The Lexus RX debuted for the 1999 model year when mid-size SUVs were typically based on truck platforms. It distinguished itself from the rest with its car-based platform, which arguably made it the first luxury crossover SUV. Despite criticism for its lack of off-road abilities and towing brawn, the RX became a rousing success, and every other manufacturer followed its lead.
More than a quarter century later, the Lexus RX remains a staple in the brand’s lineup, bookended by the smaller UX and NX models and the larger TX, GX, and LX SUVs. As with its siblings, the RX benefits from Lexus's well-deserved reputation for comfort and reliability. It also undercut its European rivals by a sizeable margin on list price.
While it may not be as opulent as a Mercedes GLE or as sporty as a BMW X5, Lexus focuses on what the majority of luxury clients want—comfort and refinement.
Lexus RX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lexus RX Pros and Cons
- Lexus RX Generations
- Fifth Generation (2023 - present)
- Fourth Generation (2016 - 2022)
- Third Generation (2010 - 2015)
- Second Generation (2004 - 2009)
- First Generation (1999 - 2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lexus RX years are the best?
The latest fifth-generation RX is the most efficient and technologically advanced, but most models aren't as powerful as their predecessors. Unfortunately, the fourth-generation RX came with one of the worst multimedia interfaces ever installed in a vehicle, which could be a dealbreaker for many. But considering how reliable the Lexus RX is, it's one of the few luxury vehicles that can be considered a smart buy on the used market regardless of model year. You won't get all the latest features or the best fuel economy, but an older RX should be comfortable and trouble-free.
Which Lexus RX years are the worst?
No RX generation can be considered bad, but the first few model years are notable for their lack of safety features. At the time, the Lexus RX came with all the items you might expect, but the earliest production run spans one of the most active periods for new technology. More modern RX models have lots more features, many of which are standard on all trim levels. That leads us to recommend leaning away from third-generation RX models and older, especially for family-focused buyers.
Is the Lexus RX a good deal?
The Lexus RX has held its value better than the average luxury SUV, and that applies to all generations. That means you might spend a little more if you're purchasing a pre-owned example, but you should be able to make up for it when you decide to sell.
Lexus RX Pros and cons
Pros:
- Superb reliability
- Refined and comfortable second generation
- Strong resale values
Cons:
- Expensive compared to used rivals
- Primitive first-generation models
- Rivals are better for towing and off-road
Lexus RX generations
Fifth Generation (2023 - present)
An all-new RX debuted for the 2023 model year with a bold styling direction that divided opinion. The grille grew to comically large proportions and now dominates the entire front fascia, while other unusual design elements include some awkward body contours that wrap around the rear wheel arches and chrome trim that attempts to mimic a floating roofline.
There were big changes throughout the lineup. The seven-seat RX L version was discontinued, rendering the fifth-gen RX a two-row model only. The six-cylinder engines were also dropped. The RX 350 name carried on, even though it shifted to a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all-wheel drive (AWD), which is standard in Canada.
The hybrid option was renamed to RX 350h and equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) up front, with an electric motor at the back for standard all-wheel drive (AWD), known as Lexus’s Direct4 system. Power output dropped to 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque but, curiously, this RX is marginally quicker than its predecessor.
The RX 500h used its hybrid system for performance over efficiency. It has a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid, a power output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and is only offered with F Sport performance packages.
In Canada, Lexus offers each of these powertrains with a variety of tailored packages ranging from Premium, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and Executive on the more luxurious side and various levels of F Sport packages on the performance-oriented side. Lexus’s Safety System+ 3.0 is standard equipment across the board and includes safety and driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection as well as intersection turning assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and an emergency driving stop system. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist are also standard.
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) joined the line-up for the 2024 model year. It adds a much larger battery that allows for an estimated 60 kilometres of electric-only range.
