As the current owner of my 4th RX450h and 3 LSs, I sometimes look at other similar luxury cars, (Audi, BMW, Mercs, and even Tesla) and still end up retuning to Lexus. My impatience and range anxiety eliminated Tesla, (or any all-electric vehicle) along with their reliability issues but I did get a BMW which I liked but it was too unnecessarily expensive to maintain. Just to replace the battery was $400 and requiring a re-set from the dealer! I probable would consider the Audi...if Lexus did not exist.. but there are some viable options there.. The LS is fast, comfortable, quiet, confident and reliable. That's what I look for when my money is on the line. The RX is still fresh and distinguishable from most after 4 yrs since its make-over and its recent update makes it very competitive in the category. That's the genius of good design. Discerning shoppers with a bit more to spend are more comfortable with luxury and look for more than the untrained eye so simple detractions like some silly comments about a grill, does not generally serve as a deterrent. Leave that to people who gravitate overly to pretty shinny looking objects. The fact that it received 3 A-pluses from Alex in this review regardless of its cons, and the fact that it out-sells every other Luxury SUV speaks for itself. Personally, I would be hard-pressed to buy anything else when it comes time to buy again. With both my RX and LS, regular maintenance (twice per yr), exceptional Lexus dealer experience( I get a brand new loaner when I drop my car off or its picked up), strong reliability and great resale value, its a winning combination. I once sold my used LS 400 for the amount I paid for it 5 yrs before due to multiple interest I received. Toyota and Honda products generally sells fast and I have owned both brands as well. I received much less when I sold the BMW which was 3 yrs old and in exceptional condition with low miles. Most commenters here should speak on what they know in forums like this instead of repeating catch phases the host may use in his personal summery. How often does one need to comment on Alex's "mother in law..." joke? There are lots of nice looking cars out there and most are getting better especially as they need to compete with the standard Lexus has brought to the market. We should applaud that and buy the best YOU can afford.
Coming to this after viewing another channel that suggested that only people who don't understand or like cars will by an RX. Appreciate Alex's review as he does not judge people and their intentions.
I have always appreciated the RX because it wasn't a third row. However, the lack of storage turned me away from it. Now I am interested in the RX again, but would prefer the longer model but without the added cost and weight of the third row seats.
Because it was an after-thought retrofit. With the next RX probably well into development already, Lexus corporate wanted a quick, cheap, and easy solution tide the dealers over. A proper 3rd ROW probably would've required a complete redesign of the entire rear half of the vehicle.
I understand your point, and everyone's requirements are different, but I made that mistake once and went back to a 'mainstream' brand from a 'premium' brand. What you're getting with the Highlander is a very expensive version of a cheap car, and it's obvious and noticeable.
@@mrsj1417 do you mean the more subtle differences, eg quieter/smoother ride, more features, etc? The platinum highlanders look pretty nice. Although I haven’t driven one yet - I presume the new tgna platform in the highlander is better than the old RX platform.
@@Wasabi9111 id say the Highlander has a few more features than the RX L: - pano roof - large MID in the cluster - rear camera mirror - heated rear seats - way more efficient hybrid system
Lexus wasn't going to spend the money to make it a proper 3 row with a replacement already in development. I have a 2018 RXL hybrid. We bought it for the extra cargo space. Also, the added length evens out the look.
What this works for is families, where there are more than 3 children, that third row with that legroom would be fine for a child that is 4ft tall, and the second row is fine for kids 5 feet tall. I mean absolutely no one should buy this for the third row, but if you are someone currently with 2 kids and want the extra space, and a third may or may not happen in the future, then this is a solid recommendation (also when those kids have a friend over and you need the extra seats, for once again, children)
Family with kids do mot need RX w/ silly third, they just need to go buy larger Lexus SUV, period. RX is the most selling not only Lexus crossover, but the most selling among luxury crossover in this huge American market for a reason - it’s the shorter, smaller among mid-size since it’s without a third raw for a reason and has the largest sell volumes. And in the same time it”s the largest among compact SUV/crossover, with record 40 cu.ft trunk space which almost doubles with folded seats. That’s why RX sakes the best among others. 👍🤷🏻♀️🤣
Just came across this review today, thank you for demonstrating the 3rd row and giving a potential scenario of how the 2nd row would be pulled forward in order to have some room in the 3rd row and for suggesting someone smaller or leg less MIL 😂 . This helped! All reviews I’ve seen don’t give this suggestion, thank you!! I’m still going with this RX450L, this config helps with our kids friends should they need a ride 16:17
@@tiagozadra4307 Well some Lexus do but I am talking about the vehicles Alex compared the RX to, like the MDX, QX60, XT5. Even though other Lincolns do have nice interiors the Nautaulis defineatly doesn’t.
