The brand new-generation Lexus RX vary has been on sale for some time now – you’ve in all probability seen them round for those who reside in one among Australia’s bigger cities. In reality, you will have even seen some new-gen RX taxis!

These are invariably the RX 350h Luxurious spec, which is the variant we have now on check. However, particularly, this evaluation focuses on the all-wheel drive model with the non-compulsory Enhancement Pack.

That bumps the value up from base-model ranges to damn-near $100,000 earlier than on-road prices, however I reckon this might nonetheless be the choose of the RX vary.

I’ll inform you why under, and why I additionally reckon this may not be the best luxurious SUV for individuals who fancy themselves to be a little bit of a automobile fanatic.

How a lot does the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD value?

There are 14 derivations of Lexus RX on this era, and in contrast to the final one, none of them are seven-seaters.

That appears extreme to me, and actually, Lexus might have condensed the line-up to half that quantity and nonetheless arguably have met the wants of its clients.

Take the Lexus RX 350h, as an example. You possibly can have it in front-wheel drive for $87,500, or you can also make it all-wheel drive, like this one, which suggests a bounce to $92,000 – all costs exclude on-road prices.

However then in order for you a bunch of the good things this specific mannequin comes with, it’s good to select the Enhancement Pack, which you’ll have as a 2WD ($92,600) or AWD ($97,500).

In order that’s 4 variants for one variant! Anyway, I believe at $97,500 plus on-roads this grade is a superb alternative, and the main points of what’s included as normal for that amount of cash are listed down under.

What else are you able to get at this worth? Properly, a Genesis GV80 2.5T AWD – admittedly, not hybrid – is available in at $97,200. Numerous presence and efficiency for the cash, I reckon.

And in case you are offered on one thing Japanese, giant, and possibly a bit extra thrilling, then the brand new top-spec Mazda CX-90 six-cylinder petrol G50e Azami at $95,185 could also be a cool left-field alternative – plus it gives three rows.

The diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI (from $89,240) might additionally provide some meals for thought. It’s a stunning rig.

What’s the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD like on the within?

The inside of the new-generation Lexus RX is definitely an enchancment on the outdated mannequin, but it surely doesn’t maybe have as a lot ‘all-new’ really feel to it as you would possibly anticipate or hope for.

Certain, there have been huge upgrades to the multimedia display and the supplies are nonetheless of a really excessive perceived high quality, however the design is a bit predictable… however maybe that’s precisely what a Lexus RX purchaser needs.

The display is the large wow issue second contained in the cabin – it’s a standard-fit 14.0-inch touchscreen unit with wired/wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and sat nav. It encompasses the anticipated multimedia components, but it surely additionally acts because the management centre for the local weather settings.

There are two dials on the decrease edges of the display for dual-zone local weather, and between them is a ‘arduous’ bar that is still on-screen always when working, and it homes many of the different local weather features – fan pace, recirculating air and so forth.

There are arduous buttons under the display for entrance and rear demisters, and a quantity knob, too.

The controls are okay in most conditions, however the menus upon menus do take some studying. For example, you don’t undergo the Settings>Sound menu to regulate the bass, treble and fader.

You try this by hitting the three-dots icon on the play display while you’re listening to an audio supply. And there are such a lot of sub-menus, that you will want greater than per week to get used to the interactions required with the display. In reality, in comparison with some rivals, it feels a bit unfinished.

The opposite display within the cabin – in entrance of the motive force – is way much less spectacular. If I’m not mistaken, the show used has been round for a decade or extra, and it appears outdated in comparison with the large show for media stuff. It’s low decision and it’s small by fashionable requirements. 

Within the Enhancement Pack fashions you additionally rating a head-up show, which tasks an array of color (but it surely appears monochromatic) information on the windscreen forward of the motive force. You’ll depend on this greater than you would possibly anticipate for cruise management settings and media controls, because the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel are the controllers for such.

Actually, this setup is a little bit of a focus drain, and I discovered myself trying on the head-up show rather a lot throughout my week with the automobile as I attempted to study the controls. Not as soon as did “this is very easy” cross my thoughts. The controls could be complicated and the buttons are straightforward to bump, too.

