Used Lexus RX (Mk4, 2016-2022) review: a rare but desirable premium SUV
A full used buyers guide on the Lexus RX focusing on the RX Mk4 that was on sale between 2016 and 2022
Verdict
Lexus has never conquered the premium market by claiming a large share of sales, but its rivals can’t match its reputation for quality, reliability and customer service.With Lexus’s unique take on interior and exterior design as well as engineering, the RX is unlike its rivals, so if you’re after an alternative to the more obvious European marques, this could be it. Lexus is one of the most successful brands in our Driver Power surveys and the RX has scooped many plaudits, so there’s a lot to like about it. But in our various group tests over the years, we’ve generally found the alternatives to be more appealing overall, so it’s worth trying out some rivals before committing.
This year marks 25 years since the original Lexus RX went on sale in Japan, although it didn’t arrive in the UK until two years later. For a long time the RX has been seen as the default hybrid SUV, but the first- generation model came only with a petrol engine and no hybrid tech; that wouldn’t be introduced until the Mk2 in 2004.
This car has since become increasingly important to Lexus. By the time the Mk4 arrived, the RX accounted for 30 per cent of all of the cars sold by the Toyota subsidiary. Despite consistent high scores in our Driver Power surveys, Lexus still isn’t a brand that a lot of people think of when buying a used car, so should the RX be on your shortlist?
History
The Mk4 RX hit UK showrooms in January 2016. Buyers could pick between the RX 200t, which started at £39,995, and the RX 450h, priced from £46,995. The former had a 234bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which drove either the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Lexus fitted the RX 450h with a 259bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was backed up by a 67bhp electric motor, with all four wheels driven via a continuously variable transmission. In June 2018, the Japanese manufacturer launched its first ever seven-seater in the UK: the RX 450hL. This was 11cm longer than the regular RX model.
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A facelift in early 2020 brought refreshed styling, improved infotainment with better connectivity, recalibrated suspension and a stiffer bodyshell, plus more driver- assistance systems. This RX was replaced by the Mk5 model in 2022.
Which one should I buy?
The RX 200t is ultra-rare, so you’ll almost certainly buy a five-seat RX 450h. Seven-seat editions are much more unusual, and they’re not that much bigger. The RX L is ‘only’ five metres long, so the third row of seats isn’t roomy enough for adults.
All RXs are well equipped, though, with entry-level models having adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera, plus automatic headlights and wipers. They also have 18-inch alloy wheels, navigation, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather trim and LED headlights.
Luxury trim adds 20-inch alloys, a bigger (12.3-inch) infotainment display, powered tailgate and wireless phone charging. The RX Premier has a 15-speaker hi-fi, around-view camera, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel and a head-up display.
Alternatives to the Lexus RX
The RX is up against some very tough opposition, not least of all the Mercedes GLE Mk1 and Mk2, which came in plug-in hybrid form. The Merc is also available with seven seats, but the Audi Q7 has these as standard; this also came with a plug-in diesel hybrid option (the e-tron).
The leader of the pack dynamically is the Porsche Cayenne, which came in plug-in form (the E-Hybrid), just like the Range Rover Sport Mk2 (2013-2022), with the plug-in edition known as the P400e. The BMW X5 Mk4 is also a superb all-rounder, which, like all of the cars here, comes with some brilliant engines, including the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e. And don’t forget the seven-seat Volvo XC90, which is another very impressive contender.
What to look for
Cat thefts
The RX is a prime target for catalytic converter thieves, so check there’s no underside damage caused by an angle grinder.
Top tyres
Whatever tyres are fitted, when they need replacing it’s Michelin Cross Climates that get the most love from fellow owners.
Economy
Lexus claimed that 50+ mpg was possible with the RX 450h. In reality, owners tend to average from 35-38mpg overall, maybe more on a run.
Wheels
The lacquer on diamond-cut wheels inevitably corrodes. Refurbishing is possible for £100 per rim, but pitting will return if you go for the same finish.
Interior
If you’re used to German design you might be a little underwhelmed by the RX’s dash, but the quality is up there with the best and it’s intuitive enough. But the infotainment of pre-facelift cars isn’t as good as what you’ll find in later models.
