If you’re in the market for a premium crossover SUV, the 2020 Lexus RX should be on your shortlist. When it comes to comfort and style, few luxury crossovers can match it. With the 2020 model, you can choose between two or three-rows of seating. There’s the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine in the RX350 model, or opt for the RX450h and its hybrid powertrain. While it’s not the sportiest crossover on the market today, the RX nevertheless provides a relaxed and comfortable ride. Here’s a closer look at the 2020 Lexus RX.
Exterior Styling
With the 2020 model, Lexus gave the RX a light exterior refresh. It includes a revised spindle grille and some new exterior colors. New wheel designs and restyled LED head and tail lights round out the improvements to the exterior of the 2020 RX. The end result is sleek and impressive looking SUV.
If there’s one thing that stands out on the RX’s exterior, it’s definitely the grille. It’s apologetically angular, sharp, and intentionally juts out. The striking grille gives the newest RX a signature look that is hard to ignore. While not radically overhauled, Lexus has made a few important tweaks and improvements to the outside of the RX. Overall, the changes are a welcome touch.
Engine and Performance
As previously mentioned, the 2020 RX comes with two engine options. There’s the RX350 version, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 295 horsepower and achieves a top speed of 124 mph. Meanwhile the RX450h hybrid model comes with the V6 engine and two additional electric motors. This powerplant ups the horsepower to 308 but the top speed maxes out at 112 mph.
It takes the RX350 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start. That’s adequate but slower than most other crossovers in the same category. The RX450h is one of the segment’s few hybrids. It too is a little slower than similar SUVs at reaching 60 mph, taking 7.9 seconds. That said, the RX is an extremely comfortable ride. The engine remains quiet at all times, making the RX an exceptional long-distance cruiser.
Trimlines and Prices
When it comes to timlines, the RX offers plenty of choice. When you factor in the choice between FWD and AWD, there are actually nine different core versions of the SUV. Luckily, the price difference between the base model and the top of the line version isn’t that staggering. So pick the 2020 RX that best suits your personal needs!
350
The cheapest version of the RX still starts at $44,150 (although opting for AWD will cost an extra $1,400). But it’s still a luxury car, so you do get some bang for your buck. You’ll get Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s also Amazon Alexa and Lexus Enform Service Connect integrated into every RX. This model rounds out with standard SmartAccess (push button start), access to the Lexus app, and onboard WiFi.
350 F Sport
Starting at $47,950, the RX F Sport livens things up a bit. While it has the same engine at the 350, you’ll get sport-tuned suspensions and 20-inch alloy wheels. The AWD version pushed the price to $49,350. The F Sport versions also get slightly sleeker exterior styling.
350L
The ‘L’ stands for luxury, and ups the price to $47,300 for FWD and $48,700 for the AWD version. It adds niceties like third-row seating and roof rails. As the tiny price jump indicates, though, most features are either already standard on lower models or available as extra packages.
450h
The “base” model of the hybrid version starts at $46,800. However, it does come standard with the more powerful engine and AWD (as do all of the 450 models). That’s the only big difference, however.
450h F Sport
This is simply the F Sport model with the hybrid engine. The other features remain basically the same. This RX will cost you at least $50,600.
450hL
Again, this is just the 350L version of the RX, but with the hybrid powertrain. This version starts at $50,510.
Interior
The interior is where the 2020 Lexus RX really shines. Lexus has chosen fine materials for the RX’s interior, including soft leather, elegant wood trims, and soft-touch plastics. The driving position is comfortable and easy to adjust. While the radio turning knob has been criticized, that is a small complaint for an otherwise flawless vehicle interior.
For the 2020 model, Lexus finally added touchscreen capability to the infotainment system. While it’s not quite the biggest in terms of cargo room, the RX holds only one less carry-on suitcase behind its rear seats than the best-in-class Cadillac XT5. With its second row folded down, the RX can actually match the XT5 with 24 suitcases. All-in-all, the RX’s interior is superior to what is found in most other crossover SUVs.
Technology
Several reviewers have taken issue with the fact that the 2020 Lexus RX does not come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or onboard WiFi. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, but owners can upgrade to a 12.3-inch display that, as mentioned, provides in-dash navigation, a 12-speaker audio system (a nine-speaker setup is standard), a DVD/CD player, and access to the Lexus Enform App Suite. This collection of apps provides access to emergency assistance as well as limited internet connectivity from the infotainment system.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the 2020 RX has received impressive ratings. The vehicle scored solid crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (five stars for all-wheel-drive models and four stars for front-drivers). It also scored well from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which named the 2020 RX a “Top Safety Pick.” There is a long list of standard safety features, along with some extra options (panoramic camera view, rear cross traffic braking, triple-beam LED headlights, and windshield wiper de-icer, for example).
Warranty
Lexus offers a limited warranty on the 2020 RX that is comparable to rivals in this segment, and a powertrain warranty that is better than most. Hybrid components get longer coverage, while complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year. The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles. Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. The complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is another standout feature of the Lexus RX. Both the RX350 and the RX450h earned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings of 31 miles per gallon based on a 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.
The Good
- Decent enhancements to the exterior styling.
- Roomy and comfortable interior.
- Good warranty coverage and fuel economy.
The Not-So-Good
- Engine lacks a bit of power and pep.
- Missing many tech features that come standard in other crossovers.
- Complimentary maintenance ends after one year.
The Last Word
The 2020 Lexus RX is not all things to all people. The crossover SUV has clearly been designed with comfort in mind. This is a vehicle for driving on city streets, not for off-roading. The engine is decent but not the strongest on the market today. However, you don’t purchase the Lexus RX for the acceleration. A quiet, comfortable ride will likely takes precedence over burning rubber. When it comes to a comfortable, luxurious SUV, very few can hold a candle to the 2020 RX. It’s an SUV for those who want to enjoy the trip — look good along the way.
Source: Lexus.com
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