Browse over 9,000 car reviews
What's the difference?
As far as clichés go, attempting to make “a silk purse from a sow’s ear” couldn’t be more apt than when contemplating the original NX of 2014.
What was essentially the Lexus-fication of the vocal, fidgety and thirsty old Toyota RAV4 may have worked a treat sales-wise, but proved trickier when assessed against the lens of a BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 rival.
The earliest NX just wasn’t refined enough.
This was especially true following the reborn RAV4 arrival in 2019, proving to be embarrassingly more competent – even compared to most luxury midsized SUV alternatives.
Now, finally, the NX redesign has followed suit, moving on to a variation of the Toyota’s stronger, quieter and more advanced TNGA architecture (dubbed GA-K) as a starting base.
Speaking of which, let’s dive straight into the least-expensive version, the NX 250 Luxury 2WD auto, to find out if the most popular Lexus model in Australia has finally found its mojo.
Let's face it. Previous Lexus RXs – and there've been three whole generations since 2003 in Australia and an earlier one (from 1998) if you're reading this from abroad – have always felt a little bit like, well, Toyota Klugers in drag.
Lacking sufficient charisma and talent, none really possessed the appropriate dynamics, sophistication or comfort to effectively take on rivals like the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90.
At least Lexus had the uniqueness and nerve to release a hybrid version way back in 2006 in the pioneering 400h. Remember that?
Now, there's an all-new RX, and it's had quite the transformation. But is it any good? Let's find out.
So, is the cheapest Lexus NX the grade you’d skip? Depends on where you live and drive.
If you’re urban based and bound, save up a bit more and go the petrol-electric hybrid; otherwise, out on country roads especially, the spirited and sporty NX 250 is more than up to the task.
Either way, though, the latest NX is finally fit to fight the other premium brands’ medium SUV efforts, head on and held up high. Welcome to big mid league, Lexus.
Ignore or underestimate at your own peril, everybody else.
So, is the latest Lexus RX good enough to stay, or should it sashay away?
In almost every single way except accessibility (the cheapest is now $15K more expensive, remember), the newcomer is hugely better than the model it replaces, with a level of sophistication and refinement – as well as comfort – that the underwhelming predecessors just could not manage.
And, yes, while there is tech shared with the Toyota Kluger (as there's always been), RX #5 looks, feels and drives much more like a large luxury SUV should.
Speaking of which, few rivals can match the family-friendly RX's combination of customer service, glamour and opulence.
Our verdict then? This Lexus has gone from being a drag to one of the queens of the BMW X5 class. RX... Shantay, you stay!
Lexus says that nearly one million of the original-shape NX versions were produced, so there’s no way that the brand was going to mess with the styling of the latest version. Which explains why picking new from old is a serious case of trainspotting.
But that migration to the TNGA GA-K platform has brought some benefits from a design point of view. The styling now breathes more, especially when viewed rear-on, thanks to a body that’s 20mm longer and wider, as well as a handy 30mm wheelbase stretch.
Drilling into the details, the headlights have an LED ‘tick’ motif, the corporate ‘spindle’ grille isn’t as in your face and the rear gains ‘LEXUS’ lettering spelled out, probably to accentuate stance.
Crisp and elegant, the design works well. This is a handsome machine. Looks expensive too.
They used to say that the revolution will not be televised.
At first glance, the same also applies with this fifth-gen RX, since all the big changes are largely out of view.
Precisely how different it looks depends on which angle you're looking at it from.
Observing nose-on, the RX's front tracks and body are wider and it boasts a new Spindle Body grille design which is meant to have a 3D effect, but is quite fussy to some eyes. And this is meant to carry on through to all future Lexuses, by the way.
Yet, in profile, the newcomer is hard to distinguish from the old one, with its returning floating roof C-pillar motif, which looks quite sleek. Yet the wheelbase has been stretched, which results in 60mm more interior space, and that benefits overall proportions as well as occupants.
Some reckon the strip tail-light design and clean surfacing make the rear the RX's most arresting angle.
Note that Lexus has dropped the old RXL seven-seater model – it didn't sell very well. A replacement is coming but it won't be anything like the new RX. Stay tuned to CarsGuide for more on that in the not-too-distant future!