Cabin space is also impressive, with plenty of head and legroom for those in the second row, although row three in the RX L is only suitable for kids. The fitment of a battery pack reduces boot space a bit, with 539/1,579 litres available in the RX, while the RX L can accommodate 591 litres, or 1,656 litres if you fold the second and third row.
Prices
We found just one RX 200t for sale, a 2016 Luxury with 24,000 miles on the clock. The RX 450h is more readily available than you might think, but the five-seat edition outnumbers the seven-seater by about 10 to one. The most popular trim is F Sport, accounting for a third of the RXs available, with Takumi the next most common. Be prepared to travel to buy the right car, though.
To check prices on a specific model head over to our valuation tool.
Running costs
All RXs need to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles. Maintenance alternates between Intermediate (£340) and Full (£660), the latter cost including replacement brake fluid every other year or 20,000 miles, while fresh coolant is needed after 10 years or 100,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles.
Hybrid models have a separate cooling system for the inverter (electrics), and the coolant should be replaced after 15 years or 150,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Expect to pay around £200 for fresh engine coolant and about £100 for the inverter coolant. RX engines are chain-driven, so there are no cambelts to replace.
The RX came with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, with the hybrid powertrain guaranteed for five years or 60,000 miles.
Recalls
Demonstrating how thoroughly engineered the RX is, the Mk4 has been recalled just twice so far. The first was launched in November 2016, less than a year after the model hit the road in the UK. The problem centred on airbags that could go off for no reason; some RXs and Toyota Prius models built up to June 2016 were affected.
The second recall was issued in October 2020 and it affected most of the models in Lexus’s range – especially (but not exclusively) those with a hybrid powertrain. A fault within the fuel pump could lead to the engine being starved of petrol. Across the Lexus range 6,787 cars were caught up in the campaign, all of which were made between September 2013 and September 2019. To see if an RX is subject to any recalls, go to tinyurl.com/2p8zjp64.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
Lexus has always done well in our Driver Power surveys, but it’s impressive that a recently replaced model should be third. That’s where the RX Mk4 came in our 2023 New Car poll, while it was 11th in the Used Car survey. The RX scored highly for reliability, practicality and interior quality, cabin design and ride quality. The main negatives were high running costs, including poor fuel economy.
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Lexus RX (2016-2022) review: What we said
Extracts from our in-depth review of the Mk4 Lexus RX in April 2021...
Radical styling helps the RX to stand out next to rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The interior is excellent too, with high-quality materials and loads of equipment. The RX prioritises comfort over driving dynamics, though, so if you're looking for a large, refined, easy to drive SUV, you can't go far wrong with a Lexus.
The RX is efficient on paper, although against the new wave of plug-in hybrid rivals its CO2 ratings are less competitive for company car drivers than previously. The electric motor in the RX 450h model means it's good in commuter traffic, but it’s unlikely that real-world fuel economy will come close to the combined cycle figure.
Also on the downside, it won't beat sportier rivals when it comes to handling and the RX's lack of character on the road will put enthusiasts off. The infotainment system isn’t as easy to get on with as rival set-ups either.
About the Lexus RX
The Lexus RX was one of the very first luxury SUVs to hit the market, with the original RX 300 arriving in the late 1990s - shortly after Mercedes introduced its M Class off-roader.
The primary market was the US, where the Lexus RX has performed spectacularly against domestic rivals such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A combination of comfort, impeccable build quality and peerless reliability made it an instant best-seller across the pond, and those qualities mean the RX has sold well across its four generations here in the UK too.
As well as being a trailblazer for the luxury SUV/crossover segment, the RX is also notable as the first luxury hybrid vehicle - the RX 400h model was first introduced in the mid-noughties.
The current RX continues the tradition and uses Toyota’s long-established ‘self-charging’ hybrid system with onboard batteries and supplementary electric motor to reduce emissions and improve economy. However while rivals have upped the ante with plug-in hybrid technology to extend electric-only operation on their luxury SUVs, Lexus has yet to go down that route. As a result, the RX’s formerly attractive C02 figures no longer look so competitive for company car drivers calculating Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates. Rivals nowadays with plug-in hybrid capability include everything from the Audi Q7 to the Volvo XC90, with the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Range Rover Sport / Velar, and Porsche Cayenne in-between.
The fourth generation RX is offered in five-seat and seven-seat guises, with the latter variant badged as the RX-L. The pair share a wheelbase, but the L has an extended rear overhang and a rear window that’s less steeply raked, modifications which create the space needed for an extra pair of seats at the back.
