Independent Reviews of Lexus RX New and Used Cars

The following reviews are available:

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‘THE RX-EFFECT’

Added 29th May, 2020

By Jonathan Crouch

The fourth generation RX was certainly a much improved product - primarily to look at but also in terms of luxury, safety and technology. Less telling, we think, are the handling changes Lexus claimed to have made here: the car itself remains an SUV for the Riviera, rather than the racetrack. For most potential buyers though, that's as it should be. As one writer observed, 'the RX replaces dynamism with the calming aura of whale music and scented candles'. There's something in that. We still like it though. Forget what the magazines tell you: buyers in search of a large luxury SUV typically prioritise luxury, style and tax-friendly efficiency above almost everything else, these elements being things that this Lexus can here nail more effectively than ever before. According to the brand, it's all about 'sharpened sophistication' and 'seductive strength'; we'd prefer simply to call this a more sensible way to own what remains a very indulgent kind of car.
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‘THE CONQUEST OF SPACE’

Added 17th February, 2020

By Jonathan Crouch

The Lexus RX is more versatile in its seven-seat body style. Jonathan Crouch reports on the revised version.
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‘SMARTENING UP THE ROUGH’

Added 5th July, 2019

By Car and Driving

As a perfect halfway house between family-sized and luxury-orientated SUVs, Lexus' RX has a lot going for it, thinks June Neary
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‘ELECTRIC DREAM?’

Added 1st April, 2016

By Jonathan Crouch

This isn't the most capable luxury SUV you can buy. It isn't the sportiest to drive. And it's not the most affordable to buy. But despite all of that, it's the only one quite a few well-heeled buyers can justify owning. Once you've bought the thing, after all, its running costs are hugely less than even the most frugal of its diesel competitors. While other manufacturers dithered over hybrid technology, Toyota's Lexus division got on and developed it. Their first hybrid RX was an impressive achievement and this one added a significantly improved driving experience to existing strengths of comfort, refinement and a high specification. This post-2012 RX450h has a smarter look and a slightly more dynamic edge than the original 2009 model, but the reasons you'll want to buy it won't really be much different. Quite simply, it's one of the only cars of this kind you can drive with a clear, green conscience. And that's something it's hard to put a price on.
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‘FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE’

Added 15th January, 2016 , updated 5th July, 2019

By Jonathan Crouch

The revised fourth generation Lexus RX looks a useful improvement. Jonathan Crouch reckons though, that'll it'll appeal to much the same kind of buyer.
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‘A DESIGN FOR LIFE’

Added 20th February, 2014

By Andy Enright

The Lexus RX300 is an easy car to omit from a shortlist of big, comfortable 4x4s. Although others may possess a bit more in the way of badge equity, it's a safe bet that none are as well built and only the very expensive can match the ride quality of the syrupy smooth RX. If you like the appeal of a luxury 4x4 but don't want to hand over silly money for a vehicle that features all sorts of off-road compromises, the RX300 makes a very sensible bet.

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‘MORE POWER TO YOU’

Added 14th September, 2012 , updated 12th September, 2012

By Andy Enright

The Lexus RX 450h is an easy car to recommend to a used buyer, even with big mileage on the clock. It's worth pausing to figure out whether it's the right vehicle for you, as it's not great off road and it won't seat seven. It works if you've got a family and want a decently sized and very refined vehicle that doesn't cost the earth to run. As Lexus has discovered, that's a broad church.
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‘SHE'S ELECTRIC’

Added 15th April, 2008 , updated 25th February, 2014

By Andy Enright

If you're going to buy a vehicle packed with complicated technology, you lessen your chances of failure quite significantly by ensuring there's a Lexus badge on it. The RX400h is currently right in its golden period as a used car where buyers can make decent savings on new with a low mileage car but without coming across hordes of tired or abused examples. It remains to be seen how the RX400h will shape up ten years hence but right now it looks a very sharp used buy.

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‘RX HITS THE SPOT ’

Added 10th May, 2006

By Andy Enright

As the best of the sub-premium luxury 4x4s the Lexus RX300 is worth a look. It's certainly a good deal more civilised on road than a Land Rover Discovery or a Jeep Grand Cherokee. As time goes by market forces dictate that the price difference between a used RX300 and its nemesis, the BMW X5, will be maintained meaning the Lexus will mirror the X5's depreciation curve. If you can't stretch to the Beemer, you're certainly not going to lose your shirt or any kudos by opting for the RX300.

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