Though distinctively attractive and obviously well built, the previous NX was quite small for a medium-sized SUV inside, with tight rear legroom.
It also had a nonsense mouse-operated multimedia controller that was fiddly, annoying and counter-intuitive to use.
Thankfully, the new-from-the-ground-up design has rectified both these issues in the latest version.
Now the NX is properly medium-sized, and so easier to get in and out of, as well as palpably roomier front and rear. Employing the RAV4’s TNGA architecture results in a lower and roomier cabin, that benefits all in terms of packaging.
Being the entry-level 250, you might not expect much in terms of interior presentation or style, but Lexus Australia’s product planners have been deft in specifying this grade to make it look luxurious and on-brand.
Body-hugging bolstered perforated leather front bucket seats, in our example finished in a black/cream hue with orange stitching, belie the base-grade reality of the 250. This scheme is also found on the centre console, armrest and door cards, lifting the ambience no end. It looks, feels and smells expensive in here.
The only thing that seems to be missing is a smartphone charger. That's part of a $3K option pack that also throws in a sunroof and foot-operated actuation for the electric tailgate. Not bad.
Then there’s the driving position, with an electrically-operated reach/height adjustable steering column and a multi-configurable seat to help find the right spot. All-round vision is also better than you might expect, no doubt helped out by huge exterior mirrors and a large reversing camera screen.
Typical Lexus-style classy digital instrumentation, directly ahead, are positioned in such a way that you’re not really aware of/missing the available head-up display in higher grades. Though it takes a quick amount of familiarisation, all the info there is ultimately clear and easy to take in.
The same applies to the now touch-only centre screen, which has a slick rich finish and tactility, and also encompasses the climate-control display.
Along with banishing the dreaded mouse pad, kudos to Lexus for also installing physical switches or buttons for the most-used items – audio volume, temperature setting, and front and rear window demisting.
These and the simplified sub-screen menus for navigation, wireless telephony/audio streaming, vehicle diagnoses and vehicle settings amongst other features, is quickly second-nature in their accessibility and operation. And the sound system quality is great too.
One of our very few complaints concerns the Apple CarPlay experience, which seems needlessly complicated to return to if you temporarily switch away from it to the NX’s native multimedia system. Confusing and distracting.
Never mind. There are minivan levels of practicality at work here, from the superb and easily manipulated ventilation system to the seemingly endless storage options, that include bottle holder capability in the doors, a clever lid operation for the huge centre console and properly engineered cupholders.
Lovely lush materials of satisfying quality are further plus points.
We’re also fans of the NX’s electric door opening system with a failsafe handle, meaning you can grasp the door handle inside or out and a solenoid activated by a press in of a thumb releases the door quickly and naturally in a single action; it feels… upmarket and ergonomic once accustomed to.
Accessing the back seat is easy due to the latest model’s larger proportions. Much of the same applies out back as the front seat area in terms of quality of finish and attention to detail. Sculptured and enveloping backrests (adjustable for two reclining positions), a well-padded cushion and more-than-sufficient space for two burly adults or three smaller people means this NX is more family friendly than the swoopy exterior styling suggests.
We’re also happy to find large people-facing air vents, two USB and a 12V outlets, one-touch electric windows with that premium-car soft close mechanism, overhead LED lights, grab handles, centre armrest with cupholders, map storage behind both front seats, coat hooks and good lines of vision further enhance the appealing and comfortable back seat environment. It feels like a Lexus should.
Further back than that, after releasing the electric tailgate via either an interior button or exterior switch, you’ll find that the boot has a fairly high loading lip, but then offsets this with a long, flat floor with matching levels of appropriate-quality finishes. Another 12V plug and two bag hooks are included, along with ample lighting and tie-down hooks. There’s also a hidden deep storage compartment underneath the floor, due to the discontinuation of a spare wheel (due to runflat tyres, remember).
Capacity is rated at a fairly ordinary 520 litres, extending to 1411L with the split/fold backrests folded. You’d expect a remote actuation for the latter like Mazda wagons have had for decades, but none is found at this price point.
Note there is no solid cargo cover either, just a flexible/flimsy fabric item that’s foldable and easily stored.
