2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Information

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport made its debut this week at the New York Auto Show with an assortment of performance and appearance upgrades.
Kevin · April 6th, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Video

After featuring a video of the 2013 Lexus RX 450h yesterday, I have similarly silent footage of the all-new RX 450h F Sport package.
Kevin · March 7th, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Information

At long last, the full details about the Lexus RX F Sport package have been released — in order to cover all the bases, I’m going to republish all available information from the Geneva press kit.
Kevin · March 6th, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h Video

Included among the Lexus press materials from the Geneva Motor Show was a soundless made-for-video of the 2013 RX 450h.
Kevin · March 6th, 2012

2013 Lexus RX Information

Lifted directly from the Lexus press kit handed out at the Geneva Motor Show, here’s the full details on the 2013 RX.
Kevin · March 6th, 2012

2013 Lexus RX Photo Gallery Leaked

Just moments after posting the official Lexus teaser photo of the 2013 RX 450h F Sport, I discovered that photo galleries of RX 350, RX 450h, & RX F Sport were already making the rounds.
Kevin · March 2nd, 2012

Is Lexus Planning to Expand the RX Family?

Kicking Tires sat down with Lexus USA vice president of marketing Brian Smith at the Chicago Auto Show, and came away with some new insight into Lexus’ future plans.
Kevin · February 23rd, 2012

2013 Lexus RX & RX F Sport Revealed!

A brochure for the 2013 Lexus RX has been leaked online, and it confirms the crossover will be getting both a mid-cycle update and a F Sport package.
Kevin · February 11th, 2012

More Lexus RX F Sport Rumors

Backing up previous rumors out of Australia & Japan, Taiwanese website Autonet is reporting that Lexus plans to release a RX F Sport package this year.
Kevin · February 7th, 2012

Imagining the Lexus RX F-Sport

TLE reader Shamiz has just sent me some cellphone quick pics from an as-of-yet unidentified Japanese magazine that show a rendering of the rumored Lexus RX F-Sport.
Kevin · September 22nd, 2011

Lexus LS & RX Next in Line for F-Sport Model?

Motoring.com.au recently discussed the future of F-Sport with Lexus Australia’s corporate manager Peter Evans, and came away with an idea of which models will be next to receive the performance treatment.
Kevin · August 25th, 2011

2012 Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h Information

Lexus has announced the 2012 Lexus RX 350, which will see two changes from the 2011 model: first, like all 2012 Lexus models, Nebula Grey Pearl will replace Smoky Granite Mica, and second, the fuel recommendation has been lowered from 91-octane to 87-octane.
Kevin · August 24th, 2011

2011 Lexus RX 350 Recalled for VDIM Issue

Lexus has issued a recall for a small number of RX 350s equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) systems. The issue stems from improper calibration of the hydraulic control valves, which may cause the front right wheel to function incorrectly during ABS (Antilock Braking System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) activation
Kevin · August 3rd, 2011

Looking Back at the Lexus LF-Xh Concept

Thought it would be interesting to go back and take a look at the Lexus LF-Xh, the concept crossover that led to the current RX -- here's a great video of it (though I recommend turning down the sound, it's a bit blown out).
Kevin · May 16th, 2011

Lexus Future Plans to Include CT 300h & Smaller SUV?

Lexus Australia’s Chief Executive, Tony Cramb, has let loose with plenty of inside insight of what’s coming next for Lexus — starting with a possible CT engine variant: Lexus is already talking of a higher-performance version of its hybrid-only CT200h, which went on sale this week. Likely to be called the CT300h, the petrol-electric hatch …
Kevin · April 29th, 2011

Lexus Recall Issued for 06-07 GS 300/350, 04-07 RX & 08-11 LX 570

Lexus announced a voluntary safety recall on approximately 20,000 GS 300/350s made from 2006 to early 2007 to modify a plastic pad under the driver side carpet: In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that …
Kevin · February 24th, 2011

Lexus Dominates Intellichoice’s 2011 Best Value Awards

Intellichoice have announced their 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Awards, and Lexus absolutely dominated the luxury segment, taking four of the nine categories — here are the winners: Premium Compact Passenger Car: 2011 Lexus IS 250 Premium Convertible: 2011 Lexus IS 250C Premium Crossover/Wagon: 2011 Lexus RX 350 Premium Full-Size SUV: 2011 Lexus …
Kevin · February 7th, 2011

Lexus RX Art Works in Dubai

Drive Arabia is becoming the go-to destination for seeing Lexus RXs that are unavailable in North America — first it was great pics of the RX’s panoramic roof option, and now we get a good look at the RX Art Works edition by Stone Designs. From the looks of things, the only exterior change is …
Kevin · January 4th, 2011

Lexus RX 350 with Panoramic Glass Roof

Although it’s not offered in North America, some parts of the world have the option of buying the current Lexus RX with a panoramic glass roof. One such place is Dubai, and Drive Arabia has some photos to let us in on what we’ve been missing: Every Lexus should be offered with a panoramic glass …
Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Lexus RX Commercial: Photocopier

