- The Lexus RX, the best-selling midsize luxury SUV in America, gets a significant update for 2020
- The RX lineup benefits from improved driving dynamics and refreshed styling
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 will come standard
- The 2020 RX will be available with Apple CarPlay, and is the first Lexus with Android Auto
- 2020 Lexus RX 450h hybrid nets 308 combined horsepower, 30 combined mpg
- New RX goes on sale in late 2019
- Current RX pricing starts at $44,695 for the RX 350, $47,120 for the RX 450h
The Lexus RX, the best-selling midsize luxury SUV in America, receives a variety of notable updates for the 2020 model year. Improvements to the 2020 Lexus RX enhance driving dynamics, expand the midsize luxury SUV’s standard safety features, improve connectivity, and refresh the vehicle’s styling. The same models will be available for 2020: RX 350 and RX 350L, RX 450h and RX 450hL, and F Sport. “L” models are the long-wheelbase versions of the Lexus RX. The L can seat up to seven people, thanks to its small third-row seat.
Lexus, already a company known for its quality, refinement, and reliability, has made several recent changes to the line, including the introduction of the all-new 2019 UX subcompact SUV, the launch of the 2020 RC F coupe, and redesigns of the LS and ES sedans. With the 2020 Lexus RX, the automaker expands on the attributes of the SUV that made it so popular, while keeping it relevant in a highly competitive segment.
Updated Styling
Looking at the front end of the 2020 Lexus RX, you’ll see that the grille design has been updated, now aligning more closely to the looks of the rest of the Lexus lineup. The RX’s headlights now have a slimmer profile, and the taillights use an L-shaped theme. In addition, the Lexus RX comes standard with a new 18-inch wheel design, and there’s also a new 20-inch wheel offered for the Luxury trim level.
Expanded Connectivity
The 2020 Lexus RX comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, which can be used to control audio, climate, Lexus Enform Remote, apps such as Google Maps and Waze, Apple CarPlay and, for the first time in any Lexus, Android Auto. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is optional. Both screens also work with a remote touch pad. There are also six USB ports throughout the cabin.
Other New Features
The 2020 Lexus RX will come standard with paddle shifters, and the long-wheelbase RXL will come standard with NuLuxe seats and interior accents. For the first time, the RX will be available with an optional kick sensor to make it easier to open the tailgate.
Standard Safety
Already known for its impressive suite of standard safety equipment, the Lexus RX expands on that for 2020. Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is now standard, which adds lane tracing assist (LTA), daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. Lane tracing assist uses sensors to detect lane markings to determine where the vehicle is in the lane. When used with the RX’s radar-based adaptive cruise control, LTA keeps the RX in the center of the lane.
Improved Driving Dynamics
To reduce noise and vibration, Lexus engineers have stiffened up the suspension in the 2020 Lexus RX. They made changes to the stabilizer bars to reduce body roll and improve steering response. They re-tuned the shocks and added a friction control device that helps reduce high-frequency vibrations, which in turn smooths out the ride.
For 2020, Lexus made some changes to the F Sport package. Buyers have the choice of getting just the F Sport appearance package, or going a step further and adding the F Sport performance package as well. The new F Sport appearance package includes new front and rear shocks, Drive Mode Select with Sport+ and custom drive modes, and Circuit Red bolstered seats with gray stitching. If you opt for the performance package, you add an updated version of the company’s active variable suspension system, active sound control, cold-air intake, electric power steering, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport is only offered in short-wheelbase form.
How much will the 2020 Lexus RX cost?
Lexus hasn’t announced official pricing on the 2020 Lexus RX, but we expect the RX 350 to start around $46,000 for the RX 350 and above $48,000 for the RX 450h. Prices for the 2019 models start at $44,695 for the RX 350 and $47,120 for the RX 450h.
When does the 2020 Lexus RX go on sale?
Since Lexus has announced that production of the 2020 RX and RXL will start in late summer of 2019, we anticipate the midsize luxury SUVs will be available at dealerships by fall of 2019.
2020 Lexus RX engine and transmission
Lexus has not announced any changes to the available engines and transmissions for the 2020 RX, so you can expect the RX 350 and RX 350L to be powered by a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RX 450h and 450L hybrid models, which continue to put out 308 total system horsepower, use a 3.5-liter V6, paired with a 123-kW electric motor and an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
2020 Lexus RX fuel economy
Lexus hasn’t announced complete fuel economy numbers for the 2020 Lexus RX lineup, but we expect the RX 350 fuel economy to stay close to the current EPA city/highway ratings: 18-20 mpg in the city and 25-27 mpg on the highway. For the 2020 RX 450h, Lexus anticipates 30 combined mpg for the RX 450h and 29 combined mpg for the RX 450hL.
How many people does the 2020 Lexus RX seat?
The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h seat five people, while the Lexus RX 350L and Lexus RX 450L seat up to seven people.
2020 Lexus RX Highlights
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 Standard on the 2020 Lexus RX, this suite of advanced safety features includes lane tracing assist, daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, and road sign assist.
- Adaptive Variable Suspension This system comes with the tuning upgrade on F Sport models. It adjusts shock damping according to driving conditions, making the Lexus RX feel more composed in high-speed turns.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display The 2020 Lexus RX is available with a bright, vibrant 12.3-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to see where you are and where you’re heading.
Lexus RX warranty
The Lexus RX is covered by a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty, as well as a 6-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 450h models are covered by an additional 8-year, 100,000-mile hybrid system warranty.
2020 Lexus RX key specs
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (RX 350)
- 295 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
- 267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 3.5-liter V6 + 123-kW electric motor (RX 450h)
- 259 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
- Total system horsepower: 308
- 247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gasoline engine only)
- Electronic continuously variable automatic transmission
- Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
- Length: 192.5 inches (est)
- Width: 74.6 inches (est)
- Height: 67.7 inches (est)
- Cargo Volume: 18.4 cu ft (est)
Lexus RX vs. Audi Q5
The Lexus RX is smooth, comfortable and quiet, and has a longstanding reputation for reliability and high resale value. The RX isn’t as well known for its driving dynamics as the Audi Q5. The Audi has less rear-seat room and cargo space than the RX, but is more advanced when it comes to technology. The RX is offered with a hybrid powertrain and a 7-passenger layout, while the Q5 is not.
Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE
All new for 2020, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has advanced greatly, now longer and wider, with an expanded roster of options including an electronic suspension. Both the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE have upped their tech games for 2020, from advanced safety features to connectivity options. Both are known for interior luxury, but from what we have seen, the GLE may be vying for benchmark status in 2020.
Lexus RX vs. BMW X5
Like the Lexus RX, the BMW X5 is also available as a 5- or 7-passenger midsize luxury SUV. The X5 is all-new for 2019, and where the RX’s hallmarks are comfort and quiet, the BMW X5 is known for its athleticism. While the X5 is expected to be available as a plug-in hybrid for 2020, there is currently no hybrid choice, as there is with the RX, but with the X5 you have the option of V8 performance.
More New and Redesigned Cars for 2020