Overall, though, despite of its base positioning within the NX hierarchy, the 250's interior experience is in keeping with the brand's image.
At nearly 4.9 metres, the RX is deceptively long, and that pays dividends inside, while a larger and roomier cabin are the main beneficiaries of that stretched wheelbase.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a modern, attractive and functional dashboard that looks and feels upmarket – even in the least expensive version. This isn't always the case with luxury SUVs. You're not aware of corners being cut or cheap materials. It all seems really well crafted.
Sumptuous front seats provide loads of squishy, cushy comfort as well as adjustability to help find the right driving position for you. Taller people can now sit lower down if they like, meaning it's less cramped for them now. In fact, most occupants will find the RX pretty spacious up front.
Lexus has also worked hard to right other previous wrongs as well.
While not especially pretty or distinctive, the instruments are clear and informative, providing a wide array of driving, vehicle and multimedia data as required. That old intimidating tech-overkill presentation has been binned. Mercifully.
For example, the central touchscreen now features shortcuts for the most often-used items, so you're not forever diving into menus and sub-menus for climate control, navigation, audio, vehicle settings or phone access. And there's now a 'Hey, Lexus' voice control function to further aid useability.
Other plus points up front in the latest RX include an excellent audio system, extremely effective yet unobtrusive ventilation, and loads of storage – whether in the decently sized glovebox, beneath the vast centre armrest or within the deep door pockets.
And while they might need a moment to get used to, the e-latch electric door handles soon become second-nature to operate. And they provide a potentially life-saving extra bonus.
Speaking of which, there's even more surprise and delight to help you connect with the RX emotionally. It isn't all about wearing sensible shoes in here.
For instance, the big 14.0-inch touchscreen looks and feels contemporary yet is wonderfully user-friendly. It actually invites you to play around with it. The dashboard's horizontal themes create a sense of width and space that's... freeing. There are far fewer buttons than before, down from 81 to 50, though they're also still around for vital functions like audio volume control. And on some grades, the varying ambient lighting choices include exhilarating, relaxing and arousing.
But while this interior is a huge step forward and one of the most appealing aspects of this latest RX, there are some misfires remaining.
Chief among them is the infuriating cruise control buttons with their new-fangled 'capacitive touch' tech, which is fiddly to use and alarmingly distracting. This is a throwback to the infernal mousepad controller found in older models.
The same applies to the camera-based rear-vision mirror found on higher grades, which can induce nausea at a single glance. Did Lexus actually test this on humans beforehand?
Moving to the rear seat, it's clear the company did put the family first, with that stretched wheelbase and extra legroom it liberates. Your 178cm tester found ample headroom, legroom and kneeroom sat behind a front seat set up for them. Meanwhile, the cushion is well padded and the (reclinable) backrest comfy.
Amenities include face-level air vents, climate controls, USB ports, a centre folding armrest with cupholders and storage, overhead lighting and grab handles, deep door pockets and a decent view out.
Overall, that premium feeling up front continues out back too.
And great news for family car buyers – the latest RX's has a larger boot, it now measures in at 612 litres (and expands to 1678L with the rear seats folded down), and comes with a long, flat floor with some storage underneath.
Note, though, that only the F Sport has a temporary spare wheel – the rest make do with a tyre repair kit.
Priced from $60,800 (all prices are before on-road costs), NX 250 Luxury equipment levels are – in a word – generous for an entry-level proposition. In fact, we thought our test vehicle arrived jam-packed with options, but what’s in the photos is standard fare.
There’s no scrimping on safety, for example, with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control, LED lights with auto high beams and Safe Exit Assist – which won’t allow doors to open if vehicles or cyclists are whizzing by and in danger of being struck. Clever.
The NX 250 also scores keyless entry/start, a 9.8-inch touchscreen featuring ‘Hey, Lexus’ voice control, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, powered steering column adjustability, electric front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys running on 235/50 runflat tyres (so no spare wheels whatsoever).
About the only thing we’d like is a smartphone charger, though that’s available as part of a $3000 Enhancement Pack 1, which also throws in a sunroof and kick-sensor activation for that powered tailgate. All for under $64K. Job done.
