The fifth generation Lexus RX is a useful improvement on its predecessor. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Lexus RX gets smarter and more focused in this MK5 guise. For the first time in several generations, it's been fundamentally redesigned and the result is a full-Hybrid contender that could have conquest appeal in the luxury SUV segment for larger models.

Background

The RX is an important car for the Lexus brand to get right. It shouldn't be its best selling global model, but at the launch of this MK5 version it was, so re-imagining the whole concept behind this long-running model line wasn't without risk. But the market for full-size luxury SUVs is evolving and Lexus felt this fifth generation RX should evolve with it. So it is that there is now a Plug-in Hybrid version - and a ground-breaking Turbo Hybrid too. There's also an all-new GA-K platform, a very different interior and media connectivity on another level from before. Lexus promises that you can even now enjoy driving this car with a bit of vigour. Whatever next?

Driving Experience

In the past, no one has ever bought RX because it's exciting and engaging to drive, but Lexus wants to change that. For the first time in a long time - several generations - the brand has had a complete re-think about how this car should handle, possibly because it now sits on a completely new and much stiffer GA-K platform. From that surer foundation, the engineers have added a new 'Direct4' torque vectoring 4WD system for better tarmac traction through the turns. And developed handling to create what the brand calls the 'unique Lexus driving signature'. The engines - all petrol-powered of course - are different too; there are now three. Things kick off with the RX350h, a 2.5-litre normally aspirated self charging full-Hybrid powertrain with 242bhp and performance similar to the old RX450h (0-62mph in 8.0s). Most customers though, are expected to opt for the RX450h+, the RX model line's first Plug-in Hybrid. This uses the same engine as the RX350h, but pairs it with a rear-mounted electric motor for full-time 4WD. The result is a 302bhp output and 62mph in 7.0s, though you'll have to drive less frantically than that for the 18.1kWh battery to yield its promised EV range of 40 miles. At the top of the range sits an engine that's new not only for the RX but also for Lexus and the industry as a whole: a Turbo full Hybrid - fitted to the RX500h. You can't plug this flagship variant in, but it will drive like no other RX has before, with 366bhp supplied by a 2.4-litre engine and a pair of electric motors that deliver the full-time 4WD system: 62mph is dispatched in just 5.9s.

Design and Build

The RX gets a new visual lease of life in this fifth generation form, with a more dynamic look clearly influenced by the brand's full-electric RZ model and the smaller NX. This so-called 'Next Chapter' design language delivers a more confident stance and emulates the 'spindle body' profile of the RZ. The stylists were going for a more coupe-like feel, dropping the roofline by 10mm, plus there are big 21-inch wheels and sleeker LED headlights. There's just the standard body shape this time round. Inside up-front, there's a more driver-focused minimalist dash, with a standard 14.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen and the usual digital instrument cluster. That'll be new for RX folk, as will be the "Hey Lexus" voice control system, the wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and the cloud-based services that enable 'always-on' connectivity for things like traffic reports. There's vegan leather upholstery and the front seats are heated and cooled. Plus there's a customisable ambient lighting system with 64 colours and 14 pre-set themes. In the rear, a 60mm wheelbase increase frees up useful extra leg space. And out back, there's bigger boot too, 50mm longer than the previous model's.