I'll probably just wait for the RX redesign in the next 2 years. Once they switch over to the new platform and if the hybrid matches the 35mpg of the Highlander then I'm sold.
It’s funny that solid-thinking (rather conserving styling for good) Lexus RX designers decided to adapt to the mid-size SUV/crossover U.S. market by introducing some third raw and this over-blown, not attractive front grill with the idea to compete with BMW and etc. It was completely not necessary, since first RX previous model-years had a very appropriate highly-respected fluid exterior and interior design with record larger 40 cu ft trunk which almost doubles when the back seats are folded. Second, Lexus RX was the only practical desirable mid-size crossover with two only raws which made it distinctively shorter among competitors in this market category for majority of the Lexus owners who did not need third raw at all. The fact that RX was more roomy than compact SUV/crossovers but smaller than mid-size market segment made RX very desirable for the majority of the Lexus customers.
13:33 this 4 inch LCD display on the dash is used in the lowest trim Toyotas throughout their lineup. Goes to show how dated Lexus lineup has for a $60k model to employ it
And the steering wheel is round like a Corolla. If it works, no need to bedazzle it and add memes and animated cartoons and show fireworks every time you look at it. Such a ridiculous thing to focus on. HEY - that stitching on the dash uses the same thread as an Accord!!!
@@mrsj1417 Honestly, the fully digital gauge cluster is the most overrated gimmick in new cars today. After the initial wow factor in the test drive, I find that they don't really add anything useful that isn't done on smaller displays.
@@panzer_TZ Have you actually used one in the BMW and Audis?... They are far more configurable with custom information.. Literally can have multiple displays in one.
Tbf it probably wasn't meant for seating 7 6ft tall adults, but maybe for when taking out your friends' kids to a day out, or your in-laws and your kids occasionally, in which case a cramped 3rd row is much better than no 3rd row
I guess they prioritized form over function. I would still buy an L version for the extra trunk space. I just will fold the rear seats down permanently.
Hi Alex, it was surprising to watch that you have not included the Korean twins - Telluride/Palisade as a direct comparison to the Lexus. I feel the Koreans are taking the cake away from the Japanese.
As a chauffeur, the small third row doesn't bother me much - I'm not very interested in carrying more than four passengers, and there is enough storage for my needs. What bothers me more is the lack of second row climate controls. There isn't any option at all. Pathetic.
Great review, per usual! Where did you film the driving scene? It almost looks like areas around San Benito County but I’m thinking it’s the Santa Cruz mountains?
Mom has the 450HL they really should have bought an mdx. Lexus interior is much nicer compared to the mdx. But the mdx more practical if you want to carry luggage and people
I can verify the e awd is not as good as the rx350 awd. It's anecdotally noteciable, plus I've seen an rx400h that was stuck in a ski resort parking spot. The wheels were clearly not able to adjust traction as well as other awd systems. We were in a Subaru at the time and had some trouble getting out of our parking spot as well, but ultimately succeeded without too much fuss. Having driven many subarus as well as the Lexus hybrid in snowy and icy, as well as muddy and sand, conditions, I would recommend the subaru all day long. Lexus is superior on the road, but I would be hesitant to trust the e awd in harsh conditions. The e CVT is a wonderful transmission compared to traditional belt driven CBTs, or even the slushboxes in the non hybrid RX. My 2006 rx400h is still going strong with very few mechanical issues (easily repaired) since I've had it. Very durable too.