This is provocative pricing. A base Genesis GV70 RWD starts at $68,500, a Q5 35 TDI diesel FWD costs from $68,350 or nearly $73,000 for the quattro petrol AWD – as does XC60 Plus B5 AWD, an X3 sDrive20i RWD is $76,600 and a GLC 200 RWD is now from $77,305.
Even with the Lexus’ EP1 box ticked, they make the NX 250 seem like conspicuously good value for money.
You’ll find luxuries like leather, adaptive headlights, instrumentation head-up display, a larger touchscreen, vented seats, surround-view camera, premium audio and 235/50 R20-sheathed 20-inch alloys in the bestselling 350h hybrid grade, in either swishier Sports Luxury or racier F Sport grades; both begin at $73,100, AWD adds $4800 and another (rear-sited) electric motor, while that price also covers the rapid and non-hybrid 350 Turbo AWD F Sport.
The flagship NX is the 450h+ F Sport AWD plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from $89,900. The company’s (and Toyota’s) first such tech for Australia.
All NXs include Lexus’ ‘Encore’ aftersales subscription program offering myriad offers and services including “free” car rental.
Like everything in life these days, it costs more to get into an RX.
In fact, some $15,000 more, because the old 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol RX300 is gone, replaced by the new RX350h hybrid as the new base entry-level model.
But Lexus says there's more than enough extra features to offset the price hikes.
As before, there are three established grade levels available: Luxury, Sport Luxury and F Sport.
Exclusive to the 350h, the base Luxury 2WD kicks off from $87,500 (all prices are before on-road costs). It mates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, that drive the front wheels. A second electric motor on the back axle turns it into AWD for $4500 more. That's known as the e-Four system.
The Luxury is far from basic. Standard features include LED headlights, three-zone climate control, electric and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, electric door handles, synthetic leather trim, a 14.0-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker audio, 'Hey, Lexus' voice control, six USB ports, 40:20:40 split rear seats with auto fold, electrically adjustable steering column, a powered tailgate, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels.
There's also plenty of advanced safety kit. Check out the safety section for more details.
Next up is Sports Luxury, available on the 350 (which basically swaps out the hybrid tech for a 2.4L turbo) from $105,900 and 350h hybrid from $111,900.
Keep in mind that, from here on in, every RX comes with AWD.
Sports Luxury equals plush, since it ushers in goodies like bi-LED three-projector headlights with auto high beams and washers, 360-degree surround view monitor, variable suspension damping for a comfier ride, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, heated/vented front seats, slicker leather, extra fancy front seats, 21-speaker premium audio, wireless smartphone charger, power reclining/folding rear seats with heating/ventilation, rear sunshades, ambient lighting and 21-inch alloys. Active Noise Control is also featured on the RX350.
If you want your RX to be a bit sportier, then there's the F Sport in 350 turbo guise from $99,900; it adds uprated brakes, kick sensors for that powered tailgate and more, but loses the Sport Luxury's power folding/heated/vented rear seat, heated wheel and a few other minor items.
There's also an 500h F Sport Performance. From $126,000, this is the RX range-topper for now. Based on the 350 F Sport, it adds a hybrid setup with two electric motors to the 2.4L turbo – a first for any Lexus or Toyota in Australia, as well as rear-wheel steering and an artificial exhaust note piped through the sound system.
Finally, on the base Luxury, Lexus bundles desirable features like leather, a sunroof, vented front seats with driver's side memory, easy-access entry, a head-up display, fancier digital instrumentation and wireless phone charger in an Enhancement Pack.
Starting from $5100, it's like upgrading from Business to First Class travel. There are other option-pack bundles across the range as well.
So, is the new RX good value for money? Undercutting most rivals while not scrimping on features, it's hard to argue otherwise.
There are two ways of looking at this.
Yes, the NX 250 is powered by a variation of the same engine found in the humble base Camry Ascent in Australia at almost half the price. On the other hand, it’s a Toyota powertrain and everything that’s good and reliable and dependable about that. Which is not always the case with premium SUVs.
