2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX is aging fast. Launched for the 2016 model year, the fourth-generation RX shares a platform with the recently redesigned Toyota Highlander. An RX redesign should be just around the corner. In the meantime, the midsize RX remains a formidable player in its luxury crossover segment though the competition has caught up in several key areas. A styling update inside and out in 2019 has kept the RX relatively fresh, along with the addition of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Carried over from the previous model year is the powertrain lineup, consisting of either gasoline or hybrid options. The 2022 trim lineup is extensive, with multiple trims providing enough variety in terms of aesthetics and features. All trims come powered by a 3.5-liter V6. It makes 295 horsepower in the RX 350 and 290 hp in the RX 350L. In the 450h, it develops 308 hp thanks to the inclusion of three electric motors. Non-hybrid trims receive an eight-speed automatic while those AWD-only hybrids have an electronically controlled CVT.

The 2022 Lexus RX is a direct rival to the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Acura MDX. The Lexus isn't as powerful as its German competitors, but neither is it as expensive.

One thing, however, has made the current generation polarizing for many: that spindle grille design. It's clearly not for everyone but it has grown on us over the years. We recently sampled a 2022 RX 450h F Sport, which is the hybrid model with some sporty flair. All in all, it's a highly capable luxury vehicle and the new-for-2022 Grecian Water paint color caught plenty of people's eyes. The RX Hybrid may not be the sportiest of the bunch, but it offers an incredibly comfortable and confident ride, a nice list of standard safety features, and good fuel economy.

The exterior of the RX has a lot going on, especially from the side. There are several contrasting lines, and we're not entirely convinced they work. Perhaps the lead designer couldn't decide on one design sketch and simply included all the ideas in the final product? From the rear, it's a generic SUV, but the front fascia is dominated by the Lexus spindle grille. We'd like to make fun of Lexus for having such a prominent grille, but have you seen BMWs lately? A set of 18-inch alloys are standard on most models, while the Black Line and F Sport get 20-inch wheels. The exterior lights can be upgraded to triple beam LED lights, while a power moonroof is standard on the Black Line.

Our Grecian Water 450h F Sport tester came equipped with LED headlights, LED taillights, illuminated door handles, and daytime running lights. Though they weren't required during our week-long experience, rain-sensing windshield wipers are a standard feature.

Some key dimensions vary since the RX is available in two sizes; standard and extra long. The L (for long) models add the third row to make the RX more practical and more attractive across a broader audience.

The standard car is 192.5 inches long, while the L is 196.9 inches long. Both vehicles have a width of 74.6 inches and are 67.7 inches tall. 350L and 350L Black Line models are a smidge shorter at 67.3 inches. The wheelbase is the same on all models at 109.8 inches, which means that all of that added length is solid overhang for L derivatives.

The lightest RX of the lot is the base RX 350 with a front-wheel-drive layout. It weighs 4,222 pounds. The heftiest of the lot is the RX 450hL AWD, weighing 4,905 lbs thanks to the added length and the hybrid powertrain components.

The standard models only have access to six colors. They are Eminent White Pearl ($500), Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Caviar, Nightfall Mica, and Nori Green Pearl. The L models switch out the silver and gray colors for Iridium and Cloudburst Gray, both of which cost $500.

More colors are available on certain trims. By upgrading to the F Sport, Ultra White ($500), Matador Red Mica, and Grecian Water become available. However, this sporty trim loses access to some of the shades that are accessible to the base body such as Eminent White Pearl. Black Line models are only available in Caviar or Eminent White Pearl.

The RX is not a fast SUV, no matter which of the engine options you go for. The standard powertrain is a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with average specs of 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The gas-powered L model produces 290 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. The power increases to 308 hp with the additional hybrid components, though Lexus doesn't provide a torque output. ICE models are available in FWD and all-wheel-drive, while hybrid models are AWD only.