The Lexus RX goes on the offensive in this new commercial: Bringing competitors into the mix is something that we saw last month in the IS & ES commercials, and it signals a new, more aggressive direction in Lexus advertising. Cool concept, too.
Kevin · November 8th, 2010

2011 Lexus RX 270 Available in Japan

Lexus has launched the RX 270 in Japan this week, which will be powered by the 1AR-FE 2.7L engine and putting out 187hp with torque of 252Nm. The RX 270 was also announced for Russia, and it’s expected (for some time) that the low-displacement version of Lexus’ most popular vehicle will also be available in …
Kevin · August 27th, 2010

Lexus Japan Art Works: RX in Sunlight

An RX Art Work special edition was also released today by Lexus Japan, who have teamed up with Stone Designs on some wild interior color schemes: Here’s some detail shots of the interior: Both this RX and the previously mentioned IS are really quite playful — quirky even — and while it’s tough to imagine …
Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Lexus RX 240? Lexus LS 450h?

The Bangkok Post has some engine variation rumors regarding the RX & LS: Later this year, Japan’s top nameplate is set to offer a third engine variant of its RX sport-utility vehicle in the guise of RX270 with 2WD. For the first time, the new entry-level RX would be getting a four-cylinder petrol engine currently …
Kevin · July 26th, 2010

Tesla Building Electric Lexus RX Prototype?

Toyota & Tesla are now two weeks into their partnership (in which Toyota purchased a $50M stake in Tesla), and it’s rumored that their first joint-project will be converting a Lexus RX to a full electric prototype: Tesla said July 10 that it will deliver two prototypes vehicles to Toyota this month without identifying the …
Kevin · July 12th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award. This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard. Read the IIHS Annoucement
Kevin · May 25th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Namaqualand Commercial

Lexus South Africa continues its analogous theme with this commercial for the RX 450h, comparing it to the Namaqualand flowers found in the country: The complexity of a hybrid system working in harmony finds a beautiful analogy in nature, with the setting also providing an ecologically-minded backdrop; still, the vehicle is billed as a performance …
Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Review

My three month winter road test of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h wrapped up last month, and it’s safe to say that the experience has changed my opinion of Lexus’ most popular vehicle. It’s not that I didn’t understand the success of the RXh — from a purely practical point, it’s easy to see how …
Kevin · April 11th, 2010

Lexus RX 270 to Launch in China

It appears that another smaller-displacement Lexus model will be joining the ES 240 in the Chinese market after spyshots were captured during a domestic road test: According to Chinese website Sohu, the RX 270 will become the entry-level model in Lexus China‘s RX lineup, and will feature a 2.7L 1AR-FE inline-four gasoline engine, producing 187 …
Kevin · February 27th, 2010

Lexus RX Superbowl Commercial

I’m late to the party on this Lexus RX commercial that debuted at this year’s Superbowl: I’ve been driving an RX 450h for the better part of three months, and I have to admit, this commercial captures much of what my final review will focus on. The RX’s best feature is how well it fits …
Kevin · February 18th, 2010

Lexus RX & IS Win Best Overall Value Awards

Intellichoice announced their annual Best Overall Values of the Year awards at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and Lexus was well represented. The IS took the Luxury Sports Sedan/Wagon category and the RX was named the best overall value in the Luxury Crossover category and the Best Crossover/SUV value over $28,000. Read the Lexus …
Kevin · February 17th, 2010

Lexus Japan RX 350 & RX 450h Special Options

Lexus Japan is offering a two unique customization options for the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, starting with this aggressive under-spoiler: Hard to judge with only the front-end visible, but it’s similar to the LX 570 Sport Luxury package we saw last week in that it doesn’t seem to fit all that well. The …
Kevin · February 8th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Long Term Review: Week 5

I’m now halfway through my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h— after six weeks, the interior controls and options has become second nature, and that familiarity has increased my appreciation of the design decisions throughout the cabin, particularly with the steering wheel layout.
Kevin · January 26th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX 450h Long Term Report: Weeks 2 & 3

Travelled: 1077km (669 miles) Gas Mileage: 8.8l/100kms (26.7 mpg) The second and third week of my 2010 Lexus RX 450h road test blended in together as I powered through day after day of holiday visiting, a pile of snow and ice, and a lengthy head cold. It was in this blur of activity that I …
Kevin · January 4th, 2010

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Popular Mechanics Compares the Lexus RX 350 vs. Cadillac SRX

After Motor Trend’s misguided comparison of the Lexus RX 350 and the new Cadillac SRX, I was looking forward to a more honest take on the battling crossovers—and that’s what Popular Mechanics has delivered: As much as Cadillac may have had its crosshairs set on Lexus, it built a much different car. The design character …
Kevin · July 6th, 2009

Ward’s Looks at Lexus Manufacturing

One of the defining characteristics of Lexus has always been the care taken in assembling their vehicles, and the Toyota Tahara Plant is the very definition of that attention to detail—Ward’s Auto takes a closer look at some of the manufacturing processes that go into building a Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Tahara plant, now in …
Kevin · June 30th, 2009