The door handles are one other ingredient that gives some “oooh why did they do it that manner?” issue. They’re electrically-triggered push-button controls. They’re an fascinating part, however trigger no finish of confusion for the uninitiated. Not less than the doorways are very pleasing in the way in which the set off actuates the opening, and the strong ‘thunk’ is good, too.

As for storage, the anticipated components are there, with a pair of cup holders (together with a intelligent height-adjustable backside part), a wi-fi cellphone charging pad, storage nooks, a centre console bin with a lid that may be opened in direction of or away from the motive force, and large door pockets with bottle holders. 

All of the requisite charging choices can be found, together with USB-A (x 1) and USB-C (x 3) factors for front-seaters, whereas the again seat additionally will get a pair of USB-C ports.

The rear is a fairly accommodating area, with directional air vents, bottle holders within the doorways, a flip-down armrest with cup holders and a storage field, and map pockets on the seat backs. There’s additionally a 3rd local weather zone for rear-seat occupants on this spec.

Grownup occupant area is excellent within the again seat of the RX. I had simply sufficient area to take a seat behind my very own 182cm/6’0” driving place.

There’s ample headroom, leg room, knee area and toe room (except you have got huge toes and stretch your legs proper out). There’s additionally ample width to the second row, so three adults throughout the again is doable, simply word that the middle-seat rider could have a bit much less leg room because of the centre console intrusion.

And sure, I’ve seen fairly a number of new-gen RXs as taxis. I don’t know whether or not I’d need to spend $100,000 of my cash on the identical automobile that taxi drivers are utilizing, but it surely exhibits the practicality on provide.

Mother and father might be glad to know there are outboard ISOFIX factors and three top-tether factors as properly.

Within the boot, there’s a fairly good quantity of area on provide, with Lexus quoting 612 litres of cargo capability. The Luxurious grade doesn’t get a spare wheel, nevertheless – it comes with a tyre restore package.

The underfloor part homes that package, plus an emergency triangle and a few further storage.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

This model of the Lexus RX comes with a miserly powertrain – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid setup.

Most mixed energy output is 184kW, and like Toyota, Lexus doesn’t provide a mixed torque output. 

The engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, and makes use of an eCVT automated transmission to channel grunt the place it’s wanted. Not like some newer Toyota fashions, although, the battery used on this Lexus is a nickel-metal hydride unit.

As talked about, there’s the selection of 2WD (front-wheel drive) or E-4 (all-wheel drive), which provides an electrical motor to the rear axle.

How does the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD drive?

I keep in mind driving the final RX on the launch of the ultimate facelift and pondering ‘that is simply high quality for individuals who desire a luxurious driving expertise, however don’t care about enjoyable issue’.

The identical thought occurred to me after driving this new-gen RX, which is much more luxurious and comfy than the final one, and even a bit extra gratifying. However nonetheless, it’s not a automobile you end up itching to drive repeatedly.

That may very well be the goal marketplace for this kind of luxurious SUV from this luxurious model. And that’s 100 per cent, completely high quality – I simply assume that if I used to be spending this sort of cash on an SUV, I’d need it to be a bit extra rewarding and engaging to drive.

Look, the hybrid powertrain is admittedly good. The two.5-litre petrol engine will kick to life when required, and at idle and low speeds is while you discover it most.

However for probably the most half, the hybrid system is at all times dipping again into the EV battery reserves in its makes an attempt to make progress as effectively as potential. 

It’s also luxurious consequently, with a near-silent drive expertise in some conditions. There’s ample urge obtainable as properly, and while you actually thump the throttle you will get from A to B fairly swiftly.

The chassis setup errs in direction of consolation, because it ought to, with an honest high quality of journey consolation on provide in practically all conditions – although I famous a little bit of lumpiness over the sharper-edged bumps in city driving.

A little bit of physique roll to cope with within the twisty bits too, however I didn’t exit of my method to push this automobile to its limits. It’s not that form of automobile.

The steering can also be properly predictable and weighted properly, too, with a responsive motion and easy-to-guess behaviour in all conditions.

Braking is possibly one thing you’ll should get accustomed to for those who’re new to hybrid driving, as there’s a little bit of a distinct really feel to the pedal than in non-hybrid fashions because of the regen braking system. It’s higher than within the final RX, although.

And whereas it’s all-wheel drive, the chassis is about as much as be front-wheel drive primarily, with the rear axle solely kicking to motion if and when required. Even so, I famous a number of cases the place the entrance tyres would spin and scramble for traction at low speeds, even in dry situations.