Dubbed Dynamic Force, which may imply forced-induction like a turbo or supercharger but there isn’t any, the 2487cc 2.5-litre naturally aspirated direct-injection D-4S twin-cam four-cylinder engine delivers 152kW of power at 6600rpm and 243Nm of torque at between 4000rpm to 5000rpm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels only, via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. Tipping the scales at a pretty hefty 1705kg, it’s nonetheless the lightest NX, and manages a power-to-weight ratio of 89.1kW per tonne. That’s about the same as a GLC 200, which uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
As per the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, the RX350h uses a 2487cc 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140kW of power at 5200rpm and 239Nm of torque from 4300-4500rpm.
Combined with a 134kW/270Nm synchronous permanent magnet electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery, it drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Maximum system power is 184kW.
The sprightlier E-Four option adds a second electric motor on the back axle to provide AWD. It betters the 2WD's zero to 100km/h sprint time of 8.1 seconds by 0.2s.
Next up is the RX350, which swaps out the hybrid tech for a 2393cc 2.4-litre turbo unit, pumping out 205kW at 6000rpm and 430Nm from a low 1700-3600rpm, while driving all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter auto. Its 0-100km/h time is 7.6s.
Finally, there's the RX500h hybrid, combining the 350's 2.4L turbo (producing 202kW at 6000rpm and 460Nm from 4300-4500rpm) with two electric motors (one on each axle) and a unique six-speed auto, for a combined 273kW. It's rapid too, reaching 100 in just 6.2s.
Oh, by the end of 2023, the RX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will also be part of the line-up.
On all models, suspension is the tried-and-tested MacPherson-style struts up front and a multi-link rear arrangement. The RX's platform is new, sharing the TNGA Toyota New Global Architecture with the Camry, RAV4, smaller NX and – you've guessed it – the latest Kluger.
Rated Euro6b, the NX 250 demands 95 RON premium unleaded petrol. Same as Camry, actually,
We recorded a decent 9.7 litres per 100km during our time using the NX 250 in city, urban and rural conditions, against the trip computer’s 9.5L/100km and the official combined average of just 6.9L/100km.
Note this may be so because there was a lot of fast back-road driving, as the engine loves a rev and there’s a palpable wave of power that comes on strongly between 5000rpm and 6500rpm. A bit like Mazda’s naturally-aspirated units, but just not as sonorous.
At 55 litres, the fuel tank will allow for up to 797km based on the combined average cycle between refills.
No shocks here.
The RX350 turbo slurped 11.0L/100km over our launch drive route, which took in both peak-hour traffic jams and rural highway runs, compared to 9.6L for the 500h hybrid turbo and just 6.4L for the 350h hybrid.
So, how do these compare to the official figures?
Well, quoting the pretty-lax NEDC numbers, the 350 should average 8.7L, the 500h a frankly surprising 6.5L while the 350h shines at just 5.0L in the 2WD and 5.4L for the AWD version.
The corresponding carbon dioxide ratings are 114g/km (RX350h 2WD), 123g/km (350h AWD), 197g/km (350 turbo) and 148g/km (500h).
Technically, then, the most economical RX, the 350h 2WD, can average 1300km per (65L) tank! The 350h AWD can achieve about 1200km, the 500h about 1000km and the 350 turbo just 776km (using a bigger 67.5L tank).
Both RX hybrids can drive silently in electric-only mode stepping off the line, at low speeds or when coasting along, and that's really impressive. Less so is every RX's thirst for more-expensive 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
The NX 250 truly is a tale of two cars.
Around town, it is utterly capable and benign. The 2.5-litre atmo four-pot petrol unit is a revvy, raucous sort of engine, pulling away strongly off the line, responding quickly to pressing down on the throttle, shuffling up through seven of the lower gears smoothly (top is a highway overdrive), and generally being an easy vehicle to drive.
About the only concern is how noisy the engine can become if you’re needing to accelerate hard, with a definite mechanical zing that gives the Lexus a bit of a hoon attitude. We’re also a little hesitant about using the Sport mode in built-up areas, as ratios are held on to whether up or down shifting, amplifying the loud nature of this powertrain.