Looking at the performance figures, it's clear that Lexus never intended for the RX to be a sporty SUV, even though some models use that word in their nomenclature. FWD models with the 295-hp V6 take a leisurely 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. Even though the AWD models have additional grip, the added weight means they get to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The hybrid is no faster, also taking 7.9 seconds to get to 60 mph. The slightly longer models need 0.2 seconds more to make the sprint. At 8.1 seconds for the 0 to 60 sprint, the hybrids with the longer bodies are the slowest. The traditional combustion models have a top speed of 124 mph, while the hybrids can manage 112 mph. Most of these will spend their lives bouncing around in the suburbs and highways of the USA, so these performance figures aren't particularly disappointing.

For an SUV, its towing capacity is on the disappointing side, however. The RX can only tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs when equipped with the Towing Prep Package, which isn't available across the lineup.

All RX models use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine but with different outputs. Standard ICE models produce 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque from 4,700 rpm. L models are slightly detuned to 290 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.

Even though it has three electric motors, the hybrid only produces 308 hp. Lexus doesn't provide a torque figure, but it's bound to be higher than the ICE model. The electric motors also fill the torque gaps, so the RX 450h should feel more spirited even though the figures tell a different story. RX 350s are equipped with a traditional eight-speed torque converter gearbox, while the hybrid has a CVT transmission with an integrated electric motor.

The available powertrains are best described as capable. The eight-speed gearbox doesn't like being rushed, though the CVT is better than you'd expect. When coupled to an engine with high torque at low rpm, CVTs traditionally work better. That's exactly what the hybrid powertrain provides.

Suppose you're in the market for something sportier. In that case, several German, Japanese, and even Italian turbocharged options do a better job of getting up to speed and engaging the driver. The RX subscribes to the old definition of luxury. It aims to be a sensory deprivation tank that moves you from point A to point B in the most comfortable way possible.

Despite the aggressive exterior styling, the RX is not particularly exciting to drive. Nor is it fast, unlike some of its rivals (which are also not always speed demons). The RX, no matter which powertrain it's equipped with, behaves like a more luxurious previous-generation Toyota Highlander. That's not necessarily a bad thing for many buyers, but can be disappointing for others who seek something more aggressive. Again, looks can be deceiving.

The RX is, however, an extremely comfortable daily driver whether you're just running a few errands or going for a long highway drive. The F Sport's stiffer suspension is certainly nice but doesn't really translate into an exciting ride. The RX's greatest strength in this realm, whether you opt for the F Sport package or not, is its smooth approach to driving. It's a wonderful cruiser with just a touch here and there of mild excitement.

The ICE RX's gas mileage figures aren't bad in isolation, but you do notice a difference compared to other crossovers with more modern turbocharged engines in the US. A standard FWD RX 350 comes with EPA-estimated figures of 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD model gets one less mile per gallon at 19/26/22 mpg. Adding the extra bodywork of the L drops the EPA-estimated consumption to 19/26/22 mpg with FWD and 18/25/21 mpg with AWD. The ICE models come with a 19.2-gallon tank, giving the RX 350 an estimated range of between 442 to 403 miles, depending on trim.

The hybrid's figures are more impressive. According to the EPA, the standard 450h returns 31/28/30 mpg, while the lengthier L loses a few points for figures of 29/28/29 mpg. With a 17.2-gallon tank, these models are capable of between 499 to 516 miles on a tank. We averaged very similar numbers based on our mild city and highway driving.

The RX has the kind of interior we appreciate; high quality, high-tech, and easy-to-use. Even from the base level, the interior of the RX feels solid and elegant, even though it shares some switchgear with much cheaper Toyota models. We like the more extensive touchscreen interface but don't understand why Lexus doesn't just rid its cars (and the world) of the horrid remote touchpad. It's difficult to use and, for us, distracting while driving, which isn't great for safety. Even though the RX has an eight-inch touchscreen, it doesn't dominate the interior. You still get separate media and climate control controls and a beautiful analog clock. The seats are comfortable and there's ample space for five occupants in the standard models, and seven in the longer variants.