All instructed, it’s luxurious SUV drive, and a really Lexus-like expertise – providing comfy commuting and straightforward driving. If that’s what you’re after, this may tick the field for you. If you need one thing extra thrilling, there are quite a few different decisions you possibly can make.

What do you get?

You don’t actually get “base mannequin” vibes from the usual gear checklist, however nor must you at this sort of cash.

RX 350h Luxurious highlights:

• Bi-LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights, fog lights
• Heated exterior mirrors with driver’s aspect auto-dimming
• Rear privateness glass
• 19-inch alloy wheels with vibrant machined end
• Roof rails
• Energy tailgate
• 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• 12-speaker Panasonic sound system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Lexus Linked Providers
• 5 x USB-C, 2 x 12V, 1 x USB-A
• 8-way energy entrance seats with two-way energy lumbar
• Heated entrance seats
• Leatherette upholstery
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Energy-adjustable steering column
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Ambient lighting

Enhancement Pack ($5500) provides:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather-based upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Easy accessibility seat
• Driver’s seat reminiscence
• Head-up show
• ‘Excessive-grade’ instrument cluster show
• Sensible key card
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Contact-sensitive steering wheel controls

I might do with out these annoying touch-controls on the steering wheel (troublesome to make use of accurately, straightforward to make use of incorrectly), however in any other case, the step as much as Enhancement Pack ranges of substances appears fully worthwhile.

Is the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD secure?

he Lexus RX has achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on 2022 testing protocols.

For these eager on a rating breakdown, its grownup occupant safety ranking was 90 per cent, its baby occupant safety ranking was 89 per cent, its susceptible street person safety ranking was an ANCAP-record-high 89 per cent, and its security help ranking was 93 per cent.

Normal security options embody:

• 8 airbags incl. entrance centre, driver’s knee
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection (day, evening)
  • Bicycle owner detection (day, evening)
  • Motorcyclist detection (day)
• Emergency steering help
• Acceleration acceleration suppression (low pace)
• Adaptive cruise management
  • Curve pace discount
  • Overtaking prevention
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Hint Help (centring)
• Auto high-beam
• Street signal help
• Entrance, rear Parking Help Brake
• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing digicam
• Secure Exit Help
• Tyre strain monitor
• Trailer sway management

RX Sports activities Luxurious provides:

• Adaptive Excessive-Beam System
• Panoramic View Monitor (360 cameras)

All of it appears fairly good on paper, however I believe Lexus ought to have match the RX with a surround-view digicam as normal.

This isn’t a simple automobile to see out of – it’s a big SUV with plenty of emphasis on curvy strains – and a panoramic digicam system is obtainable on costlier fashions.

How a lot does the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD value to run?

Let’s discuss gasoline use first.

The official mixed cycle determine for the RX 350h AWD is 5.4 litres per 100km, which is phenomenal for a automobile that’s greater than 4.9 metres lengthy and weighs 2005kg (kerb).

On my check, which lined per week of driving in blended situations together with city, freeway, and freeway motoring, I noticed a return of 6.3L/100km. Okay, however not as engaging because the sticker might have steered it ought to be.

As for ongoing possession issues, the model backs the RX with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and the battery guarantee is similar – however can prolong by as much as 5 further years (10-year/limitless km) if the automobile is serviced/checked by Lexus. 

There’s a five-year/75,000km capped-price servicing plan obtainable, with upkeep due each 12 months/15,000km. Nevertheless, the service value state of affairs is on the excessive aspect, with every of the primary 5 visits costing $695.

Roadside help is included as a part of the Lexus Encore program, which spans three years. That additionally permits house owners to have their automobile collected and returned for servicing, in addition to providing house owners entry to a mortgage automobile if their automobile is out of motion.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD

The Lexus RX 350h Luxurious with Enhancement Pack looks as if cash properly spent in order for you an opulent, comfy and environment friendly luxurious SUV with an honest quantity of area and heaps of ordinary inclusions.

It’s going to go well with consumers who desire a predictable and polished various to the opposite luxurious manufacturers on the market. However as I discovered, it may not enchantment to those that need one thing that’s thrilling to drive.

Click on the pictures for the complete gallery

MORE: Every thing Lexus RX