Pros: Impressive all-around refinement; exceptionally quiet cabin; F Sport model offers good balance of ride and handling; generous selection of available comfort and safety features
Cons: Middling acceleration for the class; so-so cargo capacity; finicky Remote Touch infotainment interface; polarizing styling
CG Says: After its redesign last year, the 2017 Lexus RX gains more standard safety features. Newly standard is Lexus Safety System + which includes pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure mitigation. The RX 450h is now available solely with all-wheel-drive; front-wheel is no longer offered. RX is a premium midsize SUV with seating for five. RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid models are available; the 350’s 3.5-liter V6 develops 295 horsepower and the 450h’s gas/electric powertrain puts out 308 hp. The RX 350 has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the RX 450h uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard on RX 350. All-wheel drive is available on RX 350 and is standard on RX 450h. Among the available features are a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a hands-free power liftgate, power-folding second-row seat, and an extra-large 12.3-inch infotainment-system screen. Available safety features include 360-degree surround-view cameras, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning and mitigation, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The radically styled bodywork of the Lexus RX certainly isn’t for everyone, but it cloaks an impressive vehicle. The RX boasts a cabin that is impeccably finished in high-quality materials, and its driving personality—especially in F Sport models—is a bit more engaging than the previous-gen model. The RX remains supremely comfortable in any of its forms. If you like its in-your-face styling and don’t need a third-row seat, the RX should be on your premium midsize SUV shopping list.
| Class | Premium Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Lexus |
| Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
| Base Prices | RX 350: $43,020 AWD RX 350: $44,420 RX 350 F Sport: $48,920 AWD RX 350 F Sport: $50,320 AWD RX 450h: $53,035 AWD RX 450h F Sport: $56,495 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 295 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6/Electric |
| Horsepower 308 |
| Std. Transmission continuously variable transmission |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 31 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
