The RX is the very first luxury crossover SUV to proudly wear the Lexus badge. When it made its global debut in 1998, it laid the foundation for what would be a highly successful nameplate. To date, the RX is the most popular model sold by Lexus in the Philippines. Here are the RX’s notable features and how each enhances the ownership experience:
Show-stopping exterior
The RX’s bold appearance has been refined through the years, from a soft-edge and rounded profile, to the sharp and taut kinetic sculpture that it is now. Its low and wide stance belies the fact that it has the height of an SUV. However, its proportions make it appear as though it is firmly planted on the ground. The sharp shoulder lines and raked pillars create an aura of strength, too. Making a visual statement is one of the hallmarks of the RX badge. The stylized ‘L’ taillights, door handle illumination, LED headlights, customizable 20-inch alloys, and aerodynamic profile add to the overall impact. Noteworthy is the panoramic sunroof that adds a sense of openness to the cabin without sacrificing any headroom.
Capability over diverse road conditions
The RX fits right into an active lifestyle with a sophisticated blend of the comfort of a luxury car and the driving pleasure and added convenience of a high-riding SUV. Under its hood is a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic. Keeping things in control is Adaptive Variable Suspension which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates in real time. Not only does this inspire driver confidence, it also keeps the ride buttery smooth—as expected from a Lexus.
Superior safety
The RX is known for its graceful dignity and intelligence. Active and passive safety features abound, so all passengers can rest easy and travel in confidence. Ten sensor-controlled airbags line the cabin and provide enhanced protection for all occupants. Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management (an advanced integrated control system that combines active safety functions with optimized stability and control) round off the safety package. Lastly, occupants get 360-degree protection thanks to a high-strength, collision absorbing body structure that can withstand hard impacts on the front, rear, sides, and roof.
Thoughtful touches
There is a long list of helpful features that make driving and owning the RX more satisfying and user-friendly. Lexus takes pride in ‘omotenashi’—its brand of hospitality that anticipates the needs of its customers. For example, wide-angle LED cornering lamps provide additional illumination when tackling corners, and this in turn adds to pedestrian visibility; a parking-assist monitor superimposes guide lines on the camera feed to help you maneuver tight parking spaces; a drive-mode selector with five-modes (Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom) matches your driving style and your mood; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity can be controlled through a massive touchscreen on the dash; and the rear hatch can be opened by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper. A Stop & Start system shuts off the engine when stationary. And let’s not forget cruise control.
Turn it up to ‘F’
F Sport is a package that was created so that drivers can enjoy the essence of ‘F’ driving—the epitome of which is the LFA supercar. Naturally, the RX F Sport shares the same spirit and enhances the sporty driving experience with a few key features. Inside are unique F Sport dials with full-length illuminated needles that add an element of excitement. The cabin is decked out in dimpled leather with an exclusive perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob. And then there are the aluminum pedals, exclusive to F Sport models.
The green choice
The RX 450h variant features Lexus Hybrid Drive which draws power from both electric and petrol motors, resulting in instant torque and rapid acceleration. There is also an EV drive mode at slow speeds for a silent and emission-free drive.
Available 7-seater version
The RX is a leader in the ubiquitous SUV arena because it appeals to growing families. There is even a 7-seat variant: the RX 350 Premier 3-Row for those in need of added space without compromising any of the luxury convenience features. Third-row seating is a luxury in itself—a practical feature that you never knew was essential until you needed the added space for a sixth or even seventh passenger. The third-row has an automatic slide function. This can be easily adjusted to achieve the optimal amount of legroom. Third-row passengers also have their own climate controls.
Four variants of the RX are available: the RX 350 Premier (P4,438,000); the RX 350 Premier 3-Row (P4,918,000), the RX 350 F Sport (P4,998,000); and the RX 450h (P5,238,000).