CLASSY URBAN SUV
The Lexus RX gets some subtle updates, but it still doesn’t quite measure up to most of its European rivals
WHAT’S NEW?
The Lexus division of Toyota Motor Thailand has updated the RX mid-size luxury SUV with some styling tweaks and new interior features.
While the design changes on the exterior are small in the typical fashion of midlife updates, it’s the cabin that sees a more crucial alteration.
Lexus was stung by the criticism of its infotainment controls, which were fiddly to use, so they have added a conventional touchscreen function in addition to the usual fingertip control pad.
There are now more driver-assist technologies available, and a new convenience in the shape of the footoperated tailgate. The engine line-up remains the same as in the pre-facelift RX: the four-cylinder petrol-turbo (RX300), naturally aspirated V6 (RX350) and V6 hybrid (RX450h).
Lexus is focusing on the RX300 with three trims: Luxury at 4.23 million baht, Premium at 4.74 million baht and F Sport (if you need AWD in addition to its spicy looks) at 5.35 million baht. If you like that new infotainment screen, you need to settle for at least Premium, as tested here.
Lexus hasn’t announced pricing for the RX350 and RX450h, although orders will still be taken (they previously went for 6.8 and 7.6 million baht, respectively). The RX450h won’t attract the 8% levy for hybrids due to its 3,000cc-plus engine, and will thus have to be content with the 40% maximum.
WHAT’S COOL?
Despite its controversial chiselled surfaces, the overall shape of the RX remains distinctive, with more of a “crossover” look, like in the Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar. The Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90, on the other hand, have tall “SUV” packages.
The RX also scores with comfort in its class. The cushy seats have cool-air ventilation up front and electrical reclining function in the rear. This is a proper fiveseat crossover/SUV.
It doesn’t stop here. The ride is equally smooth on most road conditions in this country and the turbo engine provides quick and refined pace most of the time.
The decision to update the infotainment is timely. Although still not perfect, it’s easier to use now that there’s fingertip control on the screen as well.
WHAT’S NOT?
While the interior is suitably premium, the fascia and console feel dated, with buttons strewn all over the place and those analogue speedometer and tachometer readouts.
Some claim that the vehicle’s handling is more responsive than ever, but it’s hard to notice any significant difference. The RX remains, as ever, more casual than sharp under quick changes in steering direction.
While turbocharging is here to stay, with downsized combustion engines, the RX300 isn’t economical on fuel. Don’t blame the absence of hybrid tech, the automatic still has only six forward ratios.
BUY OR BYE?
Despite its popularity in markets like the US, the RX has never had an easy time in Thailand, due to its relatively high price, caused by punitive import tax, and it lacking the brand pedigree of the likes of BMW or Mercedes. hybrids on offer.
Lexus has a four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid in several other models, but this powertrain strangely hasn’t made its way into the RX on a global scale.
We’ll spare you all the arguments about whether SUVs are really being used the way they’re supposed to be these days. The RX’s fine levels of daily comfort and usability are what buyers really like.
The RX is now in the second half of its current generation. However, it still feels incomplete.