The only engine available in the RX is a 3.5-litre V6 petrol, which is mated to an electric motor and badged RX 450h. Like the rest of the Lexus range, no diesels are available in the RX line-up. All versions are all-wheel-drive as standard and use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox.
Lexus has also simplified the line-up in recent times, and offers three individual trim levels - RX, F Sport and Takumi - all of which are impressively equipped.
Standard equipment on all models includes climate control, heated front seats, an eight-inch display screen with navigation, DAB radio and a reversing camera. Standard driver aids and assistance features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beam, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking, which were previously all part of an optional safety pack.
Extra equipment as you move up the range includes reclining and heated rear seats, a full-length panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension, a power tailgate, a 360 degree top down camera system and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.
Engines, performance and drive
The Lexus RX has been given a sporty look, but don't expect it to match a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 when it comes to handling or performance. Key criticisms have always been the big SUV’s body roll through corners and lifeless steering. Lexus has attempted to address this by adopting stiffer anti-roll bars, retuned electric power steering and shock absorbers, along with an Active Cornering Assist system that reduces roll and understeer.
The 450h model has 309bhp and 335Nm of torque and goes from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, but thanks to the poor throttle response and CVT gearbox, it never quite feels that fast. The CVT gearbox doesn't have gears as such, but is constantly changing ratios to keep the engine moving optimally. It means that in operation the RX feels smooth to drive as there's no mechanical swapping of ratios, but as a trade-off, CVT transmissions like to grab and hold revs under mild acceleration.
The latest RX has a more rigid body, achieved by using laser screw welding, additional spot welds and high strength adhesive at key points around the chassis. It also includes a new friction control device in the shock absorbers which helps to reduce vibration from poor road surfaces.
The RX and RX L come with four driving modes: Normal, EV, Eco and Sport, while the F Sport and Takumi versions delete the Sport option and go with Sport S and Sport S+. These modes stiffen the suspension, improve engine responsiveness and add weight to the steering - but you'd have to really be paying attention to notice these small changes. The engine does get louder in Sport modes, though.
The EV mode on the hybrid 450h lets you run on the electric motor only until the charge is depleted. You'll only be able to do short bursts around town on electric power only though, as the 288 volt battery pack is small and depletes quickly.
There's no real difference between the RX and RX L from behind the wheel, but the bigger, heavier seven seater is slightly slower, chalking up an 8.0 second dash to 62mph from standstill.
Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed
As mentioned, the RX is now offered with just the one engine, the 308bhp 3.5-litre V6 hybrid. There are no diesel options, and the base 2.0-litre petrol has been dropped from the line-up for the time being.
The big V6 hybrid is powerful enough, with overtaking manoeuvres being relatively straightforward , but you do need to plan ahead slightly more than normal while you wait for the power to be delivered. At low speed, the hybrid system works well, as it uses the electric motor for silent progress in traffic.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
Despite a 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol sitting under the bonnet, the RX 450h hybrid is surprisingly economical. Every version comes with 20-inch alloys, so there’s no difference in economy between top variants and lesser versions with smaller wheels. Under WLTP testing, the RX delivers 35.7mpg, while the 7-seat RX L is a touch less efficient at 34.4mpg. Emissions for the RX are 178-186g/km depending on variant.
Interior, design and technology
Lexus has made further updates to the RX’s exterior, with the car taking on similar design cues to the new IS, NX and RC coupe,. The headlights are narrower and blended better with the bonnet, while the two air intakes either side of the vast (and tweaked) spindle grille are more pronounced. The exhaust pipe garnish has morphed seamlessly into the rear bumper, too. New ‘BladeScan’ LED headlights that are said to be significantly more reactive than earlier adaptive systems, are standard with F Sport and Takumi trims.
There are a range of aerodynamic upgrades compared to the old model, including a front under spoiler, a rear spoiler across the width of the tailgate and a diffuser beneath the rear bumper which reduces drag and increases stability.
The larger exterior dimensions mean there's more headroom for those in the front and more legroom for rear-seat passengers, too.
The RX L, with its longer and more upright rear end, is home to two additional seats, although they are small and probably best suited to children or short journeys for adult passengers. The rear cabin does include separate air conditioning controls.