Market and Model

Prices sit primarily in the £62,000 to £78,000 bracket, so there's a step up from the previous model. To compensate, Lexus has introduced many advanced human-centred technologies in the RX to enhance comfort, convenience and life on board, reinforcing the spirit of its brand's 'omotenashi' hospitality. The RX can be specified with a digital rear-view mirror which gives the driver a wide, unobstructed field of vision, using real-time images from the car's reversing camera. For easier driving in confined spaces, the Digital Panoramic View Monitor uses cameras to capture a live 360° view around and a pre-recorded view under the car. And an Advanced Park system is also available which provides automated control of the steering, shift operation and braking and uses the car's array of four cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to gain an all-round picture of the immediate surroundings. It will also recognise up to three regularly used parking spots. All models of course get the usual 'Lexus Safety System+' safety package, which here offers upgraded functions and increased scope for accident risk detection and prevention. The improvements include further expansion of the Pre-Collision System's ability to detect motorcycles and other objects in the car's path. It can also recognise collision risks with oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians when making a turn at a junction. Its detection response is quicker and the ability to avoid an impact is increased by Emergency Steering Assist. Enhancements have been made to the Adaptive Cruise Control so that it now more quickly recognises traffic cutting in in front and, in conjunction with upgrades to Lane Trace Assist, follows a more natural line through bends.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The base RX 350h returns between 42.2 and 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and between 143 and 150g/km of CO2. For the top RX 500h, you're looking at between 33.2 and 34.5mpg on the combined cycle and between 182 and 189g/km of CO2. The RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid obviously does a lot better. The figures there are between 235.4 and 256.8mpg on the combined cycle and the tax-beating CO2 emissions reading is between 24 to 26g/km. Whichever kind of RX you decide upon, at higher speeds, you'll need to bear in mind that the quoted fuel figures are even more heavily dependent than normal on the driver assuming a significant degree of restraint. Certainly, for noteworthy levels of frugality in day-to-day use with this Lexus, you'll need to keep the powertrain operating setting in 'EV' mode as often as possible. And frequently twist the 'Drive Mode Select' dial near the gearstick into its left hand 'Eco' mode, which moderates throttle response and engine power output while tweaking the climate control. Plus you'll also need to keep a very careful eye on the Hybrid system indicator on the left hand side of the instrument binnacle, making sure that the needle stays as often as possible in the light blue 'Eco' zone.

Summary

This is a different kind of Lexus RX. Just different enough to give the brand a chance of conquest sales in the segment. But not so different that it will alienate this model line's loyal bank of buyers. Many of them perhaps don't need this fifth generation version's more dynamic mindset. We welcome it though. It would have been easy for Lexus to continue on its lazy comfort path with this MK5 RX. Instead, something more interesting has been delivered here. Whether it's interesting enough to tempt Teutonic brand customers, it'll be fascinating to see. They should certainly give this Japanese contender a chance. It feels special inside, the Hybrid engines are supremely efficient and media connectivity is at last up to the highest class standards. Whether you choose an RX over similarly priced full-electric Lexus RZ - or a more affordable and slightly smaller Lexus NX - is another question. But if you're sold by the cool plush brand vibe, making up your mind between the three should be one of life's more pleasant choices.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Front and rear one touch power windows with voice command

Ultra Violet (UV) and heat insulating tinted glass

Water repellent front side glass

Glass breaking sensor

Acoustic front and rear side glass

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Rear disc brakes

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake Assist

Electronic parking brake

Electronically controlled braking

Hill assist control

Standard front brake calliper

18" front disc brake

Standard rear brake calliper

Carpets/Rugs

Textile carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Predictive efficient drive

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

E-call

Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto

Driver Aids

Emergency steering assist

BSM - Blind spot monitoring

360 degree panoramic view monitor

Speed sensitive electric power assisted steering

EV mode

Front and rear parking sensor with intelligent clearance sonar

Emergency driving stop system

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Rear cross traffic alert with auto braking

Rear pedestrian detection

Road sign linked speed limiter

Front cyclist, motor cycle, pedestrian detection

Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)

Driver Convenience

Push button starter

Electric tailgate with handsfree function

Tailgate height memory function

Boot lid push button release

Driver Information

Head up Display

Trip meter

Driver monitoring system

Intersection turn assist

MM21 Lexus link pro - 14" HD touchscreen with embedded and cloud based navigation, voice assistant, connected services, over the air and always online

12.3" Tazuna cockpit

HD Digital speedometer

Eco driving indicator

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Door mirror indicator lights

Electric adjustable, folding, heated, reverse tilt door mirror with electro chromatic on driver side

