external appearance of the car mainly in the front section. For me, the modernized RX in this part has lost a little of its original ferocity and originality of concept, all thanks to the much smoother front bumper shapes.
However, the signature of the Lexus car company is still clearly legible from the car, so there is no shortage of sharply cut lines and dynamic shaping of individual parts of the car.
The revised front part now has a differently structured mask, which traditionally extends to the lower part of the bumper and thus denies the classic division of cars in this part. We also have differently shaped adaptive headlights, which are interesting with their technology, which Lexus calls BladeScan. The new headlights look like something out of the realm of fantasy, as they feature a pair of rapidly rotating blade-shaped mirrors, on which the rays from the LED headlight source fall and are then distributed through the headlight glass onto the road. In principle, however, it is still a question of shading certain areas on the road, for the reason of not dazzling oncoming drivers.
As part of the side part, even after modernization, it is worth noting the molding of the lower part of the door, which effectively rises in front of the rear wheel and thus optically increases the car's threshold to a considerable size. Furthermore, it is the glazing that continuously transitions into the rear window within the "clove" column and thus creates a very effective impression of a floating roof.
The rear part looks the calmest of the entire car, the horizontally oriented lamps received a different internal structure as part of the modernization. However, they are still effectively wedge-shaped in their upper parts.
The tested version was fitted with decent 20-inch wheels with a very decent design that underlined the overall impression of the car.
Even after modernization, the Lexus RX 450h is a car that adheres to the automaker's clear signature. It thus offers an original approach to shaping the car in combination with a very dynamic concept of individual parts.
Interior, now also touch-sensitive
The main novelty of the modernized version is touch control of the on-board infotainment display. A lot has already been written about the infotainment control of Lexus cars, mainly because of the difficulty of controlling it, which also applied to the latest version of the so-called touchpad. Personally, I have never been so skeptical and I always got used to controlling the infotainment with the touchpad quite quickly. Yes, it's not so ideal in the context of the competition, but you really get used to it.
The modernized RX therefore comes with the possibility of touch control of the display, with the constant presence of the notified touchpad. The touch control appears to be trouble-free to the user, but I still used the touchpad more. The Lexus RX is simply a large car with a spacious interior, and when you sit comfortably in its voluminous and high-quality leather-covered seats, you are unfortunately not that close to the display itself.
I praise the infotainment display for its size (12.3 inches) and clarity, another novelty is its support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
The instrument panel in front of the driver has a classic speedometer and force meter, then a tachometer when the vehicle is switched to sports mode. The display of the on-board computer is located between the alarm clocks, and within the instrument panel there is also an indicator of the fuel level and engine temperature.
The central part of the dashboard has classic air conditioning vents, between which are located an elegant analog clock, as well as controls for the audio system and air conditioning. A precise Mark Levinson premium audio system continues to provide the traditionally brilliant sound in the car.
The interior of the Lexus RX has always had enough space for the driver and passengers, and this is not the case with the modernized fourth generation. The same applies to the space in the second row. The rear bench can be moved horizontally and the backrest itself can be electrically positioned.
The luggage compartment of the modernized fourth generation currently offers 539 liters of volume, after folding the rear seats 1612 liters.
As a result, the interior of the RX itself is very elegant and well-made, with good internal ergonomics and spaciousness. Unfortunately, the era of "buttons" has long since passed, and the age of the fourth generation is starting to show on the interior of the car.
Hybrid motorization
The tested Lexus RX 450h was equipped with a fourth-generation hybrid powertrain. The RX model then combines a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline six-cylinder with a power of 193 kW in its hybrid. The petrol engine is further supported by a pair of electric motors, each operating one of the axles. The electric motor on the front axle has a power of 123 kW, on the rear axle 50 kW. The total combined output of this hybrid system is 230 kW (313 horsepower).
The RX hybrid powertrain is my favorite, the 3.5-liter gasoline V6 has a wonderful sound, which is very adequate for the luxurious concept of the whole car. The speech of the petrol "predator" is very decently transferred to the cabin and is very well listened to. The weak side of this performance is the transmission with continuously variable transmission, the automatic transmission practically does not shift and the arbitrary sounding performance is unfortunately deprived of this part.
The Lexus RX 450h is a classic hybrid, so the car is recharged only by recuperation and using the gasoline engine. The advantages of this powertrain will be most evident in urban traffic. Here, you are able to solve all standing at traffic lights and remaining in queues purely on "electricity", which you have created in a certain part by previous recuperation. In this environment, Lexus can be very economical both in terms of emissions and consumption.
Furthermore, there is the possibility of activating a purely electric mode, but it usually does not last very long for the Lexus, the requirements for the necessary current power simply increase, or the limit speed at which the electric motor is capable of working independently is exceeded.
With its 230 kW of combined power, the Lexus RX 450h can also demonstrate very dynamic driving characteristics. It manages to accelerate to 100 km/h in a very respectable 7.7 seconds, even with its extra weight. And thanks to the revised transmission, it also offers a very continuous and decent pull accompanied by the sound of the "clamshell" 3.5 liter.
This hybrid system therefore still offers a tremendous variety of driving performance. From the position of purely electric mode to the dense expression of the six-cylinder gasoline engine.
The consumption of a car depends a lot on where you will be driving it. In an urban environment, you are able to save some kilometers as part of recuperation, which you then drive in purely electric mode. The consumption then decreases and getting to 8 liters with it is completely realistic. I quite enjoyed the sound of the tested engine and the consumption was slightly below the 10 liter limit.
In conclusion
The currently modernized RX is still a premium luxury SUV that will appeal to you with its original and dynamic exterior, spacious and well-crafted interior and, given the car's standards, also an economical hybrid drive.
As part of the promotional offer, it starts at 1,530,480 CZK including VAT, specifically the RX 450h 4×4 E-FOUR BUSINESS EDITION. You can then purchase the top Luxury equipment tested by us from CZK 2,310,000 including VAT.
The Lexus RX certainly does not have it easy in its segment, but its strengths include an original and very dynamic concept, great driving comfort and years of proven hybrid technology.
