The Lexus RX range heads into 2022 largely unchanged, though the limited-edition Crafted models haven’t carried over for the new model year.

    As before, there’s RX300, RX350, RX450h, RX350L and RX450hL variants to choose from, with non-L versions offering five seats and L versions seating up to seven people.

    Pricing ranges from just over $73,000 before on-road costs for the entry-level RX300 Luxury, topping out at $112,460 plus on-roads for the seven-seat RX450hL Sports Luxury V6 hybrid.

    Pricing

    • 2022 Lexus RX300 Luxury: $73,136
    • 2022 Lexus RX300 F Sport: $88,136
    • 2022 Lexus RX350 Luxury: $83,013
    • 2022 Lexus RX350 F Sport: $95,513
    • 2022 Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury: $101,713
    • 2022 Lexus RX450h Luxury: $91,760
    • 2022 Lexus RX450h F Sport: $104,260
    • 2022 Lexus RX450h Sports Luxury: $110,460
    • 2022 Lexus RX350L Luxury: $86,513
    • 2022 Lexus RX350L Sports Luxury: $103,713
    • 2022 Lexus RX450hL Luxury: $95,260
    • 2022 Lexus RX450hL Sports Luxury: $112,460

    All prices exclude on-road costs

    Engines

    Three powertrains options are available across the 2022 Lexus RX range, though the entry-level RX300 is only available as a five-seater.

    RX300 models feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic, with outputs of 175kW (4800-5600rpm) and 350Nm (1650-4000rpm). Acceleration from 0-100 takes a claimed 9.2 seconds, and the four-cylinder RX features idle stop/start technology as standard.

    The RX350 and RX350L are powered by a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol driving all four wheels via an eight-speed auto. Five-seat versions develop 221kW (6300rpm) and 370Nm (4600-4700rpm), while the seven-seat L makes 216kW and 358Nm due to a revised single exhaust system to accommodate the third row of seating.

    Lexus claims the RX350 can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 8.0 seconds, while the RX350L is 0.2s slower at 8.2 seconds.

    Finally, the RX450h and RX450hL team an Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol (193kW/335Nm) with 123kW/335Nm front and 50kW/139Nm rear electric motors, as well as a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.

    System power output for the hybrid is quoted at 230kW, with no system torque figure quoted, and drive is sent to an ‘E-Four’ electrified all-wheel drive system – petrol engine drives the front, 50kW e-motor drives the rear. The transmission is an e-CVT with six simulated ‘steps’.

    The hybrid is the most efficient and the quickest, according to Lexus, with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 7.7 seconds in the RX450h and 8.0 seconds in the RX450hL.

    All models quote a top speed of 200km/h – not that it really matters in strictly-governed Australia.

    Fuel Economy

    Combined fuel consumption by variant is as follows:

    • RX300: 8.1L/100km
    • RX350: 9.6L/100km
    • RX350L: 10.2L/100km
    • RX450h: 5.7L/100km
    • RX450hL: 6.0L/100km

    Petrol versions of the Lexus RX (RX300, RX350, RX350L) feature a 72L fuel tank, while hybrid models (RX450h, RX450hL) have a slightly smaller 65L tank. All variants require minimum 95 RON premium unleaded.

    Lexus says all engines are Euro 6 compliant, with combined CO2 output as follows:

    • RX300: 189g/km
    • RX350: 223g/km
    • RX350L: 234g/km
    • RX450h: 131g/km
    • RX450hL: 137g/km

    Servicing and Warranty

    The Lexus RX is covered by a four-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.    

    Servicing intervals are a typical 12 months and 15,000km, whichever comes first. Lexus’s servicing is capped at $595 per visit.

    You also get access to the Lexus Encore ownership program, which gives owners access to Caltex fuel discounts, invitations to luxury dinners and events, as well as luxury hotel partnership benefits.

    Safety

    All versions of the RX range were included in ANCAP’s five-star rating from 2015 off the back of Euro NCAP testing.

    The range received an adult occupant protection score of 83 per cent (despite a 0.0 from 3 result for AEB City), 82 per cent for child occupant protection, 79 per cent for pedestrian protection and 74 per cent for safety assist (with 0.0 out of 3 for speed assistance system).

    Standard assistance equipment includes:

    • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
    • Forward collision warning
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear-cross traffic assist (reverse AEB)
    • Auto high beam
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane Trace Assist
    • Traffic sign recognition
    • Tyre pressure monitoring

    There’s also a nifty Drive Start Control that reduces power if you grab the wrong between transmission drive modes (for example, Drive to Reverse).

    The 10-airbag suite encompasses dual front, driver’s knee, front passenger cushion, as well as dual side and curtain coverage for the first and second rows.

    Dimensions

    The 2022 Lexus RX line-up quotes varying dimensions based on body variant and engine variant.

    RX300 and RX350 models are 4890mm long, 1895mm wide, and 1690mm tall, with a 2790mm wheelbase.

    The RX450h differs slightly in overall height, being 5mm shorter at 1685mm.

    Finally, the RX350L and RX450hL measure 5000mm long, 1895mm wide and 1700mm tall with the same 2790mm wheelbase.

    Ground clearance (measured at the exhaust pipe) is 200mm for RX300 and RX350 variants, while the RX450h hybrids quote 195mm. Kerb weight depends on variant, ranging from 1890kg at its lightest (RX300) to 2275kg at its heaviest (RX450hL).

    As for towing capacity, the RX300 is rated to tow 1000kg, the RX350 and RX450h 1500kg, while the L models are not able to tow.

    Standard Equipment

    RX300 Luxury highlights:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
    • Satellite navigation
    • Reversing camera
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Nuluxe leatherette upholstery
    • 10-way power front seats
    • Keyless entry and start
    • DAB digital radio
    • Bi-LED headlights
    • LED daytime running lights
    • 12-speaker sound system
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Heated side mirrors with memory

    The optional Enhancement Pack ($6030) for RX300 Luxury adds:

    • Memory function for driver/front passenger
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • 20-inch alloy wheels
    • Panoramic sunroof

    RX350 and RX450h Luxury add:

    • 20-inch alloy wheels
    • Genuine leather-accented upholstery
    • Memory function for driver/front passenger
    • Heated/ventilated front seats

    The optional Enhancement Pack ($4500) for RX350/RX450h Luxury adds:

    • Head-up display
    • Smart key card
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Front moonroof (RX350L/RX450hL)

    RX300/RX350/RX450h F Sport adds:

    • F Sport 20-inch alloy wheels
    • F Sport leather-accented upholstery
    • Head-up display
    • 8.0-inch instrument cluster display
    • Adaptive suspension
    • LED headlights (triple stack) with BladeScan adaptive high beam
    • LED cornering lights
    • 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
    • 360-degree camera system
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Rear window sunshades (manual)
    • Sequential LED indicators
      ** F Sport not available for RX350L/RX450hL

    RX350/RX450h Sports Luxury adds:

    • Sports Luxury 20-inch alloy wheels
    • 14-way power front seats with memory
    • Semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery
    • Heated second-row outboard seats
      ** removes F Sport digital instrument cluster

    Click on the images for the full gallery

    MORE: Everything Lexus RX

    James Wong

    James Wong is the Production Editor at CarExpert based in Melbourne, Australia. With experience on both media and manufacturer sides of the industry, James has a specialty for product knowledge which stems from a life-long obsession with cars. James is a Monash University journalism graduate, an avid tennis player, and the proud charity ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an organisation that supports mental wellness through the freedom of driving and the love of cars. He's also the proud father of Freddy, a 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI .

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