Used 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX premium midsize SUV/crossover is the latest chapter in a formidable success story. Over the years and generations, the RX has often been the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States. It’s certainly the most popular Lexus.

Sure, the RX’s timing has been impeccable, being the right vehicle in the right place as buyers’ tastes have moved away from sedans and toward SUV/crossovers. But to sustain that level of success means having enough substance to transcend fashion and make its own unarguable case. The RX SUV definitely has that substance.

It’s strong, reliable, and useful, as well as being classy, comfortable, and well-built. Yet it’s also relatively affordable. The starting price of the 2022 RX 350 is over $46,000, but that’s comfortably below even the high-value newcomer, the Genesis GV80. And when the time comes to sell it on, the RX holds its value better than any rival. This thing is sensible with a capital S.

It offers the choice of a regular drivetrain (the RX 350) or a hybrid setup (the RX 450h), as well as a 5-seater configuration or an extended-wheelbase variant (that’s the L suffix) with a third seating row to accommodate seven occupants in total.

Not all of us have the time or inclination to get deeply involved in the driving experience. Some of us just want to reach where we’re going comfortably, safely, and efficiently. Maybe with something entertaining on the stereo. Let others concentrate on things like weight transference, steering feel, or the limits of tire grip.

If all these people lived in one place, there would be a Lexus on the local flag. Probably the RX. Like other Lexus vehicles, the RX SUV is going to be there, working silently in the background, getting the job done.

The good things about the RX are the raised driving position, the quiet cabin, and the general composure. The seats are comfortable, the infotainment system is pretty easy to negotiate, and both drivetrains deliver sufficient power.

Lexus offers F Sport treatments for both the RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h (with the standard-length wheelbase). There’s no extra power, but the front seats have more lateral support, a sport suspension is fitted, and an adaptive suspension becomes available. Choose one of these F Sport versions, by all means, but the essential nature of the RX is not particularly athletic.

Newer rivals have nicer tech. Things like customizable digital driver information displays and augmented reality for the navigation system. This fourth generation of RX launched for 2016, it received an update in 2019, and a new generation could be imminent

At this level, all contenders have quality materials assembled to a high standard. The RX included. We like the analog clock, but don’t find the dashboard and center consoles designs as well-executed as any of the German rivals.

No gripes about space or comfort, though. The L models have a power-folding third-row seat that’s OK for small kids, while offering the option of captain’s chairs for the second row. The standard 5-seater version has better legroom, however.

Cargo space differs according to wheelbase length and drivetrain. The regular RX 350 has 16 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats, 32.6 cubic feet when they’re down. The long-wheelbase/3-row version goes from 6.2 to 23 to 58.5 cubic feet. Because of the hybrid hardware, the RX 450h/450hL models make a few compromises in this respect.

All those RX buyers can’t be wrong. While some of us lament the overpowering design of the grille, others either like it or see enough attraction elsewhere in a new Lexus RX to look past any aesthetic downsides, climb in, and drive away.

Some of them will head off in a Black Line edition, a limited run for this year of 2,500 units, with 400 of those being hybrids. As the name suggests, there’s a lot of black. Like the wheels, grille, and side mirror housings (plus black simulated leather on the seats).

The rest of the 2022 RX SUV range is now offered with more paint choices, such as Cloudburst Gray and Iridium (a kind of silver), plus Grecian Water (a bold blue) for F Sport variants.

Most onlookers will agree that Lexus has at least done a good job of keeping the long-wheelbase version looking tidy and in proportion.

MARK LEVINSON AUDIO
If the budget allows (admittedly, it does cost $3,365), choose this optional package that brings a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the loud-and-clear 15-speaker/835-watt surround-sound system that’s a real treat for the ears.

ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION
Assuming an F Sport version appeals, it’s probably best to go the whole way and order the Handling package ($1,050) for a sport-tuned steering system, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated sport front seats, and an adaptive suspension that can change its settings within milliseconds to suit driving style and road conditions.

Taking the 2022 RX 350 as our starting point, this premium midsize crossover comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/ignition, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opener, and a powered tailgate.

The infotainment system includes an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, voice control, six USB ports, and a 9-speaker audio setup.

Safety features are plentiful, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Plus 10 airbags.

That same 2022 RX 350 can also be ordered with all-wheel drive, heated/ventilated front seats, real leather upholstery, panoramic moonroof, running boards, head-up display, heated steering wheel, wood/leather steering wheel, driver’s-side memory settings, 360-degree camera system, parking assistance, adaptive/triple-beam LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, hands-free tailgate operation, wireless device charging, navigation, and the previously mentioned Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

This year, fog lights are available as an individual option, as opposed to being part of a package. Buyers of a new RX can also decide to have the long-wheelbase/3-row version and/or the hybrid drivetrain of the RX 450h. However, the optional F Sport treatment only applies to regular-length models.

A 3.5-liter V6 thrums quietly and effectively under the hoods of the RX 350/RX 350L models. It develops 295 horsepower and, in standard form, sends drive to the front wheels (FWD) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

The RX 450h/RX 450hL variants are hybrids, adding three electric motors to their 3.5-liter V6. One motor drives the rear wheels while another joins the V6 to deal with the fronts, creating an electric form of all-wheel drive as standard. A third electric motor handles the stop/restart action and acts as a generator.

Total output is 308 horsepower. Lexus doesn’t quote total torque figures for its hybrids. The automatic transmission here is of the continuously variable variety. Both V6 engines require premium gasoline.

Regardless of drivetrain, towing capacity 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: 20/28 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/three permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (RX 450h, 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: 30/28 mpg (RX 450h), 29/28 mpg (RX 450hL)