Used Lexus RX cars

The Lexus RX was first launched in UK showrooms in 1998, just as the rise in demand for luxury SUVs began. With its blend of comfort, reliability and performance, it impressed road users from the outset. These traits have been a priority for the vehicle ever since, but it was in the mid-2000s that the model really began to stand apart from the competition.

Lexus RX updates and facelifts

The Mk2 RX arrived in 2003 boasting evolutionary styling and improved aerodynamics. The combustion engine lineup was joined by a world first in 2005 – a premium hybrid SUV named the RX 400h. This variant could operate in petrol or electric mode alone, or as a combination of the two, paving the way for electrification within the wider automotive market.

The third-generation model began production in 2009, with the fourth arriving in the UK in January 2016. Such was the demand for the hybrid option – the RX 450h – that Lexus withdrew the RX200t variant a year after its release.

One of the most significant updates to the Lexus RX range occurred in 2018. Until 2018 the RX had only been available as a five-door, five-seat model; now the Japanese brand introduced a seven-seat ‘RX L’ option on the Mk4 for those requiring more space. The following year, the RX received some styling refinements and improvements to its Lexus Safety System+ technology. In addition, new suspension components were fitted and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included as standard.

The Mk5 Lexus RX launched in late 2022, offering both self-charging and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Once again, the model was only available in five-seat format.

Throughout its lifetime, the RX has received a slew of awards, including the Best Premium Hybrid Car title at the 2020 Driving Electric Awards. Despite fierce competition from the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90 and Range Rover Sport, the RX remains a highly desirable and reliable premium SUV for families as well as those seeking an eco-conscious model with plenty of space and practicality.

Practicality and style of the car

The five-seat Mk4 Lexus RX (2016–2022) comes with a generous 539-litre boot, providing ample space for a pushchair, golf clubs or suitcases. There’s no load lip, meaning you can easily slide heavy items in, and higher-spec variants have a powered tailgate to make things even easier. With the rear seats folded down there’s 1,579 litres available. Opt for the seven-seat RX L variant and there are 591 litres at your disposal when the rearmost seats are folded down. With the middle row dropped too, this increases to 1,656 litres.

Whether you choose a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid version of the Mk5 RX (2023 onwards) you’ll get 461 litres of boot space up to the luggage cover or 621 litres if you load on to the roof. Folding down the rear seats can be achieved with the pull of a lever or the touch of a button depending on the trim you choose and frees up a total of 1,678 litres.

Whichever version of the Mk5 RX you choose, you’ll benefit from a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000kg. This is plenty for pulling a large caravan or a loaded trailer.

Running costs

In terms of running costs, the Mk4 Lexus RX (2016-2022) is reasonable, occupying groups 34 to 43 out of 50 for insurance. Choose a Mk5 (2023 onwards) and premiums are slightly higher, with this edition sitting in groups 42 to 46. In comparison, the BMW X5 falls into groups 43 to 50 and the Range Rover Sport occupies groups 47 to 50.

Road tax varies depending on the model year you select. Models produced before 1 April 2017 typically incur an annual fee of either £140 or £365 depending on the powertrain you choose. Those made thereafter are charged at £560 for the first five years that you renew the tax, as the vehicle has an original list price of over £40,000. When the period is over, tax is reduced to the standard rate for hybrids and PHEVs.

How a used Lexus RX drives

The Mk4 Lexus RX (2016-2022) was originally available with a petrol powertrain – dubbed the 200t – and a hybrid called the 450h. The petrol unit was a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of between 34.9 and 36.2mpg. Production of this engine ceased in 2017 but you may still find some used Lexus RX cars available with this engine option.

The 450h combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a pair of electric motors. Mated to continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it produces 309bhp and develops 335Nm of torque. This sends the car from 0–62mph in just 7.7 seconds while returning a combined efficiency of between 51.4 and 54.3mpg.

Opt for the Mk5 Lexus RX (2023 onwards) and more engine options are available. The range begins with the 350h, which combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. With a motor on each axle, it has an all-wheel drive setup and is paired with CVT automatic transmission. The total output reaches 247bhp, delivering a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds.

The RX 500h uses a similar setup, but has a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine under the bonnet and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 268bhp, and with the electric motors offers an output of 366bhp. This results in a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds.

The plug-in hybrid – named the 450h+ – uses the same 2.5-litre engine, dual motor setup and transmission as the 350h. Due to the way the hybrid system works, a total of 305bhp is available, delivering acceleration to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds. The all-electric range peaks at 40 miles, with an overall combined fuel economy of 256.7mpg. Using a 7.4kWh wallbox, charging the RX 450h+ should take approximately three hours.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2015 - 2022

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
200t	34.9–36.2 mpg	-
450h	51.4–54.3 mpg	35.3–36.2 mpg

Features you can expect in a Lexus RX

Interior

The five-seat version of the Mk4 Lexus RX (2016-2022) offers a generous amount of cabin space, with plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The flat floor and wide dimensions also mean that a third passenger can fit comfortably in the rear row.

Choose the seven-seat RX L and a third row of seats is added, which is ideal for children. Passengers sitting here have their own air conditioning controls to make travel comfortable and there’s a cup holder between the seats. Those in the outer middle row positions benefit from a reclining function, helping passengers to relax on long journeys.

The Mk5 RX (2023 onwards) only comes as a five-seat option and offers a spacious and comfortable experience. Like its predecessor, it offers ample head and legroom for occupants of six feet and over. It can also accommodate an occupant in the middle of the back row, although this is best reserved for shorter journeys.

Stowage is generous too. The RX provides a well-sized glovebox, deep door bins, a pair of cup holders and a cubby beneath the armrest. With soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials throughout, you’re guaranteed exceptional quality no matter the edition or trim level you choose.

Technology

The Mk4 edition (2016-2022) comes with a 12.3-inch display that can be operated either using the touchscreen or via a trackpad. It offers a raft of features including DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and sat nav.

Opt for the Mk5 (2023 onwards) and the screen increases in size to 14 inches. The trackpad is also replaced by steering wheel-mounted touchpads and a 12-speaker stereo comes as standard. This edition has a virtual assistant that enables you to access various functions by saying ‘Hey Lexus’ and giving your command.

Safety

Both the Mk4 and Mk5 RX models received a full five-star rating in their respective Euro NCAP tests. The Mk5 was tested in 2022 and scored 90% and 87% for adult and child occupant protection respectively. Other safety features include a comprehensive suite of airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the rear.

All variants also come with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes technologies such as pre-collision warning which identifies collision risks and applies the brakes automatically should you fail to react. This system also includes lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition for added safety and driver convenience. Adaptive cruise control is part of the system too, and helps you to maintain your chosen speed as well as keeping a set distance from the vehicle in front.

Trims available on the Lexus RX

Lexus RX with Premium Pack

This is the entry-level trim and offers 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beam function, roof rails, privacy glass and a powered tailgate. Inside you’ll find three-zone climate control, ambient lighting and seats upholstered in synthetic leather. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. Technology includes keyless entry, wireless phone charging and the Lexus Safety System+.

Lexus RX Takumi

This trim adds a panoramic sunroof, semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated and electrically adjustable rear seats. There’s also a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Other highlights include adaptive variable suspension and an automatic parking system.

Lexus RX F Sport

Only available on the RX 500h, this trim provides 21-inch alloy wheels, an F Sport bodykit, black brake calipers and black window trim. Other features include F Sport leather upholstery, active sound control, automatic and remote parking and adaptive variable suspension.

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