I understand the hyper-focus on the small back seat but keep in mind there are PLENTY of us out there with FOUR children. And unlike many parents that are concerned about their kids being comfortable and pampered, my wife and think they are just kids (f- their comfort), we just want them legal and safe. (I grew up without car seats airbags, and seat belts that went unused. My sister literally fell out of the car once. And yes we try to be better parents...). So of course, we have the Suburban which is a luxurious boat but what about a second vehicle that can handle all the kids on occasion? From what I can see, this is cheaper than the Suburban, more luxurious, more reliable, longer lasting and MUCH cheaper to run. Alex I like your reviews because it tends to be more 'real world' focused. Don't forget the big families. Not all of us live in Utah, on farms or in trailer parks. Just looked it up: the average male is 5'9" and only 10% of the population is over 6". I think using 6'4" for testing is unrealistic.
Look, a kitty got excited about this Lexus RX. It was underneath the car when you talked about the stretched body for the third row (at about 2 minutes)
I have a very mixed feelings about this car. RX is reliable, comfortable and has a good fuel consumption. What more can you expect? But on the other side it feels like a conservative, dated car wrapped in ultra modern package to deceive you...
If I were in the market, I’d get this and just delete the third row so I’ll have more space than the standard RX. Sucks a Panoramic roof isn’t optional.
Why would you be scared to lease from Germans. Leasing German cars is relatively safe. Drive it for three years and give it back. Never have to worry about having to fix the vehicle when it breaks. BUYING German should be something you should worry about....
@@THEsoulquarian And theirs always one of you that are jerks who respond to a relatively harmless comment. All I was wondering is why your afraid to lease, there ain't nothing malicious about that comment. Pull that rat out of your ass and that might make your day better.
@@Al13n1nV8D3R first off, why would a rat be in my ass? Gross. Speaking from experience? Secondly, I'm personally not afriad to lease or buy anything. It's a joke about the stereotypical Lexus driver. Don't see how you didn't get that sensitive Sally. You can make any comment you want at anytime, but be prepared for any type of response. If you're going to be a sensitive Sally, keep your comments to yourself. Also, maybe stay away from rats, you freak.
@@markmiller3279 Agreed, the MDX is a far better value considering how well-appointed it is vs the competition. That's why it was A-on-A's top value pick for this class.
It may get “lampooned”, but I poke fun of every other so-called automotive YouYuber (including Redline 🙄) who say the “L” stands for “Long wheelbase”.🤦🏻♂️
You often lampoon this vehicle but I don’t find it lampooned as much by others. The quality of this vehicle far exceeds many vehicles you give a higher or rather better review. An SUV can feel great but if the value is horrible it’s a mute point, at least to me.
I have a 2022 450h F Sport Takumi. Im trying to love it but the seats squeeze my backside making my thighs ache. (And im not a big guy). The cruise control that i use a lot to comply with speed limits allows overspeeding downhill. The voice control infotainment i find a total frustration. When using cruise and i reduce speed say from 50 to 30mph i can fell the car actively slowing but then it allows itself to run away downhill. I feel annoyed with Lexus for allowing this to prevail.
They rushed this model with the third row Even the highlander has a better third row and it’s still small but guess it’s useable tho I have a feeling next gen this model will be a lot better with its third row!
People, the RX is still on the same K platform that dates back to the 2000 Toyota Avalon and 2001 Toyota Highlander. Over 20 years on the same platform. You can only put the lipstick on a pig so many times!
@@darrell9616 My parents have a 2010 RX. I’ve been trying to convince them to get a new car with all the latest safety features. They have test driven the current generation at least five times. And every time they test drive it, they say they don’t see the need to spend all that money for the new RX that drives exactly the same as their old one.
@@Wasabi9111 My wife had a 2011. Same thing with her. We only got rid of it because it was totaled in a crash (rear-ended). I drove the 2020 and it drove exactly the same. I agree 100%
I've always wanted an RX as they are sort of a status symbol among women in my area. Being a fan of the movie Zoolander: "What is this!? A 3rd row for ants?"
Should I lease a 2022 RX 450h for $499 with $3999 down and possibly buy it at the end of lease if we like it or should I buy a 2018 RX 450h for $38999 with 51k miles LOADED with panoramic sunroof etc, etc..???