There are very few changes happening inside the 2022 RX's interior. There's one new interior color and that's about it - but we're not complaining. There's seating for up to five passengers in the regular versions, or seven if you go for the stretched L body style. With captainç chairs There's ample space in the first two rows for occupants who are six feet tall, but five-row models do offer more second-row legroom than three-row models. As expected, the third row is much tighter when it comes to legroom, but children should be perfectly comfortable. The five-seater BMW X5 offers a similar amount of interior space as the five-seater RX. The top-end 450hL and its Black Line Special Edition have captain's chairs as standard in the second row, which is optionally available to the 350L. In this guise, the RX becomes a 6-seater SUV.

The standard upholstery across the range is NuLuxe - Lexus marketing language for leatherette. All other surfaces are covered in soft-touch materials, and what little plastic Lexus uses is of the highest quality. For a few thousand dollars, you can upgrade the upholstery to semi-aniline leather.

Standard color options include Birch, Parchment, and Black, all coupled with Striated Black trim. We'd be happy with any of these combinations, as all are tastefully executed. If you have smaller kids, stay away from the lighter tones, though. Upgrading to more premium hide unlocks Glazed Caramel NuLuxe upholstery and Matte Walnut trim. On L models, you can also opt for Open Pore Walnut. The top-tier Luxury Package offers the same colors, but the trim is upgraded to Sapele Wood and Aluminum.

You can have a sportier interior on F Sport models. The Circuit Red NuLuxe and Scored Aluminum trim looks good but is perhaps a bit too wild for the average RX customer. This year's Black Line is equipped with a model-specific interior. The black upholstery comes with white accents and gray stitching, unless you opt for the Black Line extended body length, which sports blue stitching.

The model we had on our test drive came in soft Black NuLuxe, metallic trim, and plenty of soft-touch plastics. We liked this man-made synthetic leather for a few reasons, mainly because it was very easy to clean after an accidental coffee spill - no liquid was absorbed. We also realized the heated seats weren't needed right away since this material doesn't seem to get as cold as leather in the winter. We'd like to see whether it maintains the temperature in the summertime.

The RX was never designed to be a six or seven-seater, and it shows. With three rows in place, you only get 7.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. That's not enough to accommodate the schoolbags of six kids, let alone enough for shopping to feed them for a week. With the third row folded flat, the space increases to a usable but underwhelming 23 cubes. Fold the second row down and you get 58.5 cubic feet. The standard five-seater is also way below par, offering only 16 cubes. If you fold the second row flat, the space increases to 32.7 cubes. At least Lexus makes it easy to access the cargo capacity, with a power tailgate being standard across the range.

The battery pack placement does not affect the cargo capacity, so the hybrid models boast the same figures as the ICE cars. Interior storage is ample. Every passenger cuts a cupholder and additional storage space in the door or seatback pockets. L models also get a second-row armrest with a storage compartment.

Being a Lexus, the RX comes jam-packed with features from the base level. As standard, you can expect power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a power-adjustable steering column, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. F-Sport models add sportier instrument cluster gauges and sportier front seats. Lexus adds tri-zone climate control and a power-folding third-row in L models. All models are equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0 +. This driver assistance suite bundles together full-speed active cruise control, lane-trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign recognition.

Our sampler further came equipped with several extras, including a wireless charger ($200) and a lovely color head-up display ($600). Heated and ventilated seats are optional across the range.

The best thing about the infotainment system is that you can completely ignore the center console-mounted touchpad if you so choose. The easiest, fastest, and safest method of use is the eight-inch touchscreen. Like most vehicles, the RX's tuning knob is actually a physical knob, which is great. However, its location is too far from the driver as we found ourselves stretching to reach it. It's best for drivers to control the music volume via the steering wheel controls. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is available by means of a package upgrade.

Like with most modern new vehicles, the RX comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa compatibility. A nine-speaker audio system is standard but a 12-speaker version is available, or, like our tester, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium sound setup can be had, but the latter requires additional packages, too.

The J.D. Power Ownership Survey gave the new Lexus RX 85 out of a possible 100 points for quality and reliability, giving it the number one spot in the midsize premium SUV category. If you want a hassle-free ownership experience, this is the SUV to go for. It scored above 80% in all categories, apart from the driving experience, which was rated as average.