The interior feels well built and there are lots of high quality materials around the dashboard. Whether you'll like the old school ambience with its analogue clock and wood finish is a matter of taste, but the seats are comfortable and all the instruments are high quality.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
All models receive a 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays the car's infotainment system menus, music and sat-nav. This means you no longer have to deal with the old mouse-like controller, or the updated version’s (improved but still fiddly) supplementary trackpad. The sat-nav instructions could still be clearer, but the large screen looks slick.
There's also a large head-up display in front of the driver, which Lexus claims is the world's largest. This can display speed, directions, cruise control status, speed limits and even pre-crash safety warnings. It’s standard for Takumi variants and a cost option for the RX and F Sport.
All trim levels include a wireless phone charger in the centre console - this lets those with a compatible mobile keep it topped up without having to plug in a cable. If you do want to connect up to the infotainment system then there are USB and aux ports there too - and of course you can sync up with Bluetooth.
RX and F Sport versions include a 12-speaker Pioneer audio set-up, while those opting for the Takumi model will benefit from an upgraded 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The latest Lexus RX is the largest yet, which is good news for the car's practicality - but makes it a little more difficult to drive in the city. The CVT gearbox can be a little tricky to modulate, and it certainly rewards those who are happy to take things easy. Anything other than a light throttle sends revs soaring and this will be rather irritating when trying to make smooth progress around town.
There are five seats in the RX and seven in the RX-L. The rear seats (middle row in the RX-L) fold down in a 60:40 split using levers to the side of each seat, while the third row in the RX-L folds flat easily.
The seven-seat model also gives customers the choice of specifying a three-seat second row bench, or two individual captain’s seats, with manual fold and recline adjustment. The second row also benefits from a slide range extended by an extra 45 mm to 165 mm, providing easier access to the third-row seats.
Third row seats can be moved forward and backward electronically depending on the customer’s needs, providing additional legroom (+95 mm) as required.
A centre console in the RX adds some extra storage to the cabin, including a smart new type of cupholder that adjusts to the size of the cup you place inside it.
There are a few different types of leather seat available, with higher-spec models getting perforated material to allow for ventilation on a hot day. Heated seats are available too, with a memory function to allow multiple drivers to get comfortable more quickly. Towing capacity is 2,000kg for braked trailers or 750kg for unbraked trailers.
Size
At 4,890mm long, 1,895mm wide (without mirrors) and 1,685mm tall the Lexus RX is a rather large car, and it feels it on city streets. You do sit high up, and the RX is a tall car in the first place - so you get a good view down on everything else around you. The large A-pillars can cause a problem when pulling out at junctions, but you'll find the same problem on any other car like this.
The RX-L sits on the same 2,790mm wheelbase and is also 1,895mm wide, but it's a smidgen taller at 1,700mm, and its total length expands to 5,000mm thanks to the longer rear overhang.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The rear seats in the Lexus RX have been worked over by the brand to mimic those of a limousine - there's more legroom than before, and the seat backs recline more too. Since there's no bulky transmission tunnel in the floor, the middle seat is usable for more than just short trips.
For taller passengers the high floor could cause some discomfort in the back, but the seats themselves are comfortable and recline using a button on the side of the cushion. The back seats aren't as spacious as the ones in the Range Rover Sport, however.
Interior space for the first two rows remains the same in the RX-L, though the third row is cramped and not really suitable for adults. It's possible to free up a bit of extra legroom for whoever goes back there by sliding the middle row forward, but of course, this eats into legroom for passengers three, four and five.
Boot
The Lexus RX is designed to accommodate batteries for the hybrid system, which means it loses out on boot space compared to rivals offered without electrified powertrains. Space inside with the rear seats up is 539 litres and 1,579 litres with the seats folded. This will be enough for most buyers but the seats don't fold down completely flat.
The rear seats split 60:40 electronically using a button in the boot or in the cabin. It's a useful effort-saving tool but not a time-saving one as they take an age to drop down. There's no loading lip, so sliding objects in is easy enough, but the opening is high up, which could cause a problem with heavy items. To make things a little more convenient, the F Sport and Takumi models include a powered tailgate as standard.
As for the RX-L, luggage space with five seats in place increases to 591 litres thanks to the extra length of the car's rear end, while dropping the middle row sees space expand to 1,656 litres. However, rivals such as the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 continue to be roomier when it comes to luggage loading.
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