About the Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is a luxury mid-size crossover SUV that has been designed and built by Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus since 1998.
History of the Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has been through four generations so far. The first was a compact SUV that birthed the other three mid-sized crossovers. It was named the Lexus RX 300. It featured a 3-liter V6 engine and was sold from 1998.
Its counterpart, the Toyota Harrier, had gone to the market the previous year and featured a 2.2-liter inline-4 engine that was upgraded to 2.4 liters later on.
The second-generation Lexus RX came in two variants: a 3-liter V6 RX 300 and a 3.3-liter V6 RX 330. These two models were sold from 2003. It was not until 2006 that a more capable RX 350 was offered with a 3.5-liter V6.
Alongside it was a 2.4-liter inline-4 that was sold in Japan as the Toyota Harrier. In 2005, Toyota introduced the Lexus RX 400h which was a hybrid version of the second generation 3.3-liter V6. It was sold as the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan.
The third-generation Lexus RX was released in 2009 as an RX 35 that featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine and as an RX 450h that featured a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine. In 2010, a 2.7-liter inline-4 was offered in the entry-level Lexus RX 270 in Japan and a few other Asian markets.
This third-generation model marked the official adoption of the Lexus RX nameplate in Japan, as opposed to the previous Toyota Harrier nameplate.
The fourth-generation Lexus RX debuted in 2015 at the New York International Auto Show. It featured a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, a spindle grille, and a floating roof design. The hybridized version could generate a combined power of 308 horsepower. Lexus also offered a 4-cylinder turbocharged version called RX 300.
The Lexus RX SUV has had great success worldwide since its debut. It sits below the larger LX and GX models and above the NX crossover. It has continuously ranked as the best luxury SUV for eight years in the United States. Its manufacture takes place at Toyota’s Miyata plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Lexus RX Exterior Design
The fourth-generation Lexus RX is larger than is its previous versions. It has a larger interior room, thanks to a 50.8 mm (2-inch) increase in its wheelbase. Buyers also get 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. Lexus updated the rear and front fascia to reflect the current design cues adopted by the brand.
The signature grille at the front marks the distinctive face of the Lexus RX which is based on the L-motif sequence. Angular blocks from the grille give off an elegant and strong image. But, Lexus didn’t always have this. It has taken them years of facelifts to arrive at their current modern look with the RX.
2012 Lexus RX facelift
In late 2010, Lexus designed a new facelift for the third generation Lexus RX and went on to patent it on 7 January, 2011. It was later unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, which took place in March the same year. The facelift came with other new exterior features such as new LED running lights, new wheels, and new tail and headlamps.
2015 Lexus RX facelift
Lexus debuted the fourth-generation Lexus RX at the New York International Auto Show in April 2015. It featured an updated “Spindle Grille,” which was bolder and more distinguished. Included with the new look were a panoramic sunroof and new 20-inch alloy wheels.
The 2020 model includes two new colors to the package: Nori Green Pearl and Moonbeam Beige Metallic, among other exterior options.
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How is the Lexus RX’s Interior?
Being the luxury arm of Toyota, Lexus aims at providing more than what you’d get in an ordinary Toyota. The Lexus RX offers the luxurious and elegant touch that an ordinary mid-size crossover SUV from Toyota lacks. Inside, you get a top-notch cabin that’s packed with soft-touch surfaces and premium material.
Lexus includes a standard infotainment system comprising 6 USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth HD, 9-speaker stereo system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration. The base model includes a push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry.
For those wishing to get more out of their Lexus RX, an upgrade gets you an optional Remote Touch interface, 12.3-inch dual-screen display, navigation, 12-speaker stereo, tri-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, Enform App integration with access to iHeart Radio and Slacker, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Lexus had, for a long time, been criticized for its awkward infotainment system. Not only was it outdated, it took a while for owners to get the hang of its knobs and trackpad. The update in the latest 2020 Lexus RX ensures that you access your songs and navigation settings with ease.
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How comfortable is the Lexus RX?
As mentioned earlier, the new Lexus RX is bigger than its predecessor and offers more interior room. There’s enough space for taller occupants to stretch out their legs and arms both at the front and back.
Lexus provides two LATCH connector sets for the rear outboard seats and tether-only connectors in the rear middle back seat of the RX. These can be used to secure child safety seats for your child.
