Used 2020 Lexus RX

#6 in Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

With its avant-garde styling, luxurious interior and choice of V6 or V6 hybrid powertrains, the 2020 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h remain two of the most desirable midsize-luxury SUVs in the segment. Running up against newer and more technically sophisticated competitors such as the BMW X5, Audi Q5 and the electric Tesla Model X, the RX is beginning to show its age.

Despite missing a few high-tech features like a digital instrument cluster and self-driving technology, the RX excels in the areas of quality, reliability and resale. The hybrid trim is the class’s fuel-economy leader, while the extended L version adds a small but still viable 3rd-row seat increasing passenger capacity to seven. The RX is one of the smoother-riding luxury-crossover SUVs, and although the RX F Sport trim is intended to deliver a more athletic driving experience, it’s no match for the power and handling found in the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace or Porsche Cayenne.

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As its primary mission is to pamper and coddle, the 2020 Lexus RX 350 isn’t as focused on aggressive cornering or blistering 0-60 times. However, the RX is neither sloppy nor slow. Lexus engineers haven’t forgotten that a smooth ride and a quiet interior are what most buyers are looking for these days, which explains why the RX continues to be a sales leader.

Should the road begin to twist and turn, have no fear that the RX can confidently stay planted and provide the driver all the feedback necessary to enjoy the ride. The RX’s well-shaped seats are supremely comfortable, permitting hours of fatigue-free driving, and the dash design, while a bit frenetic, is easy to use and understand.

For those who would like a bit more agility in their ride, the RX 350 F Sport can be equipped with adaptive dampers and an upgraded version of Lexus’ selectable drive-mode system. When so equipped, the RX F Sport adds a Sport S+ setting that increases steering feedback and quickens throttle response.

Regardless of which RX you choose, it will be powered by a V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. The one exception of course is the RX 450h, which teams a V6 gas engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to produce even more horsepower and torque, as well as impressive fuel economy.

We expect much from a Lexus interior, and the 2020 RX delivers with upscale materials and superb fit and finish. The overall design is unique, but not as sophisticated or flowing as that of an Audi or a BMW, although the analog clock is an elegant touch. All models offer a large multimedia screen, which is operated by a console-mounted mouse-like controller that some have complained is frustrating to use. A 12.3-inch split-screen multimedia screen is optional and part of the navigation package.

The seats are plush, and there is plenty of head- and legroom in back. Cargo space is impressive, with over 18 cubic feet behind the rear seats and over 56 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RX 350L has standard seating for seven with a 3-across 2nd-row bench. Optional on that model and standard on the RX 450hL are 2nd-row captain’s chairs that reduce total passenger count to six. Be warned: If you regularly need to use a 3rd-row seat, the RX 350L’s power-folding bench is tight, best suited for small kids.

Lexus has moved away from its plain early styling and switched to shapes that are daring, dynamic and routinely complemented by a bold spindle-shaped grille. While no one will call the 2020 Lexus RX classically beautiful, it is chiseled and distinctive. What’s more, it will not be confused for a minivan.

We like how the SUV’s blacked-out C-pillars give the roof a floating appearance, while 20-inch wheels lend the F Sport a welcome dose of aggression. Notable: The RX L models are only 4.3 inches longer than the standard 2-row RX, so it’s not easy to quickly identify them on the road.

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM + 2.0
Standard on every 2020 Lexus RX, this state-of-the-art safety system includes such valuable driver assists as pre-collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane-keeping and -departure warning, road-sign assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams and radar-based all-speed adaptive cruise control.

ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION
Part of the F Sport’s upgraded Performance package, AVS monitors road conditions and automatically adjusts the shock dampening for maximum performance. The system works in just milliseconds and gives the F Sport a leg-up over the standard RX’s cornering and steering response.

The 2020 Lexus RX is generously equipped. Consider what’s standard on a base RX: LED headlights, a power tailgate, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10 airbags, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a faux-leather interior, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, a HomeLink garage-door opener, 18-inch wheels, and Lexus Safety System + 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams and lane-departure alert.

Standard infotainment offerings include an 8-inch command screen, 9-speaker audio with USB, Bluetooth, Micro SD card slot and auxiliary input, and Siri Eyes Free for Apple iPhones. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also along for the ride.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect, complimentary for 10 years, includes an SOS button, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification and stolen-vehicle notification. Lexus Enform Remote, complimentary for one year, lets the RX owner remotely lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, adjust climate controls and even check the fuel level via a smart watch or an Amazon Alexa-enabled device at home.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the new RX 350 and standard on the RX 450h hybrid. F Sport models come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, but are also available with all-wheel drive. Other options, bundled in various packages, include leather seating, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, a touch-free tailgate, navigation, a larger 12.3-inch screen, and a fantastic-sounding 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

F Sport models offer the Performance package that adds a heated steering wheel, Sport S+ mode, adaptive variable suspension, plus unique front and rear fascias. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual screens, a Head-Up Display and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor are also available. There’s even an available towing-prep package, which includes a heavy-duty radiator and oil coolers for the engine and transmission. A hitch receiver is available as an accessory, along with running boards and roof-rack cross bars.

Power for the 2020 Lexus RX comes from two sources. The RX 350 models employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine good for 295 horsepower. This engine runs on regular gas and is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The extended RX 350L uses the same setup but with five less horsepower due to its single exhaust pipe. The hybrid RX 450h uses a less powerful version of the 3.5-liter V6 and pairs it with a battery-electric powertrain and standard all-wheel drive.

Premium gasoline is recommended. Its EPA-estimated driving range of 516 miles compares favorably to the 422 of the standard AWD RX. The RX 450h and the RX 450hL have a total system output of 308 horsepower, and the 2-row hybrid returns 31 mpg in the city. Towing capacity (of the standard RX and the RX hybrid) is 3,500 pounds.

3.5-liter V6 (RX 350, RX 350 F Sport)
295 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 (RX 350L, RX 350L F Sport)
290 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)

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)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/28 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + 123-kW electric motor (RX 450hL)
259 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
Total system horsepower: 308
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gasoline engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/28 mpg (AWD)