There are two notable recalls to take note of. The 2019 and 2020 RX 350 models were recalled as part of a large Toyota fuel pump recall, and a transport hook that may damage the fuel filler pipe also affected 2019 and 2021 models. This issue was resolved before the 2022 model went on sale late last year. No recalls are noted for 2022 at the time of writing.

All RX models get a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. An eight-year/100,000-mile warranty additionally covers hybrid components.

The 2022 Lexus RX's review from the NHTSA is good but not perfect. Overall it scores four out of five stars, which we haven't come across in a while. Five stars are the gold standard these days. It scored the full five for the side-impact crash but four stars in the frontal and rollover crash.

Still, the IIHS named the RX a Top Safety Pick for 2022 with six top scores for crashworthiness. This rating only applies to models equipped with the optional triple-beam LED lights. The IIHS gave the standard headlights a poor rating, so the LEDs seem like a good investment.

Lexus takes an all-in approach to safety. On the traditional side, it has ten airbags, ABS, traction, and stability control. Every model gets Lexus Safety System 2.0 + on the assistance side, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing, pre-collision intervention with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign recognition.

Black Line models get intuitive parking assist features with automatic and rear cross-traffic braking, which, like the surround-view monitors, is optionally available across the range.

It's literally impossible not to recommend the 2022 Lexus RX SUV - or any Lexus for that matter. They're simply outstanding luxury cars, but they're not always the best driver's cars, specifically the crossovers. Point being, if you want a spirited and fun-to-drive crossover, a BMW or Audi might be your best choice. But if you desire something extremely comfortable, reliable, well-built, packed with the right amount of luxury kit, and a sporty but not too sporty driving personality, then the RX is for you. Like any hybrid, the RX Hybrid will appeal to those looking to save some money at the pumps. We do recommend opting for the slightly pricier F Sport version available with the hybrid because of the included adaptive suspension. It makes driving a bit more fun in what would normally be mostly plain vanilla.

The range kicks off with the base RX 350 at an MSRP of $45,570. Opting for the L increases the asking price to $48,400, while the F Sport retails for $49,050. The Black Line Special Edition in 350 guise starts at $49,700 while the 350 L Black Line is $53,055 MSRP. Going the AWD route adds $1,400 to the Lexus RX's price.

The hybrid models come standard with AWD. The RX 450h costs $48,270, increasing to $51,660 for the L model. A top-spec 450h F Sport retails for $51,750. The two Black Line special editions of the Lexus RX will cost $52,675 and $56,050 for the standard and extended body length, respectively. Pricing does not include the $1,075 destination charge. Our 2022 RX 450h F Sport tester came to a grand total of $62,450, including all the options and destination fee.

While there are technically four trim levels (base, F Sport, L, and Black Line Special Edition), there are a total of ten configurations in the RX range for 2022: RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350 Black Line Special Edition, RX 350 L, RX 350 L Black Line Special Edition, RX 450h, RX 450h F Sport, RX 450h Black Line Edition, RX 450h L, and the RX 450h L Black Line Special Edition.

Models with a 350 badge are powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the power going to either an FWD or AWD system. When powering the longer L models, the 350 models are detuned to produce 290 hp and 263 lb-ft.

The hybrid 450h models all come standard with AWD thanks to an electric motor driving the rear axle. In total, the 450h has three electric motors, but this only pushes the power up to 308 hp. It's only available with a CVT transmission.

The base comes as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, NuLuxe leatherette upholstery, a power tailgate, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa capability. A nine-speaker premium sound system is standard.

The F Sport model adds model-specific exterior and interior design features, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a perforated leather steering wheel, sports seats with additional bolstering, aluminum pedals, and LED interior ambient lighting.

The L model gains a power-folding third row, tri-zone climate control, and additional USB charging ports for the rear passengers. It's slightly longer to accommodate the third row.

This year's Black Line Special Edition has a gloss black grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser. It also gets 20-inch model-specific black alloy wheels and black seats with blue stitching. The driver also benefits from features such as a heated steering wheel and intuitive parking assist with rear cross-traffic alert.