Integrated systems like Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Android Auto allow you to make phone calls, send and receive messages and ask for driving directions. Additionally, you can access music apps, check the news, and use your voice to get tasks done smoothly and seamlessly. This is thanks to Lexus’ Dynamic Voice Command (DVC) system that can recognize millions of phrases with greater accuracy.
Lexus takes comfort further by offering ventilated and heated seats packed with fans and heaters within the cushions to complement the multi-zone climate control. The panoramic roof above provides enough light for the rear passengers and more headroom when compared to traditional roofs.
The driver’s seat can be adjusted in 10 different ways while that of the passenger can be positioned eight times differently. Every seat also includes an adjustable headrest. Other options that Lexus offers to make life easier for its customers include an armrest, minijack, four USB ports, a storage bin, and accessory power outlets to conveniently charge your smart devices.
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Is the Lexus RX a good on-road vehicle?
The Lexus RX makes is a good vehicle for every day driving. The rear and front stabilizers are built hollow, thicker, and reinforced to minimize body roll and maximize steering response. The suspension integrates well with the tough roll bars and high-grade dampers to reduce vibration and offer a smoother ride.
Turns are now easier to make thanks to stiffer suspension and corner braking, which reduce understeer and improve stability while modern electronic systems make sure that the entire vehicle works in sync to handle the toughest of environments without compromising on safety and comfort.
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How many passengers can the Lexus RX carry?
The base Lexus RX model offers a seating capacity of 5 people. In late 2017, Lexus announced that it was introducing a three-row Lexus RX L with the capacity to carry up to seven passengers. The model recently debuted with a body 5 meters (196.9 inches) long, making it 112 mm (4.4 inches) longer than its predecessor. The extra space enabled Lexus to include a third row.
The Lexus RX L provides an option for buyers who feel that the three-row GX is too big and the standard RX too small for their needs. It still, however, includes the soft material interiors, high-quality workmanship, comfort, luxury, and elegant design witnessed in the regular RX.
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Lexus RX Performance and Fuel Economy
The 3.5-liter V6 engine that drives the Lexus RX comes with port and direct fuel injection for low emissions and better fuel efficiency. It’s engineered to provide adequate power to the rigid chassis and suspension to deliver one of the best rides you will ever have in an SUV.
Fuel economy and emissions are further improved thanks to the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent systems that keep an eye on the car’s speed, load, torque, and acceleration. Increased stability, straight-line performance, and higher horsepower work together to deliver an exceptional SUV that has continuously ranked top in the world.
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Lexus RX Safety Features
Some of the safety features included in the Lexus RX include the Lexus Safety System+ which provides adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation.
The Enform Safety Connect system adds a stolen-car locator and an automatic emergency alert services that activate in the event of distress or a crash. Buyers also get a panoramic rearview camera which provides an image on the 12.3-inch widescreen display of what’s behind the car before you reverse.
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What are the Lexus RX trims?
Lexus currently offers five trims for the Lexus RX. These include the 350, 350 L, 350 F Sport, 450h, and 450h F Sport. As standard, all trims come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 450h and 450h F Sport add an electric motor to the system, making it a hybrid powertrain.
The 350 L includes a third-row to the base 350 to provide a seating capacity of up to seven passengers. Additional features include a power liftgate and tri-zone automatic climate control. Both F Sport variants take the RX driving experience to another level by including a sport-tuned suspension, bold exterior and interior styling, 20-inch allow wheels, and sport seats.
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What is the price of the Lexus RX in Kenya?
The Lexus RX 270 L will cost you about KES. 3,600,000 for a 7-year-old model. With this, you get two-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, and 2700 CC. The 2016 model costs anywhere from KES. 6,400,000 and comes with two-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, and a 2000 CC engine.
The RX 300 F Sport version will cost you about KES. 6,300,000 for the 2016 model. It comes with an automatic transmission, 2000 CC engine and two-wheel drive.
The RX 450h L is available at KES. 8,800,000 for the 2016 model. It offers four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and a 3500 CC engine.
The RX 450h F Sport costs anywhere from KES. 9,900,000 for the 2016 model. It’s available with four-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and a 3500 CC engine.
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Are you looking at buying new or used Lexus RX in Kenya? Are you looking at selling your used Lexus RX in Kenya? Do you want to know the prices of new or used Lexus RX in Kenya? Do you want to know how to import Lexus RX from Japan? Please visit our show room in Karen, Nairobi and our sales agents will guide you.
Below is a list of Lexus RX for sale in Nairobi, Kenya and also others available in Japan. You can now buy and import year 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 Lexus RX from Japan to Kenya.