The first generation of the Lexus RX was introduced by the Japanese carmaker in 1998, and it was based on the same platform as the ES sedan. The RX was one of the first crossover SUVs to be constructed around a monocoque chassis. In essence, the Lexus RX has a big role in popularizing the concept of a luxury crossover, something that’s a common staple of most high-end carmakers. As luck would have it, the RX went on to become one of the most successful models in the Japanese marquee’s lineup.
As the years ticked by, Lexus continued to improve and modernize the RX. Today, the 2019 Lexus RX represents the fourth generation of this mid-size crossover, and it’s one of the best-selling cars for the luxury brand. However, despite its strong sales, the new RX faces tough competition from the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and Lincoln’s MKX.
Exterior
The design of the 2019 Lexus RX features multiple creases, angles, and contours all along its bodywork. To some, it might seem a bit too fussy, but its quirky styling does help it stand out in a car park. The front of the new RX gets striking-looking multi-beam LED headlights and sleek daytime-running lights. There’s the Lexus signature Spindle grille, a well-sculpted and aerodynamic hood, and an aggressively-molded bumper with LED foglights.
The side profile of the new RX highlights some of its fancy design elements, plus more contours and character lines than I can keep track of. The flared fenders and bold 20-inch rims look cool, and so does the ‘floating’ design of the roof. The most notable things at the back include the steeply-raked rear window, distinct roof spoiler, wrap-around Led taillights, and a stylish rear bumper with dual-exhaust pipes and an integrated air diffuser. The 2019 Lexus RX is 5.000 meters in length, 1.895 meters in width, 1.700 meters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2.790 meters. The RX also has an impressive cargo volume of 553 liters in the 5-seat variant.
Interior
In keeping with other Lexus products, the design of the RX’s interior is suave, modern, and plush. It’s also a practical place and ergonomics are excellent as well, save for the cumbersome pucker/mouse controller for the infotainment system. The RX’s cabin liberates adequate space for all occupants, though the same cannot be said about the third row passengers in the 7-seat variants. As expected, build quality, choice of materials, and fit & finish is undoubtedly top notch.
The 2019 RX is also loaded to the gills with features – so much so that I practically can’t name them all here. To give you an idea, there’s adaptive dampers, adaptive LED headlights, radar cruise control, power front seats with heating & cooling function, electric sunroof, electric tailgate, all-around parking sensors and camera, ambient interior lighting, heads up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio rig. Some of the safety gadgets include 10 airbags, collision detection, active headrests, electronic stability and traction control etc.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Lexus RX can be optioned with a 2.0-liter turbo four-popper, or a choice between two 3.5-liter six-cylinder engines – one coupled along with a hybrid system. The base four-cylinder is surprisingly punchy, while the naturally-aspirated V6 produces 296 hp and 370 nm of torque. All RX’s get an 8-speed tranny and all-wheel-drive as standard. The RX can hit 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, a top speed of 200 km/h, and return an average of 7.9 L/100 km.
Verdict
The 2019 Lexus RX costs from AED 195,000 to AED 290,000, while insurance ranges between AED 4,388 and AED 6,525.
