Introduction

Featuring a particularly striking and angular exterior, the Lexus RX is the Japanese luxury firm’s largest SUV. It comes with a choice of petrol or hybrid drivetrains, with no diesel version available, and – apart from one front-wheel-drive variant – all RXs are four-wheel drive. The petrol engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox while the hybrid Lexus has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) style automatic. The RX is tasked with taking on the likes of the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC90. The problem is, quite a few of those cars can be specified with seven seats, whereas the Lexus is a five-seat machine only. Can its futuristic exterior looks tempt enough buyers to take a punt on this appealing SUV?

Did you know? The Lexus RX is put together by master Takumi craftsmen, who hand-stitch the seats and hand-polish the paint’s foundation coats.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (7.6/10)

There’s a lot to admire about the Lexus RX, and it’s certainly something different in a marketplace where many of the rivals’ bodies are more demurely styled. We like the hybrid’s charismatic V6 engine, we like the space afforded to the occupants within, and we like the equipment/safety tech levels that come at reasonable prices. But there are a few compromises too many with the RX tha...