Lexus RX (A10/A15/H16/H17)

The Lexus RX, the forefather of luxury crossovers, is now on its fifth generation, and it promises to be the most revolutionary RX ever made because of its powerhouse choice of powertrains, highly advanced tech, and the most luxurious features to date.

2023 Lexus RX

With prices starting at 6,640,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, fifth-generation, Lexus RX is the latest evolution of the forefather of luxury crossovers. How's it going right now is entirely up to this newest version, which is packed with new features that made it the best RX ever made.

2023 Lexus RX

Beginning with the design, the new RX carries the new-generation Lexus design DNA inherited from the current NX, so you can think of it as its big brother. While the controversial front face is the signature Lexus moment, the rear view can be easily mistaken for the defunct Infiniti QX70 while the rear view can be vaguely mistaken for an Opel Adam. Despite its debatable design, it's still the best of both worlds and the same goes for the sporty F SPORT variant with sporty aesthetics slapped all over.

2023 Lexus RX interior

The new interior adopts the Tazuna Concept approach to make it minimal and driver-focused. The Remote Touch from the previous model's gone because it now features a touchscreen on the dashboard with a set of dials on it for volume control and others as well as USB-C outlets, ambient lighting system, available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system, available Qi wireless charging port, and others. Some would find it rocket science but it's worth fun toying with its features, given that you don't want to spend too much time on the voice control a la Alexa.

On the passenger side, this five-seater is more spacious in boot space and legroom terms than the previous model thanks to its bigger dimensions. This should be more than enough to escort VIPS while carrying sensitive cargo like a classified courier on a mission.

2023 Lexus RX

Running on the improved TNGA platform, the all-new RX behaves better than the previous model it replaces, and no matter which driving mode you're on, be it in its most comfortable setting or in the sportiest setting (if you're in the F SPORT variant), it always leaves a lasting impression everywhere. Although it feels Audi-ish to drive, the new RX is all about making a statement on those behind the wheel.

Speaking of powerhouse choice of powertrains; the all-new RX is offered with a choice of a turbo, PHEV, and the first ever turbo-hybrid exclusive for the RX500 F SPORT Performance. The RX350's T25A-FTS 2.4L turbo engine produces 279PS of power, 430Nm of torque, and while mated to an 8-speed AT, it has 11.8km/L of fuel economy. In the first-ever RX450h+ PHEV, the A25A-FX5 2.5L petrol engine is connected to two electric motors generating a total of 309PS of power, and while mated to a CVT gearbox, it has 18.8km/L of fuel economy. Lastly, the first-ever RX500 F SPORT Performance combines the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged engine to two electric motors and a nickel-metal battery, producing a sporty 371PS of power and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it has 14.4km/L of fuel economy. All are calculated by WLTC Mode standards.

Because the world is in the middle of the new normal, the all-new RX comes with Lexus Safety System +, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Collision Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Advanced Drive, Advanced Park, and Safe Exit Assist, among many others.

After two decades of evolution, the fifth-generation Lexus RX feels like it had reached its zenith. It's not just an evolution, it's more like a revolution as some would say. As a luxury crossover built for all walks of life, the Lexus RX is all business, all leisure, like it or not. The more you know.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus RX (L20/L25) - 2020 facelift

The forefather of the luxury crossovers, the Lexus RX, currently on its fourth generation, has been updated for the 2020 model year and the recent minor change, starting less than 5.2 million Yen, saw some subtle changes to it. Let's uncover more about the recent minor change and see what's what.

2020 Lexus RX

2020 Lexus RX interior

Starting on the design, the latest minor change features a revised front design with "triple-eye" LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, which incorporates the Adaptive Highbeam System with BladeScan, which is somewhat useful in nighttime driving, of course. Apart from the new lamps, the 2020 RX features a revised bumper, rear lamps with sequential turn signals that scare motorists aplenty like a Ford Mustang, and some revised undersides. On the inside, the display screen in the dashboard's bigger than they were last time and it features smartphone connectivity that works with your iPhone or Android phone, which is somewhat a handful for tech-savvy drivers. Of course, despite the revised dashboard, the RX is still offered as a five-seater for RX300 and RX450h models or a seven-seater for the RX450hL models.

The 2020 RX still retains the choice of either a  2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine for the RX300 or a 2GR-FXE petrol engine with two electric motors in all wheels for the RX450h. The 8AR-FTS engine develops a power output of 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and when mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, fuel economy is expected at 11.8km/L in the JC08 scale. The hybrid powertrain, meanwhile, has a fuel economy of 18.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

In F-Sport variants, the ride and handling has been improved slightly thanks to the addition of NAVI AI-AVS (Adaptive Variable Steering) as well as improved suspension setup for better dynamics.