There are a few packages you can add to the RX, as well as a host of standalone features. What we don't appreciate is that the majority of the available packages can only be specced in tandem with other packages and features, raising the price considerably. The Luxury Package, which costs $3,890 on the base RX 350, adds perforated semi-aniline leather, 20-inch wheels, manual rear-door sunshades, Sapele Wood with aluminum trim, power cushion extenders for the front seats, ambient lighting, rear armrest storage, and a heated leather and wood steering wheel. Cheekily, you can't add this package without choosing other extras that will raise the price by a net total of $5,880.

For $2,285, the Navigation Package adds a 12-speaker premium Lexus sound system, the remote touchpad, a navigation system with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a climate control smog cleanser, and dynamic navigation. Once again, you are compelled to add other extras to get the Navigation Package so the actual cost is at least $4,115. Music lovers must add the $3,365 Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package. It adds all of the features contained in the Navigation Package as well as the premium 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. This Navigation/Mark Levinson Package requires a total outlay of at least $5,195 as it must be combined with other extras too.

Standalone options include the premium triple-beam LED headlamp upgrade with or without adaptive front lighting ($1,675-$1,975), heating and/or ventilation for the front seats ($440/$640, but ventilation requires further upgrades), heating upfront and for the outboard seats in the second row ($1,480) and a power moonroof ($1,350) or panorama glass roof ($1,850). A surround-view monitor with intuitive parking assist and rear cross-traffic braking is available for $1,365 while the color head-up display we had on our tester goes for $600. Once again, many options need to be specified in conjunction with others.

F Sport models can have a Handling Package fitted for an adaptive suspension, a heated steering wheel, sport-tuned electronic power steering, and drive mode select's S+ mode. It costs $1,050 on gas models and $970 on the hybrid. For some bizarre reason, you can't have this package without adding a power moonroof or a panorama glass roof.

Finally, there's the $6,000 Luxury Package available only to the L models. For this sizeable investment, you get a power moonroof, and heated and ventilated front seats, heating for the second row, and semi-aniline leather.

At first, we weren't wild about driving the RX Hybrid model, but it quickly grew on us. It manages to achieve an ideal balance of power, performance, and fuel efficiency. If you're able to swing the extra money, go for the F Sport, mainly because of the adaptive suspension. It manages to make 308 hp feel like more at times. The base naturally aspirated non-hybrid RX's 295 hp and 268 lb-ft is barely enough, plus you don't get the fuel savings from the hybrid.

It's also worth bearing in mind that you can get the extended-length RX L with the hybrid setup but, unfortunately, not with the F Sport goodies. If you need the third row, the L variant offers the added bonus that you get second-row captain's chairs in 450h L guise to feel even more posh.

The Highlander and the RX are essentially the same car if you're in the market for a three-row crossover. It uses the same naturally-aspirated V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander can also be had with a less powerful 243-hp hybrid powertrain, though. You'll even notice similarities on the center console if you look close enough. Toyota built the Highlander to be more affordable, so you lose out on some higher-quality materials, but the ride and refinement are essentially the same. With a base price of around $35,000, the Highlander is also a lot cheaper.

You can also tell the Highlander was meant to be a three-row crossover from the start. With three rows in place, it offers 16 cubes of space. Not mind-blowing, but at least enough to accommodate six kids and their school bags, which is the same amount of space the five-seater RX offers by comparison. If you can live without the upper-middle-class badge, the Highlander is the obvious choice, here.

The NX makes the RX look irrelevant. Yes, you can have an RX with three rows, but the third row in an RX hardly makes it a more practical car. In five-seat guise, the NX provides more cargo capacity than the RX. The NX has 22.7 cubes behind the second row, while the RX only has 16. On paper, the RX is more powerful. The NA V6 produces 295 hp, while the NX's available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-pot produces 275 lb-ft. But the NX has more torque (317 lb-ft) much lower down. This low-down torque gets the NX to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. If frugality is your thing, a hybrid is also available, which easily beats the RX's claimed figures. It's also a plug-in hybrid, which means you score a full 36 miles of EV-only range.

The interior of the NX is just as high-quality. The ergonomics are better, and the large infotainment screen is easy to operate. We do miss the old-school analog clock, but that's not enough of a reason to go for the RX. The NX is a much better all-around SUV.