Other aspects of the NX 250’s driveability around town rate highly: light yet linear steering, with a tight turning circle providing easy manoeuvrability and parking; firm yet still absorbent suspension, offering an appropriately isolating ride over most bad road surfaces; and an overall sense of sound engineering. It seems quieter than an equivalent RAV4, more importantly.
Which led us to initially conclude that, in an urban environment, you’d naturally pay the extra $3K for the NX 250 Hybrid, to eliminate that noisy engine when pushing down hard on the throttle. Easy.
However, then we ventured out on a long rural drive, a few couple of hundred kilometres from the big city. On country roads, the NX 250 really sparks up in a most compelling way.
Yes, the engine is still a bit rowdy, but as the revs rise and the needle edges near the 6800rpm red line, the Lexus just keeps on building up speed rapidly, providing an unexpectedly sporty edge. Above 5000rpm this thing still has plenty of oomph, relying on a deep well of power to really extend its legs.
It also makes sense to slot the auto lever into manual, and use the finely positioned paddle shifters. That’s when you’re most aware of the gearbox being a torque-converter auto, with defined and assertive selections. It’s a good way to feel involved in the experience too.
Actually, as a mechanical ensemble, it all comes together at speed; that light and easy steering remains relaxed yet reactive, weighing up nicely if you choose Sport. The handling maintains a fluid, connected feel, with ample levels of grip from the Bridgestone tyres.
It occurred to us that driving the NX 250 Hybrid out on rural backroads would deny the enthusiast of the base model’s lightness and agility, since the latter weighs hundreds of kilos less; the brakes are perfectly modulated instead of feeling vaguely mushy and/or trigger happy as with many electrified SUVs; and – even with the road noise being well-supressed – you’re far less aware that the atmo petrol engine is singing loudly at speed.
Plus, the ride out in the sticks, even on our craggy old test strip that would jar the bones of some other midsized SUVs, remains calm and comfortably firm. That’s real progress for the NX.
We’d appreciate a bit more nuance in the way the stability control kicks in (quite late) to catch the tail; while the driver-assist tech like the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist do their jobs admirably, the latter’s constant chiming can be annoying; and there's a fair amount of road-noise intrusion over coarse bitumen. Like most midsized luxury SUVs, actually. Still quieter than a RAV4, though.
No jarring faults then. Lexus has done its homework and fixed most of the things that annoyed or infuriated us about the previous generation version. Good work.
If you've owned any previous-generation RX, you'll definitely recognise most if not all of their good points, like ease, smooth-road and low-speed refinement, and complete reliability and dependability.
But now the Lexus has gained a far, far broader range of talents and capabilities. And that's a direct result of the series switching to the TNGA platform, like most of its brethren (and Toyota cousins).
Let's begin with the most exciting edition, the flagship RX500h F Sport Performance.
This is the brand's first hybrid turbo, and it's a cracker. Electrified for silky quietness when stepping off the line, the internal combustion engine (ICE) takes over seamlessly as soon as you need to really get moving, providing a rich, torquey shove as required.
While not BMW X5M fast, it's rapid all right, and satisfyingly responsive to your right foot. The whoosh is accompanied by an artificial (albeit quite nice) exhaust note, that's a bit turbine-like, to let you know you are or are about to break the law speeding.
Additionally, wearing 21-inch wheels and tyres, there's an exceptional amount of road grip, for safe, planted handling and roadholding. This applies to all the latest RXs, actually. But – and despite its 100-150kg weight penalty compared to lesser versions – the 500h feels the most athletic. Basically, it does what the tin says it should.
The flipside? While the adaptive dampers do smooth out most bumps, it can get a little jittery over some surfaces. And it is prone to some tyre noise intrusion over some bitumen. Yet, compared to former big-wheeled RX, the 500h's ride is comfy enough.
Next up is the RX350. This is basically the 500h with the same four-pot turbo engine but minus the electric motors and battery, so it benefits from a 155kg mass saving. And that's immediately obvious in its better high-speed agility.
However, while the engine loves a rev, the lack of electrification and all that meaty torque it brings is always noticeable, meaning the driver has to always mash the accelerator for overtaking to be over quickly. And as a result, the 350 can sound a bit noisy. Otherwise, for normal commuting and point-to-point travel, this is fine. Unremarkable but supremely capable. You'll miss the hybrid oomph, though. And the economy.