The 2020 RX ups the safety ante with the fitment of Lexus Safety System+ with Pre-Collision System with Front Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, and AHS. They're all standard in all models.

So, with more and more people are growing interests on luxury crossovers, the Lexus RX is the first thing that comes to their mind and with the recent minor change, it's hard to think numerous reasons why the RX will remain open for men in suits who are interested in luxury crossovers rather than luxury sedans but if there's one, it's perhaps this is the one to blame for the rise of luxury crossovers.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus RX450hL

2018 Lexus RX450hL

2018 Lexus RX450hL interior

For the first time in Lexus history, there's now a three-row crossover utility vehicle in the lineup in the form of the long-wheelbase variant of the current-generation Lexus RX and with the arrival of the longer and more practical variant of the Lexus RX, there are almost endless possibilities this crossover can make use of, either for family use, for escorts, a trip with the mates, or any kind of activity drivers can see fit.

At first glance, it looks pretty much like the same Lexus RX you're familiar with but since this is the long-wheelbase model, the length of this crossover has gone up to 4.3 inches (110 mm), accommodating the extra rear seats at the back to become a seven-seat crossover no one saw it coming.

Of course, you still have the same bits and bobs you'd expect on the interior but because there's now a third-row seat, there are different ways to get in and out of the RX L and it's not going to be that easy when the second-row seats are heavily occupied by the dreaded child seats because at times when most of the child seats occupied the second-row seats, how are you supposed to get through the third-row seats? Sure, it's got surprising headroom not bad by third-row seating standards but because of all the twisting and bending, you're going to pull one off while getting through the third-row seats, which will drive you a bit mad.

Don't worry though because the starting price of 7,690,000 Yen is too expensive to be a family carrier, especially when the family carrier is actually based on the Lexus RX450h, which pairs the 262PS D4-S injection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, while mated with a CVT gearbox. Such a powertrain delivers 17.8km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards, which is very impressive for a seven-seater luxury crossover, although it wasn't as enjoyable to drive as they'd hoped for. Still, it takes to get used to its civilized but decent driving style that is very Japanese by Japanese luxury car standards. It even comes with Lexus Safety System + which comprises of Pre-Crash Safety System, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control.

Even though the RX450hL is too expensive for a family mover, perhaps there's a great way to use the added practicality of this variant aside from using it for impromptu business trips, escorting a VIP, or doing any other stuff you see fit because thanks to the added practicality customers have been demanding for, the RX L might just be fit enough for your next busy schedule.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Lexus RX (L20/L25)

2016 Lexus RX

Lexus' luxury crossover, the RX, is now on its fourth-generation (in world market terms anyway) and for its regeneration, the new RX wants to upset the opposition with its radical new design inside out as well as its new tech features suitable for a luxury SUV fit for those who want to mix business with pleasure. Performance-wise, it's not what you called wise, but anyway, let's dig first on what the new RX looks like.

2016 Lexus RX interior

In the eyes of an observer, the new RX's design looks more of a departure from the predecessors' designs which dates back to the first-generation Toyota Harrier, the SUV that was sold to the world market as the Lexus RX until now. Take note that today's Toyota Harrier shares nothing in common with this new Lexus RX, in case any one of you spill the beans. Anyway, in Toyota's eyes, the new design promises to be a more radical approach to today's crossovers, but in my opinion, that design is far too many. One thing that will scare most of us is the incredibly horrid LED sequential turn lamps which behaves like today's Ford Mustang do. Those sequential turn lamps are too scary and if you see one approaching, better not to look at it because it will be like seeing a man with his full moon.

Get inside and everything's well-organized like a well-organized desk, well sorta. On the driver's side, you feel busy because you have all the buttons at your disposal and while on the wheel, feels like you have little time to fiddle with the audio and sat-nav unless if you're at a set of lights, similar to a game of yacht with your pals. On the back, that's where the delightful part comes in because there's an available rear seat entertainment system where no one can argue which movie they want to watch while stuck at traffic. The boot space wasn't so bad even though the new RX has a sloping roofline that resembles a coupe-like silhouette.

2016 Lexus RX

Now, onto the performance side and for the new RX, there has been a shift in the lineup because the previous model's RX270 and the RX350 are removed for this generation and in return, the only petrol engine available for the new model is the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from its little brother, the NX. The 8AR-FTS engine develops a power output of 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and when mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, fuel economy is expected at 11.8km/L. Doesn't sound much but it has enough gusto to squeeze in.