Motor Trend Compares the Lexus RX 350 vs Cadillac SRX

It’s always been obvious that Motor Trend has an anti-Lexus bias, but their latest RX 350 vs. Cadillac SRX comparison is a disservice to anyone looking to the magazine for realistic advice: No doubt we could option these two out with similar equipment for similar pricing. Point is, adding all the equipment to the Cadillac …
Kevin · June 29th, 2009

Driving the Lexus RX 450h & Lexus IS 350C

This past Friday, I attended a Lexus Canada press event in Kingston, Ontario, where I had the opportunity to test out the 2010 RX 450h and the IS 350C convertible. After an a quick briefing, we all loaded up into our first vehicle of the day and set out on a route through the surrounding …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2009

Lexus RX Discovery Special Now on Lexus.com

Last night, the Discovery Channel show Factory Made had a short behind-the-scenes feature on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 manufacturing process, and today that video has been posted on the Lexus USA website. As the video shows, the RX 350 is built in Cambridge, Ontario, and is an incredibly detailed process—even painting the RX takes …
Kevin · June 20th, 2009

Lexus RX 350 Manufacturing Special on The Discovery Channel Tomorrow

Tomorrow night, Discovery Channel show Factory Made will be airing a behind-the-scenes look at the building of a Lexus RX 350—from the show description: Starting as 50-tons of steel and emerging as a precision driving machine, take the front seat to an amazing manufacturing process. Welcome to the Lexus plant where the new RX350 is …
Kevin · June 18th, 2009

2010 Lexus RX Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

The 2010 Lexus RX has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), along with the 2009 Audi Q5, 2009 Toyota Venza, and 2009 Volkswagen CC. To be given this top safety mark, vehicles must rank as Good in front, side and rear impacts, as well as being equipped …
Kevin · June 17th, 2009

Lexus Wins J.D. Power UK Satisfaction Survey

For the ninth consecutive year, Lexus has topped the J.D. Power & What Car? UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study: In the manufacturer rankings, Lexus ranks highest for a ninth consecutive year, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 833. Lexus performs particularly well in two of four key measures: service satisfaction and vehicle appeal. Rounding out …
Kevin · June 8th, 2009

Lexus Canada May 2009 Sales Report

Lexus Canada May 2009 sales slipped 13% under last year, with a total of 1,587 units sold—but there was also good news, as SUV sales hit their highest point ever with 913 units sold, besting the previous record by 14.1%. Of course, this was due entirely to the success of the new 2010 RX 350, …
Kevin · June 3rd, 2009

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus RX 350 vs Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLK350

Motor Trend has performed a comparison of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 against the Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK350 and the Audi Q5—the verdict: With all so evenly matched, small blemishes become colossal warts. Numb steering and Spartan digs doom the comfortably competent GLK350 to fourth place while unwieldy styling and soulless performance relegate the …
Kevin · May 25th, 2009

Lexus RX 350 & 450h Body Kit by LX Mode

LX Mode has updated their website to include the brand new Lexus 3G RX body kit: All in all, it’s a nice looking kit—but what I’m really impressed by is the front grille replacement. Looking to be lifted directly of the LS 460, it changes the front-end significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different options, …
Kevin · May 8th, 2009

Lexus Canada April 2009 Sales Report

While auto sales are enduring a major slump in the US, Lexus Canada has just reported their best April ever, moving a total of 1,621 vehicles last month. This is a 4% increase over last year. Some specific points: The new Lexus RX 350 enjoyed an all-time record month, selling 748 units, up 48.4% over …
Kevin · May 4th, 2009

Lexus Australia’s Unique RX Accessories

Just like the last generation, Lexus Australia is offering some unique accessories for the 2010 RX, including a bunch of roof racks, a nudge bar, side steps, mud flaps and some wild 19” wheels. Here are some closeups: Really, it’s almost comical to see an RX done up in this fashion, but some of these …
Kevin · April 22nd, 2009

New Lexus RX Commerical: We’ve Never Been Closer

This new RX 350 commercial from Lexus Australia is an absolutely literal interpretation of the slogan “The Pursuit of Perfection”: Just what is that Lexus RX going to do when it catches perfection?
Kevin · April 20th, 2009

Lexus RX 350 Commercial from the Middle East

Next up, here’s a Lexus RX 350 commercial that borders on the just-plain weird: From what I can gather, the central point seems to be that using the Remote Touch controller won’t distract away from driving, but why a coyote? (What’s funny is that this has actually happened to me, driving home late at night …
Kevin · April 7th, 2009

China’s BYD Auto Releases Lexus RX Clone

While it’s true that all car companies have been guilty of design plagiarism at some point, Chinese automaker BYD has taken it too far with their shamelessly brazen copy of the second generation RX, the S6: These Chinese copycat designs are a rampant problem in automotive design, and what makes the situation worse is that …
Kevin · March 27th, 2009

Wald Body Kit for the 2010 Lexus RX 350

Wald International has released a Black Bison body kit for the new Lexus RX—first off, here’s the photo gallery: All the things that made the Black Bison design look so awkward on the IS-F end up adding some real character to the RX. There are minor complaints: the IS-F style grille looks great but clashes …
Kevin · March 26th, 2009