Finally, there's the RX most people buy – the 350h. Yes, there's a RAV4 engine and motor(s) stuffed in haute couture, but this is so much more than that. Performance from a standing start is always brisk, with speed piling on with delightful ease if you so desire, and there always seems to be some muscle left in reserve for instant manoeuvres – whether going fast or slow.
The whole experience is seamless, easy and muted. Only when you floor the throttle does the powertrain whine, but it's not that sort of SUV.
Plus, wearing the 21-inch wheels and with the adaptive dampers, the 350h steers, corners and rides well enough, being both skilful and accomplished, if not especially involving, let alone thrilling.
What we're saying is that the base hybrid proposition is good enough to wear the Lexus badge. The RX has finally come of age, dynamically speaking. And about time.
Tested in July, 2022, the latest NX range delivers a five-star ANCAP crash-test rating. It managed high scores in all four categories: Adult, Child and Vulnerable Road User protections, and Safety Assist technologies.
You’ll find eight airbags (providing coverage to all outboard occupants, also taking in dual-front occupant knees and centre item to stop lateral head strikes).
The AEB system with intersection assist works between 5-80km/h for pedestrian and cyclist detection and works day and night, while the car-to-car protection works between 5-180km/h.
Then there’s lane-tracing, lane-keep and steering assist, that works between 50-200km/h, as well as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, auto high beams, road sign recognition, front as well as rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and Safe Exit Assist – which won’t allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.
There’s also Intersection Turn Assist, providing early brake activation if required, Emergency Steering Assist (extra steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane) and Emergency Driving Stop System.
As with most new vehicles nowadays, anti-lock brakes with brake-assist and electronic brake-force distribution is also standard, along with stability and traction control systems. Lexus provides three rear-seat child-seat tether anchorages and two ISOFIX latches, fitted to the outboard positions of the back bench.
At the time of publishing, there's wasn't an ANCAP crash-test rating for the latest Lexus RX. But the old one tested back in 2015 managed the full five-star result.
We're expecting a similar outcome, especially due to the RX's stiffer, stronger and lighter body, along with a slew of fresh safety related features.
These include better autonomous emergency braking (AEB) performance, with improved pedestrian and cyclist detection, avoidance braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise-control capability technologies. The latter now features full-stop/start and low-speed following ability – great for slow traffic jams.
Note there is no data on AEB operating parameters at the time of writing.
Also present are auto high beams, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and 'Safe Exit Assist' – which won't allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.
There's also 'Intersection Turn Assist' (providing early brake activation if required), 'Emergency Steering Assist' (extra steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane) and 'Emergency Driving Stop System' as standard across the range – along with a digital rear-view mirror on some grades.
You will also find eight airbags (providing coverage to all outboard occupants, also taking in dual-front occupant knees and a centre item to stop lateral head strikes), as well as Lexus Connected Services with – among other features – an SOS button or automatic emergency services notification with vehicle co-ordinates should the driver be incapacitated following an accident.
Finally, anti-lock brakes with brake-assist and electronic brake-force distribution is also standard, along with stability and traction control systems. Lexus provides three rear-seat child-seat tether anchorages and two ISOFIX latches.
Since the beginning of 2021, Lexus offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance. It used to be four years.
Service intervals are at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
The NX also includes three years and 45,000km of capped-price servicing, with each one costing $495 – and as we’ve noticed in the recent past, that is very highly competitive pricing for a luxury brand.
Plus, there’s also Lexus’ ‘Encore’ aftersales subscription program offering myriad offers and services.
Lexus now offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance.
Furthermore, hybrid versions of the RX include a 10-year, unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
Service intervals are at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
The RX offers three years and 45,000km of capped-price servicing, with each one costing owners $695 – that's pretty competitive for a luxury brand.
So is the first-rate ownership experience. Amongst other benefits, there's Lexus' 'Encore' aftersales subscription program; free for the first three years, it includes myriad offers and services including discounted petrol.
Plus, owners can have their cars picked up remotely and returned washed, and with free use of a loan vehicle delivered to their door.