Lexus RX

Lexus RX is a lavish crossover SUV traded by Lexus from 1998. RX lineup comprises of hybrid-powered V6 models like RX 450h, RX 400h, RX 350, RX 330, and RX 300 in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive versions.

First Generation (1998-2003)

The first generation Lexus RX debuted in 1997 at the Chicago Auto Show. This version had combined features of a sedan, wagon, and SUV. In December 1997, the SUV concept was seen for the first time with this version. The 1st generation was designed with

• the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 engine to render 304 Nm (224 ft-lbs) of torque and 219 hp (163 kW) JIS (161 kW) of power and
• the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4-cylinder engine that could produce 191 Nm (140 ft-lbs) of torque and 139 hp (104 kW) JIS (102 kW) of power.

Both engines came with all-wheel drive and all models used an automatic transmission.

Changes in 2000 Lexus RX

Lexus RX remained unchanged 2000 and later year it got the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine that replaced the previous 2.2 L 5S-FE engine, and it delivered

• 221 Nm (163 ft-lbs) of torque and
• 159 hp (119 kW) of power.

The new engine was provided with either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Second generation (2004-2009)

The 2nd generation Lexus RX was introduced in Asian and European markets during 2003, and in Japan it continued to be sold as RX 300. Coming to mechanical specifications, the engine was a 3.0 L V6 Harrier with only all-wheel drive mechanism. For the Middle Eastern and North American markets, the second generation was traded under the label RX 330.

Third generation (2009-present)

The third generation model was revealed at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007, in form of the LF-Xh concept. Later in 2009, the modified 3rd generation of RX was launched at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show as the hybrid RX 450h and traditional RX 350.

2010 Lexus RX

2010 RX 350 came with a muscular 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine that can produce 275 hp (205 kW). The engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission along with a sequential shift.

The key standard features included –

• keyless start and entry system,
• SmartAccess,
• electrochromic heated side mirrors,
• Bluetooth,
• UV minimizing exterior glass,
• power 10-way passenger and driver seats,
• power telescoping or tilt steering wheel,
• a power rear hatch, and
• reclining/sliding rear seats.

The multi-function display of instrument cluster utilizes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display with an alternative thin film transistor (TFT-LCD) display.

Optional Features

The additional features in 2010 Lexus RX include

• ventilated and heated front seats,
• 19-inch wheels,
• power front seat cushion enhancer,
• semi-aniline and perforated leather seats,
• power folding side view mirrors,
• a new hard disk drive HDD-based navigation system, and
• a smog sensor for the HVAC system.

The 3rd generation RX includes VoiceBox Technologies informal speech voice recognition system in the U.S, and 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES), and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) are also offered as optional features.

2011 Lexus RX

The 2011 edition mostly remains unchanged after a revamp in 2010. The up class crossover seats 5 passengers and is marketed either as RX 350 or RX 450h, which is hybrid version and both the vehicles are marketed either with front wheel drive or all wheel drive. 350 comes with a 3.5liter V6 engine, which is mated to a 6 speed auto gearbox. The V6 generates 275 hp.

The hybrid 450h on the other hand gets the same mechanical engine, but it teams up with an electric motor to churn out a total of 295hp. The crossover has plenty of passenger room and cargo room and it boasts of a very quiet cabin. The MRSP of 2011 Lexus RX falls in the range of $38,375 – $45,525.

2012 Lexus RX

The luxury SUV, which competes with the likes of Audi Q5 and BMW X3, mostly remains unchanged for 2012. The reason is simple; buyers are anyway flocking around the showrooms and they like the way RX is today. The same two variants; 350 and 450h are present in the line. The powertrain also remains unchanged.

The front wheel drive 350 has an MSRP tag of $39,075 and the all wheel drive version is costlier at $40,475. The front wheel drive 350 returns 18 mpg/25 mpg on city/highway and the all wheel drive model offers 18 mpg/24 mpg on city/highway. The MSRP of the 2012 Lexus RX hybrid version falls in the range of $45,325 and $46,825. It returns 32 mpg on city roads and 28 mpg on highways.

New 2013 RX Crossover

The 2013 model was debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motors Show and the vehicle does come with some styling changes to make it look even sexier than it used to be.

Powertrain for both hybrid and non-hybrid models remain unchanged. It gets a new stylish spindle grille and the cabin has also been upgraded with more number of modern amenities included. To top it all the 2013 RX crossover comes with new appearance packages. One of the major changes in 2013 Lexus RX hybrid comes with something called as Sport Mode. This new feature helps the driver to tap maximum performance from the vehicle.