Of course, the hybrid variant, the RX450h, is carried over from the previous model. Of course, it still has the same 2GR-FXE petrol engine but the new model featured new electric motors featuring a 123kW 6JM motor on the front, and for 4WD variants, a 50kW 2FM motor on the back. Combined, the maximum system power output is 313PS, 13PS more than the previous model and fuel consumption has been improved to 18.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. That sounds like a lot but like all good Japanese-made hybrids, it's stuck with the CVT gearbox so don't get too excited here. This is still like a polar bear asking what he wants with the other relatives, probably a grizzly bear and a panda bear of some sorts.

In F-Sport variants, the ride and handling has been improved slightly thanks to the addition of NAVI AI-AVS (Adaptive Variable Steering) as well as improved suspension setup for better dynamics. Yes, it maybe a sport utility vehicle but it handles like a luxury saloon. May not be as good as any European luxury crossovers but the new RX tries to keep its character running in a way a barista gets jolted with electricity.

2016 Lexus RX

For the new RX, it has learned two things straight from its bigger brother, the LX, and the recently facelifted Toyota Crown; first is the Lexus Safety System +, which features a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control. Second is the ITS Connect and it uses Japan's ITS frequency to receive and share data between external infrastructure and other cars via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (Right-turn Collision Caution, Red Light Caution, Signal Change Advisory) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication (Communicating Radar Cruise Control, Emergency Vehicle Notification).

The new RX starts from 4,950,000 to 7,425,000 Yen, which is utterly expensive for a Japanese crossover of that magnitude but when compared to its rivals like the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3, that is where the smart value for money kicked in. So what's to like about it? Its value, tech, interior, and the improved dynamics fit for a luxury car. What I don't like is its hybrid variant not too enthusiastic for the driver, turbocharging too mellow, the loss of the 3.5L V6 variant, and overall...get those stupid LED sequential turn lamps off my face.

Available colors: White Nova Glass Flake, Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Black, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Amber Crystal Shine, Sleek Ecru Metallic, and Deep Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus RX and RX Hybrid Phase II

Back in the beginning of the year 2009, Lexus launched the new RX crossover as a initiation to stop re-badging of Lexus models in Japan as Toyotas was because Toyota was starting to introduce the Lexus brand in Japan. They did offer first the the standard RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and hybrid RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). A year later, an entry level RX 270 (AGL10) came out. Everything seems to be fine for the Lexus RX until now....

2013 Lexus RX 450h

2013 Lexus RX 270

Since the introduction of the new Lexus signature face known as the SPINDLE GRILLE last seen on the 2013 Lexus GS, the latest version of the Lexus RX now has this SPINDLE GRILLE for the 2013 Model Year, keeping it fresh after three years of existence. With this new Spindle Grille, this new Lexus RX minor change is definitely much better to look at because this is...just right. If you park this next to the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK or the BMW X1, expect the unexpected because that SPINDLE GRILLE on the 2013 Lexus RX stand out the rest of them!

2013 Lexus RX 450h interior

2013 Lexus RX 450h interior

In the midst of the refined exterior, the interior has been subtlety refined as well but with a bit upside downs on it. The cassette player from the pre-facelifted RX is gone, the steering wheel is now more of a New GS, and for the first time ever, something that hadn't been done in the first place; REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM! Get it? Rear Seat Entertainment System! There are two monitors mounted behind the front seats so the passengers can enjoy watching movies or TV. When you turned on the navigation system, you would notice that it's the same thing you'd expect from the NEW GS. Happily however, the 2013 Lexus RX still offer the MARK LEVINSON Premium Surround Sound System with 15 speakers for the best sound experience.

Under the hood, the RX350 comes with the titular 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) engine that produces 280PS of power and 348Nm of torque. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode Cycle is 9.1km/L, so it's not what you call it economical. On the entry-level RX270, it comes with the 1AR-FE engine that produces 188PS of power and 252Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 10km/L. They do come with a 6-speed Super ECT.

Now, onto the RX450h, the LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE provides cleaner emissions and low fuel consumption as you go. The combination of the 2GR-FXE engine and the 4JM electric motor will guarantee about almost 300PS of power output. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle is 17.4km/L but because this is a hybrid, it is well suited to Japan's improved "eco-car genzei" system. For zero emissions, a driver can switch the RX450h to EV mode and letting the batteries do the talking on the road but now, the RX450h comes with the Drive Mode Selector that can switch from three different modes; SPORT, NORMAL, or ECO, depending on road conditions.

