Introduction

The 2020 Lexus RX has been redesigned. In its latest form, the RX abandons the previous somber styling and near-silent running, turning instead to an edgier look and even a more raucous demeanor. That's quite a radical step ahead. Launched as a 1999 model, the midsize RX is billed as the original luxury crossover SUV. 

For the 2020 model year, an 8.0-inch touchscreen and touchpad has replaced the former mouse-like infotainment controller. A 12.3-inch screen is optional. In addition, the RX is the first Lexus to get Android Auto compatibility, joining Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. Six USB ports are now standard. The F Sport model can be equipped with a performance package that includes an adaptive suspension. 

Two versions are offered: a gas-powered RX 350 and a hybrid RX 450h. Both come in either standard or three-row 'L'? form. 

Beneath the hood of the RX 350, a 3.5-liter V-6 makes 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 8 seconds, helped by a smartly programmed 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters permit manual control. 

The heavier RX 450h pairs a different 3.5-liter V-6 with two electric motors and a battery pack. The gasoline engine drives the front wheels, while an electric motor sends power to the rear wheels. That configuration gives the RX 450h all-wheel drive. Combined output totals 308 hp, sent to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Acceleration time is about equal to that of the RX 350. 

As expected, hybrid RX crossovers get the best fuel economy, while the popular RX 350 registers average. The RX 350 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, or 19/26/22 mpg with all-wheel drive. The RX 350L checks in with 19/26/22 mpg with front-wheel drive, versus 18/25/21 mpg with AWD. 

The RX 450h is EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 28 highway, and 30 combined. Long-wheelbase L versions are estimated at 29/28/29 mpg. 

Crash test results are mixed. The IIHS gave the RX 'Good'? scores in each of its crash tests, naming it a Top Safety Pick if equipped with LED projector headlights, which are available on certain trims. The NHTSA gave FWD variants four stars overall, but AWD versions were awarded a five-star overall safety rating. 

Lexus bundles each RX with a wealth of safety and accident-avoidance technology. Every model comes with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warnings, and active lane control. Lexus has upgraded its safety suite with speed-limit sign detection and finer pedestrian-sensing for the braking system. 

Views toward the rear are impeded by thick roof pillars. 

Lineup

The Lexus RX is available in two main trim levels: RX 350 and RX 450h. Both come in an F Sport offshoot. Prices include a $1,025 destination charge. 

The RX 350 starts at $45,175 and comes with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, LED headlights, synthetic leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable front seats, keyless ignition, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, dual-zone climate control, a power rear door, a nine-speaker audio system, and an infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. 

The RX 350 F Sport ($48,975) adds performance dampers, enhanced seat bolstering, performance-inspired instruments, scored aluminum trim, aluminum pedals, 20-inch wheels, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. An available Performance Package includes an adaptive suspension, retuned electric power steering, a Sport S+ driving mode, and a heated steering wheel. 

The RX 450h is priced from $47,775 and is equipped similar to the base RX 350, but with the hybrid powertrain. Standard equipment in the RX 450h F Sport ($51,575) is similar to the RX 350 F Sport. 

Walkaround

Adventurous in shape, the Lexus RX is far removed from the egg-shaped profile of earlier editions. Nothing is stodgy or subtle about the audacious midsize crossover, starting with the gigantic hourglass-form “spindle” grille, which has become a Lexus hallmark ? though not adored by everyone. 

Ferocious-looking air vents round out the front end. Bodysides demonstrate deeply honed edges, but numerous bits seem a tad overstated. Rear roof pillars are partly blacked out, suggesting a “floating” roof. Each F Sport model gets an alternative mesh grille. 

Interior

Past RX crossovers could be counted on for library-quiet cabins, trimmed in high-grade leather and wood. Today's version flaunts unrestrained curves and the possibility of lipstick-red leather. Even though the interior is less exuberant than the RX's body, it stands apart from the competition without necessarily turning to glaring hues. 

Most trim levels are upholstered in convincing synthetic leather, with the genuine article limited to costly models. Metallic trim and real wood decorate some versions, though the F Sport adopts aluminum trim and more colorful details, creating a more intense attitude. 

Five-passenger RX crossovers hold that exact number of adults without undue squeezing. Optional second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to four. Front seats are well shaped and offer power adjustment. Luxury versions adopt heating and cooling. Bucket seats in the F Sport have wider, thicker bolsters. 

Leg room is abundant in the comfortable second-row seats, courtesy of a softly padded bench or reclining buckets. Seat backs fold down to expand cargo volume. Seats in hybrid models are an inch higher than in the RX 350, which constricts head room if a panoramic roof is installed. 

Only smaller youngsters fit into the snug third row of the L variants, which are best avoided completely. 

Up front, the swoopy center console cants toward the driver. New touchscreen features have greatly improved the formerly dreadful infotainment system. 

Driving Impression

Ride and handling are the twin guideposts of the Lexus RX's mission as a midsize luxury crossover, overlooking the adventurous body design. Even with the biggest tires mounted, an RX soothes passengers with its calm, composed ride, coping admirably with potholes and pavement seams. Adaptive dampers, available in F Sport trim, smother any errant wheel hop as the sport-tuned shocks react to the pavement in milliseconds. 

Each RX steers with a light touch and provides greater road feel in Comfort mode than in the weighty, numb Sport mode. An Eco drivetrain mode in the RX 450h slows throttle responses and reduces climate control use. 

Neither powertrain delivers scintillating performance, but each RX accelerates smoothly. Moderate 0-60 mpg times, hovering around eight seconds, feel appropriate and refined. 

Cabins are nicely laid out well and suitably quiet, apart from the throaty exhaust note emanating from the F Sport. The powertrain itself is barely audible. Then, technology enters the picture in the form of a system that pumps sound into the cabin ? ostensibly, to provide greater driver engagement. In short, a company initially known for its dead-quiet cabins is now forcing in simulated sounds. 

Summary

Performance isn't its primary virtue, as the 2020 Lexus RX relies on its steady ride and predictable handling for attention. The RX can't be considered a strong value, though its standard and optional features are tempting. Plenty of shoppers consider the hybrid RX 450h to be the most sensible choice, with its excellent fuel economy and contemporary interior trim. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.