Aside from the new RX500h, handling on the fifth-gen RX was similar to the previous model with comfort prioritized over performance. Even the sportier models aren't all that sporty. On top of that, the F Sport suspension negatively affects ride comfort for negligible handling improvements.
The standard RX 350's fuel economy improved yet again with this generation at an estimated 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The RX 350h hybrid is the fuel efficiency leader of the lineup at 6.5 L/100 km combined. The RX 500h prioritized performance but still returns strong fuel consumption figures at 8.6 L/100 km combined. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ is estimated at 6.7 L/100 km combined when operating in hybrid mode once the battery is depleted.
The fifth-generation RX received five-out-of-five stars in all overall and side crash protection and four stars in frontal and rollover tests from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RX its highest score of "Good" in all but the new moderate overlap frontal test, where it received the lowest score of "Poor." That was still good enough for a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2023, though it was downgraded to a regular Top Safety Pick the year after.
Like every generation since 2003, Lexus RX and RX Hybrid models continue to be assembled for the North American market at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the only exception, as it's built in Japan.
Recalls were light for this generation, with only minor issues with the airbag and headrests. As a result of this and that the fifth-gen RX is still relatively new, used values remain high for the segment and range from $50,000 to $75,000 on average for units with reasonable odometer readings. This is a product to watch as the first round of three-year leases starts to come back into dealerships throughout 2026.
Fourth Generation (2016 - 2022)
The fourth-generation RX introduced a sharper and sleeker design, although the styling drew some criticism for the oversized spindle grille. It was almost 13 centimetres longer than the previous model and increased ground clearance by almost 2.5 cm. Cargo space shrunk on paper to only 521 litres, but in reality, that was due to a change in how Lexus reported cargo volume, measuring to the top of the rear seatbacks rather than to the headliner. The sharply raked rear liftgate did cut into space, though, and made it harder to load bulky items.
The Lexus RX 350 continued with a 3.5-litre V6, but power increased to 295 hp and torque to 267 lb-ft. The transmission was also upgraded to eight speeds. The hybrid RX 450h's output increased to 308 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, but the drivetrain changed significantly as the gas V6 was paired with two electric motor/generators and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard in Canada on all models. The hybrid gained a third electric motor for the rear wheels to achieve this, with no power routed from the primary engine.
Inside, the RX's dashboard lost the previous generation's organic curves in favour of a more upright and traditional look. The quality of the materials improved, too, with more soft-touch surfaces and stronger plastics, while passenger space was increased for both the front and the rear seats. Lexus’s Remote Touch interface continued into this generation, and a wireless charging pad became available.
The Lexus Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance features became standard equipment in 2017. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert also became standard that year.
A longer, three-row variant called the RX 350L debuted in 2018, but its rearmost seats were so cramped they were barely suitable for children. It wasn't very popular and only stuck around until 2022.
The biggest change happened for 2020 with a styling refresh for the front and the rear. The RX also got a suspension retune for sportier handling. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were finally added this year as standard equipment, but Remote Touch was changed to a trackpad-like controller, which made it considerably less intuitive and complicated even basic functions.
Fuel efficiency improved slightly for the RX 350, registering a 10.8 L/100 km combined estimate, while the RX 450h remained essentially the same at 7.9 L/100 km combined. In general, the three-row RX 350 L and the RX 450h L surrender 0.3 L/100 km combined versus the standard RXs, and these figures varied only slightly over the fourth-generation’s production run.
The fourth-generation RX received four-out-of-five stars in all crash tests by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and five stars for side impact protection. The 2017 RX rose to five stars overall and four stars for frontal and rollover protection, and in 2022 the overall score dropped to four stars. The IIHS awarded its best score of "Good" across all evaluations and named the RX a Top Safety Pick+, the Institute's then-new top award. It was downgraded to a Top Safety Pick in 2018.
Airbag issues and a faulty brake actuator resulted in a few recalls in 2016, and some fuel pump problems continued into the 2020 model year. The relatively low number of recalls, combined with the RX's continued reliability, led to strong resale values. You’ll find a few outliers, but most early low-trim fourth-generation RXs with less than 150,000 kilometres on the odometer start at $27,000 on the used car market. High-trim later models with low odometer readings can often crest $50,000.
Third Generation (2010 - 2015)
The RX's third generation began with the redesign for the 2010 model year. The RX 350 continued with its V6 powertrain, though output increased slightly to 275 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque, and the transmission was upgraded to six gears. The hybrid was renamed the RX 450h, signifying that it now had the 3.5-litre V6, and power output grew to 295 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard in Canada throughout this generation.
Standard features remained similar to the previous generation, though keyless entry and ignition was added. Options included a sport-tuned suspension, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a head-up display, and Bluetooth, while a new mouse-like infotainment controller was added to the centre console.
Exterior dimensions and styling also remained somewhat similar, though sharper body creases added visual flair. The interior received a much more significant makeover, with distinctive curves as opposed to the previous dashboard’s comparatively rigid and upright design. Back-seat passengers lost 2.5 centimetres in headroom, but behind those seats, cargo capacity increased to 1,132 litres.
Changes were light for the first few years until a refresh in 2013, when the RX adopted Lexus's signature spindle grille. An available F Sport package added sharper exterior styling, sports suspension, and an eight-speed transmission. A household power outlet was available in 2014, and a larger infotainment display and a rearview camera were standardized.
Safety features grew to include no less than 10 airbags, including a full-length side curtain airbag. Adaptive cruise control debuted in this generation along with forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring, but these were optional.
The third-generation RX received five-out-of-five stars in all NHTSA crash tests and four stars for rollover protection. Similarly, the IIHS awarded its best score of "Good" across all evaluations and named the RX a Top Safety Pick, which was the Institute's highest honour at the time. In subsequent years, some of the NHTSA scores varied between four and five stars.
Recalls for this RX generation were light. The floor mat issues continued into the 2013 model year, and in 2011 a recall was placed for a faulty brake actuator.
Third-generation RX 350s had slightly better fuel economy estimates than their predecessors, at 11.1 to 11.7 L/100 km combined depending on model year and equipment. The RX 400h hybrid was estimated between 7.9 and 8.2 L/100 km combined.
Reliability was the name of the game for the Lexus RX once again, as it delivered a relatively trouble-free ownership experience and, as a result, pre-owned prices remain robust in Canada. For a unit with less than 200,000 kilometres on the odometer, expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 on average. Bear in mind many owners have pushed their Lexus RXs to 300,000 kilometres and beyond with proper maintenance.
Second Generation (2004 - 2009)
The RX was completely redesigned for the 2004 model year, although the new styling wasn't a big departure from its predecessor inside or out. The 2004 Lexus RX was the first to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s facility in Cambridge, Ontario, where the model has been continuously produced for the North American market ever since. At the time, Cambridge was the first assembly plant outside Japan to be trusted with building Lexus models.
The base RX was renamed the RX 330 to reference the larger and more powerful engine, a 3.3-litre V6 that produced 230 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was upgraded to five gears. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was available in this generation, and all-wheel drive (AWD) replaced four-wheel drive (4WD), but towing capacity dropped to 900 kilograms (2,000 lbs).
The second-generation RX was roughly 15 centimetres longer than the first, which increased cargo capacity to 1,127 litres, while rear passenger space remained the nearly same. Those passengers also benefitted from sliding and reclining seats, while new features included dual-zone automatic climate control and optional sport-tuned air suspension.
In 2006, the lineup expanded to include Lexus's first hybrid model, the RX 400h. It added three electric motors to the V6 powertrain that increased power output to 268 hp. The standard RX 330's power rating was also adjusted to reflect new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard, dropping to 223 hp.
The RX 350 arrived in 2007 and, as the name suggests, the engine grew to 3.5 litres and power output increased to 270 hp and torque to 251 lb-ft. For 2008, the exterior was refreshed with a new grille and more chrome accents.