2013 Lexus RX 450h F-Sport

For the first time, F-Sport is now offered on the 2013 Lexus RX. The RX350 F-Sport features a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, F Sport-tuned suspension, unique sport front bumper and mesh grille, 19-inch split five-spoke wheels in a Dark Graphite finish, and exclusive interior enhancements. Expect CVT on the RX450h F-Sport as you know it. Anyway, the tuned suspension provides firmer shocks and springs for a more engaging driving experience.

Available colors, depending on the variant, are White Pearl Crystal Shine, Quartz White Crystal Shine, Mercury Gray Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Garnet Red Mica, Sleek Ecru Metallic, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, and Lapis Lazuli Mica.

My comment:
So, the 2013 Lexus RX is now more better looking than the previous model and overall, this now has the F-Sport variant. On the inside, what an improvement because of the new navigation system, GS-like steering wheel, and REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. That's good but it's not as good as the Europeans. I'd expect that these would come to the Philippines soon but not the RX270 because that doesn't cover from the JPEPA policy.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Are you the 2013 Lexus RX minor change?

Some Minkara blogger, mercilessly scanned a brochure that what would the 2013 Lexus RX minor change would look like. Check out the scans that you may found out that there's a high possibility that IT IS the 2013 Lexus RX facelift.

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

Based on this leaked brochure done by an Minkara blogger, the 2013 Lexus RX facelift will feature Lexus's new trademark SPINDLE GRILLE that was last seen on the all-new 2013 Lexus GS. On the interior, a new steering wheel design takes place and for the first time, Lexus will be offering an optional rear seat entertainment system on high-range models. Also new for the 2013 Lexus RX is the F-Sport variant.

Based on the scans, it should come out in Japan this April 2012.

Source: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/556631/car/481148/2977698/photo.aspx

Lion Man parked near Westfield South Center

First generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX 300

While we are looking to find some available parking spots at the Westfield South Center on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Seattle (since a lot of people visiting Westfield on Saturdays), I saw a parked Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX on the parking areas of Westfield.

I saw a lot of "lion men" roaming around Seattle...

Uh huh, no doubt that this first-generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX is truly the Harrier I will never forget because of the Japanese TV ads showing the "Lion Man" driving the first-gen Harrier, which is a pre-facelift model lasted from 1997 to 2000. The year 2000 marks the first-generation minor change with a new grille, new rear lamps, new interior. There was a Japanese TV commercial on that but instead of the "Lion Man", the commercial shows more on "Team Harrier", a group of elite people driving Harriers.

It's true that this car is "Wild but formal" indeed.

Japanese TV Commercial (1997):

PR Video:

Japanese TV Commercial (2000):

New Lexus RX

Lexus RX and RX Hybrid

Refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on the world, the all-new, third generation Lexus RX is now all prepared to take on new challenges against popular crossovers from around the world, even the hearts of executives worldwide, do they got what it takes? Only someone lucky enough to own the all-new RX will find out, do not fret.

The first thing to consider the new RX is this crossover’s personality. First, the RX's front really reminds them of the Hyundai Santa Fe, except for the handsome looking grille and the coolest headlamps only a true Lexus fan can imagine.

Second, the new RX has two available engines, a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the soon-to-be-released-worldwide V6 hybrid engine. They'll expect having the 3.5L variant at first, and after a few months of 2009, the hybrid variant has become fully prepared to take on other cars that had hybrids, no wait, there are few hybrid SUVs in this world today, which makes the RX Hybrid feels like it’s running unopposed in the hybrid market.

Third, and the last personality regarding the secrets of the new RX, is the updated interior. The RX's monitor changed from touch screen into something that always done when using the computer, using the remote control identical to the computer mouse. For the sound system, the Mark Levinson premium audio system is a welcome for the new RX, depending on the passengers' likes and wants.

IN ADDITION, THE BEST PART IS: The all-new RX is quite a warm welcome among executives and people who wanted SUVs. No matter who drives this or uses them for such purposes such as protection convoys, family recreation vehicle, gang car, limo, or whatever you want to use it, this is no equal to other crossovers sold in the market. To tell you how the RX might be, it’s quite a key competitor to other SUVs of different classes like the Nissan Murano, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes-Benz GL, BMW X5, Infiniti FX, Hyundai Veracruz, and so on... What is in the RX is quite good for the passenger. Now, touch-screens are out because the new RX has a remote control to access different options such as GPS, MP3, or everything the driver wants or needs. If you have enjoyed the RX, well be patient 'till the time has come for the new RX to shine.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation