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Another article on the RX 200t we don't get in the states, this one by AutoCar.
2016 Lexus RX200t review
The Lexus RX receives a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a cheaper alternative to the hybrid variants. We try it in the UK
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has headline-grabbing emissions, but do they stand up to scrutiny?
by Alan Taylor-Jones
2 February 2016
What is it?:
We’ve already tested the fourth-generation Lexus RX in popular 450h hybrid guise. While many will be tempted by the low CO2 figures and the savings they bring to those burdened with benefit in kind taxation, there is a cheaper way of getting behind the wheel of Lexus's upmarket SUV.
Step forward the RX200t. Gone is the 3.5-litre V6 as fitted to the RX450h, here replaced by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot as seen in the IS200t saloon and RC200t coupé. If you can do without four-wheel drive, you’ll save yourself £7000 over an entry-level RX450h. Considering that it already undercuts rivals and offers generous levels of standard kit, it seems like good value for this kind of vehicle.
No matter how many wheels get driven, the 200t makes 235bhp and 258Ib ft. They may not sound like bad figures, but then the RX weighs nearly two tonnes. That means the all-wheel-drive model we’re testing takes a yawning 9.5sec to reach 62mph.
Despite being slower than a diesel-powered Vauxhall Astra, you can opt for aggressively styled F Sport trim as seen here. That adds model-specific bumpers, wheels and interior flourishes along with four-wheel drive and continuously variable dampers.
What's it like?:
If you’re travelling at a sedate pace, the RX200t has plenty going for it. At low engine speeds, the petrol engine remains smooth and refined, and there are none of the nasty vibrations some diesel-powered rivals suffer from coming through the wheel or pedals.
However, if you've bought a car that looks like this, it’s unlikely you're planning on driving everywhere at a sedate pace. Heavy application of the right pedal will see the gearbox drop two or three cogs, even in Eco mode, to get it moving with a reasonable turn of speed.
At this point, the engine will start to make its presence known. It wouldn’t be the worst soundtrack for a hot hatchback, but - and feel free to call me a snob - the sound of a petrol four-pot seems a little out of place in a luxury SUV.
Performance is adequate but there’s none of the effortlessness that you get from an Audi Q7 or Range Rover Sport, although you wouldn't really expect there to be given the engine's 2.0-litre capacity. Flicking through the drive modes to Sport or Sport + does make it feel a little sprightlier, but that’s mainly down to it holding on to gears for longer.
Those that want more involvement might be tempted to take control of the gearbox using the wheel-mounted paddles. These turned out to be a source of frustration, the ’box unwilling to change up or down unless it deemed a shift appropriate, and then changing gear for you as you approach the redline. Shifts were at least smooth and fairly swift.
Even with the F Sport’s 20in wheels, the ride is comfortable in all drive modes. You do feel bigger bumps and expansion joints but at no point do they upset the car’s balance. The downside is more body roll than you’d get in some competitors, even in Sport + mode.
If you were hoping the significant reduction in kerb weight compared to the RX450h has made it a more involving steer, you’ll be disappointed. The steering may be well weighted and precise but it never really tells you what the front wheels are doing.
At least you’ll have a fair idea after a couple of roundabouts. If you push the RX hard, the front wheels will always run wide well before the rear end loses grip. A lift of the throttle brings everything back in line but even a sharp lift mid-corner won’t unsettle it. It’s safe but completely uninspiring.
It’s also thirsty, really thirsty. On a mixed test route we couldn’t get better than 25mpg despite driving sensibly for much of the time. It’s therefore no surprise to find that CO2 emissions are a little high at 189g/km.
As for the rest of the package, you still get a fantastically well-built cabin. Switches, stalks and other controls feel slick and it’s unlikely you’ll interact with any hard plastic unless you go actively looking for it. Instruments are clear but the joystick controlled infotainment system can frustrate.
Front seat occupants will have no complaints with regards to space and storage, while rear seat passengers are just as spoilt. The rear bench can be slid back for more legroom and also reclined. The boot isn’t the biggest but it’s by no means bad.
Should I buy one?:
There are many reasons to like the Lexus RX. It’s comfortable, has a high-quality interior and looks distinctive from the outside too. Despite this, we find it hard to recommend one with this particular engine.
It may be cheaper to buy than the hybrid, but real-world economy will be far worse and taxation far higher. It’s also a fair bit slower, meaning F Sport trim is all mouth and no trousers.
If you fancy an RX, we’d be tempted to pay an extra £1000 for a hybrid-powered Luxury model. It may not look quite as sporty but will feel just as luxurious and cost far less to run.
Lexus RX200t F Sport
Location West Sussex; On sale Now; Price £48,995; Engine 4 cyls inline, 1998cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 235bhp at 4800-5600rpm; Torque 258Ib ft at 1650-4000rpm; Kerb weight 1960kg; Gearbox 6-spd automatic; 0-60mph 9.5s; Top speed 124mph; Economy 34.9mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 189g/km, 32%
2016 Lexus RX200t review
The Lexus RX receives a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a cheaper alternative to the hybrid variants. We try it in the UK
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has headline-grabbing emissions, but do they stand up to scrutiny?