The RX 330 models were estimated by Natural Resources Canada to return 12.0 L/100 km combined with front-wheel drive and 12.7 L/100 km with all-wheel drive. The RX 400h hybrid easily beat those estimates at 9.1 to 9.5 L/100 km combined with standard AWD, depending on the model year. Despite being larger and more powerful, the 2007 RX 350 received more efficient estimates than the RX 330 at 12.4 L/100 km combined, also with standard AWD.
New safety features included standard side airbags for both seating rows, as well as knee airbags for the driver. The NHTSA awarded the RX five-out-of-five stars across the board, except for front passenger protection, which received four stars. The IIHS also awarded the RX its highest score of "Good" in crash tests.
Recalls for this generation are about as light as those of the previous RX. In its first year of production, they were ordered for the engine crankshaft pulley, the brake master cylinder, the rear seat belts, and the brake lights. Another was issued for the floor mat anchors, which received blame for some unintended acceleration incidents.
As with its predecessor, second-generation RX models proved reliable, which has helped to keep values strong. This generation isn’t as common on the Canadian used car market as newer models, but there are still a few units kicking around, typically with odometer readings above 200,000 kilometres. Expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000.
First Generation (1999 - 2003)
With its elevated ride height and unibody construction, the original Lexus RX was considered the first luxury crossover SUV. It shared some of its chassis components with the Toyota Avalon and Camry sedans.
The inaugural RX 300 was powered by a 3.0 litre V6 engine that produced 220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) was offered as an option. Unlike other four-wheel drive vehicles, the RX lacked a low-range transfer case to maximize traction when off-roading. As such, it was intended more for slick streets and snow instead of all-terrain adventures. Properly equipped, these models could tow as much as 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds).
At the time, the RX’s closest rivals were the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both were body-on-frame vehicles, which allowed for improved towing and off-roading but compromised handling and ride quality. The Lexus RX instead concentrated on the city streets and highways where owners were driving the most. While some critics initially deducted points for its lack of off-road abilities, it quickly became clear that Lexus had figured out what buyers wanted, and other luxury carmakers followed suit.
The Mercedes-Benz ML needed almost 10 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, but the RX got there in 8.2 seconds—although the V8-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee was the quickest at 7.2 seconds. The RX could hold up to 850 litres of cargo behind the rear seats, which is about 280 litres or so less than the ML or the Grand Cherokee.
Standard features included typical luxury items of the time, such as power windows and locks, cruise control, and power-adjustable front seats. Options included a Nakamichi premium audio system, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. On the safety side, it came with main and side airbags for the front seats, and stability control was an option.
For the 2001 model year, the RX gained traction and stability control (known as VSC-Vehicle Skid Control) as standard equipment. It also received some minor cosmetic changes to the lights and grille, plus a larger Lexus badge. In 2002, the Nakamichi audio system was replaced with a Mark Levinson unit.
The FWD 1999 RX 300 was estimated by Natural Resources Canada to return 12.5 L/100 km combined. Four-wheel drive increased that estimate to 13.1 L/100 km combined. These estimates fluctuated by a litre or so up or down for this generation.
IIHS crash tests resulted in good scores for the first-generation Lexus RX 300. There were seven recalls for the 1999 model year with brake lines being the most significant, but this was addressed that year and did not reappear. The rest were limited to exterior lighting issues, and they lingered throughout the generation. The NHTSA evaluated the 2001 RX and awarded it four-out-of-five stars for driver protection in frontal collisions and five stars for the front passenger.
These first-generation RX 300s maintained the Lexus and Toyota reputation for reliability, with most remaining trouble-free for extraordinary lengths of time. More than a quarter century later, many of these have since succumbed to the rust created by Canadian winters. However, there are still a few around, most with more than 300,000 kilometres on their odometers. Nowadays, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for these models.