Embellishment Trims

Black hologram inlay

Tahara dashboard trim

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

12 speakers audio

5 USB ports (3 front USB C and 2 rear USB C)

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Black roof rails

Chrome window mouldings

Shark fin antenna

F SPORT exterior styling

Chrome door belt moulding

Rear side wing doors

F SPORT front and rear bumpers

Black outer mirror cover

Black resin rocker panel

F-Sport design badge in front wings

Hidden exhaust in rear bumper

F-mesh signature radiator grille

Tailgate scuff plate in resin

Exterior Lights

Headlight washers

Puddle lights

LED daytime running lights

LED cornering headlights

LED front indicators

LED brake lights and rear lights with emergency brake signal

Auto headlights

LED front and rear fog lights

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

L-shaped rear light bar

3 projector bi-beam LED headlight with auto high beam

Active brake lights

Auto levelling headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Climate concierge

Three zone climate control air conditioning system with Nanoe technology

S-Flow technology for climate control

Remote climate control

Clean air filter with pollen PM removal

Automatic air circulation control

Interior Features

Electric adjustable steering column

Rear centre armrest

Leather gearshift

Heated steering wheel

3 spoke leather steering wheel

Front and rear cup holders

Smooth leather upholstery

12V accessory port centre console and luggage compartment

Paddle shifts

Two way opening centre armrest with storage

Front tray in front of centre console

Easy access steering wheel

Rear resin scuff plates

Lever type shft control

Tahara door panel finish

LED glove box light

Steering wheel mounted customizable touch control

Ammonite sand interior roof

Manually retractable luggage cover

USB port (Type - A) front centre console

Storage box in rear centre armrest

Front stainless steel scuff plate with Lexus logo

Tahara door pocket

Tahara glove box

Interior Lights

LED luggage compartment lighting

64 colour LED ambient interior illumination with 14 pre-set themed colour tones

LED Door courtesy lights

Safety

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Drivers knee airbag

i-Size and ISOFIX rear child restraint system

Front passenger airbag cut off switch

3 point ELR front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners

E-Latch with safe exit assist

Manual child lock in rear doors

Front and rear seatbelt audible and visual warning indicator

Curtain shield airbags (front and rear)

Lexus safety system+ 3 - dynamic radar cruise control, pre collision system day and night, lane tracing assist, road sign

Extended lexus safety system+ 3 - lane change assist, front cross traffic assist

SRS driver and front passenger airbag

SRS front centre airbag

Tyre pressure warning with auto location

Seats

8 way electrically adjustable front seats

3 rear headrests

Heated and ventilated front seats

Easy access driver seat

Driver seat memory function

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

2 way manually adjustable rear headrests

2 way manually adjustable front headrests

Standard front seats

Single front passenger seat

2 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Manually folding and reclining rear seat backrest

Security

Thatcham category 1 alarm + immobiliser

Intrusion sensor

2 x remote key fobs

Tilt sensors

VIN etching

Wireless door lock

Double door lock

Ultra-wideband

Smart key with smart keyless entry and start

Auto door lock

Towing

Trailer sway control

Transmission

E-Four Automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

2 x Sunvisors with vanity mirror and lamp

Sunglass holder in front overhead console

Wheels

Body coloured moulding wheel arches

Wheels - Alloy

21" 10 spoke gloss black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.8

Battery Type: Nickel-Metal Hydride

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 66

CO: 0.146

HC: 0.017

NOx: 0.005

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0003

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 126

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 143

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 120

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 126

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 143

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 103.4

CC: 2487

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: A25A-FXS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 53.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 37.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.6

General

Coin Series: F-Sport Design

Coin Description: h

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 43E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 89

NCAP Safety Assist %: 91

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 250

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 250

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 184

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 247

Engine Torque - NM: 335

Engine Torque - RPM: 4300

Engine Torque - MKG: 34.2

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 235/50 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4890

Width: 1920

Wheelbase: 2850

Height: 1695

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1965

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2660

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 695

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 612

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1678

Exterior Body Features

Side steps

Special metallic paint

Interior Lights

Illuminated trunk

Packs

Protection pack - RX

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Deep blue

Metallic - Graphite black

Metallic - F Sport White

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Azure blue

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Special metallic - Sonic platinum

Special metallic - Sonic copper

Towing

Detachable towing hitch with 13 pin electrics

Trim - Leather

Smooth leather - Black

Smooth leather - Ammonite sand

Smooth leather - Hazel

Smooth leather - Dark sepia