- FIRST DRIVE
2016 Lexus RX200t review
The Lexus RX receives a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a cheaper alternative to the hybrid variants. We try it in the UK - FIRST DRIVE
2016 Lexus RX450h Premier review
First UK drive of latest RX reveals it's strong on performance, outstandingly refined with improved on usability – but still not our cup of tea to drive
by Alan Taylor-Jones
2 February 2016
What is it?:
We’ve already tested the fourth-generation Lexus RX in popular 450h hybrid guise. While many will be tempted by the low CO2 figures and the savings they bring to those burdened with benefit in kind taxation, there is a cheaper way of getting behind the wheel of Lexus's upmarket SUV.
Step forward the RX200t. Gone is the 3.5-litre V6 as fitted to the RX450h, here replaced by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot as seen in the IS200t saloon and RC200t coupé. If you can do without four-wheel drive, you’ll save yourself £7000 over an entry-level RX450h. Considering that it already undercuts rivals and offers generous levels of standard kit, it seems like good value for this kind of vehicle.
No matter how many wheels get driven, the 200t makes 235bhp and 258Ib ft. They may not sound like bad figures, but then the RX weighs nearly two tonnes. That means the all-wheel-drive model we’re testing takes a yawning 9.5sec to reach 62mph.
Despite being slower than a diesel-powered Vauxhall Astra, you can opt for aggressively styled F Sport trim as seen here. That adds model-specific bumpers, wheels and interior flourishes along with four-wheel drive and continuously variable dampers.
What's it like?:
If you’re travelling at a sedate pace, the RX200t has plenty going for it. At low engine speeds, the petrol engine remains smooth and refined, and there are none of the nasty vibrations some diesel-powered rivals suffer from coming through the wheel or pedals.
However, if you've bought a car that looks like this, it’s unlikely you're planning on driving everywhere at a sedate pace. Heavy application of the right pedal will see the gearbox drop two or three cogs, even in Eco mode, to get it moving with a reasonable turn of speed.
At this point, the engine will start to make its presence known. It wouldn’t be the worst soundtrack for a hot hatchback, but - and feel free to call me a snob - the sound of a petrol four-pot seems a little out of place in a luxury SUV.
Performance is adequate but there’s none of the effortlessness that you get from an Audi Q7 or Range Rover Sport, although you wouldn't really expect there to be given the engine's 2.0-litre capacity. Flicking through the drive modes to Sport or Sport + does make it feel a little sprightlier, but that’s mainly down to it holding on to gears for longer.
Those that want more involvement might be tempted to take control of the gearbox using the wheel-mounted paddles. These turned out to be a source of frustration, the ’box unwilling to change up or down unless it deemed a shift appropriate, and then changing gear for you as you approach the redline. Shifts were at least smooth and fairly swift.
Even with the F Sport’s 20in wheels, the ride is comfortable in all drive modes. You do feel bigger bumps and expansion joints but at no point do they upset the car’s balance. The downside is more body roll than you’d get in some competitors, even in Sport + mode.
If you were hoping the significant reduction in kerb weight compared to the RX450h has made it a more involving steer, you’ll be disappointed. The steering may be well weighted and precise but it never really tells you what the front wheels are doing.
At least you’ll have a fair idea after a couple of roundabouts. If you push the RX hard, the front wheels will always run wide well before the rear end loses grip. A lift of the throttle brings everything back in line but even a sharp lift mid-corner won’t unsettle it. It’s safe but completely uninspiring.
It’s also thirsty, really thirsty. On a mixed test route we couldn’t get better than 25mpg despite driving sensibly for much of the time. It’s therefore no surprise to find that CO2 emissions are a little high at 189g/km.
As for the rest of the package, you still get a fantastically well-built cabin. Switches, stalks and other controls feel slick and it’s unlikely you’ll interact with any hard plastic unless you go actively looking for it. Instruments are clear but the joystick controlled infotainment system can frustrate.
Front seat occupants will have no complaints with regards to space and storage, while rear seat passengers are just as spoilt. The rear bench can be slid back for more legroom and also reclined. The boot isn’t the biggest but it’s by no means bad.
Should I buy one?:
There are many reasons to like the Lexus RX. It’s comfortable, has a high-quality interior and looks distinctive from the outside too. Despite this, we find it hard to recommend one with this particular engine.
It may be cheaper to buy than the hybrid, but real-world economy will be far worse and taxation far higher. It’s also a fair bit slower, meaning F Sport trim is all mouth and no trousers.
If you fancy an RX, we’d be tempted to pay an extra £1000 for a hybrid-powered Luxury model. It may not look quite as sporty but will feel just as luxurious and cost far less to run.
Lexus RX200t F Sport
Location West Sussex; On sale Now; Price £48,995; Engine 4 cyls inline, 1998cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 235bhp at 4800-5600rpm; Torque 258Ib ft at 1650-4000rpm; Kerb weight 1960kg; Gearbox 6-spd automatic; 0-60mph 9.5s; Top speed 124mph; Economy 34.9mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 189g/km, 32%