2017 Lexus RX
New for 2017
After a full redesign for the 2016 model year, the 2017 Lexus RX adds new standard safety equipment and a new F Sport front-wheel drive model.
A Leading Luxury Crossover
The Lexus RX was one of the original luxury crossover SUVs, and Lexus hasn’t rested on its laurels. It introduced the fourth-generation RX for the 2016 model year and continues to refine it for 2017 with more standard safety equipment and other tweaks. The RX continues to pack traditional Lexus strong points like quality and efficiency into a more dynamic and exciting package than ever before.
Performance
The 2017 Lexus RX is available with both conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The RX was the first hybrid luxury SUV, and it continues to be one of the best, offering a genuine improvement in fuel economy over the gasoline model.
The hybrid model is called the RX 450h, and it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 harnessed to two electric motors through the Lexus hybrid system. One motor helps the V-6 drive the front wheels while the other is mounted on the rear axle, giving the RX 450h all-wheel drive. Total system output is 300 horsepower, allowing the hybrid to do 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 112 mph, and the RX 450h achieves an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
Lexus also offers the RX 350, with a standalone 3.5-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine develops 295 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque, getting the RX 350 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds with all-wheel drive, or 7.7 seconds with front-wheel drive. Top speed is limited to 124 mph in both versions, while EPA-rated fuel economy is 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Lexus also offers an F Sport performance package on most RX models. It includes Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport+ driving mode, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, sport-tuned suspension, and an active sound generator. F Sport models also get more aggressive exterior styling, special 20-inch wheels, and model-specific steering wheels, seats, and gauges.
Features
The 2016 Lexus RX is a five-door, five-seat midsize luxury crossover. It’s offered in a single trim level with pricing starting at $43,120.**
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, dual chrome exhaust, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, rear spoiler, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Siri® Eyes Free voice control for iPhone users, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, 10-way power front seats, 8.0-inch central display screen, and more.
Optional features include 20-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, navigation, moonroof, 15-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and aluminum roof rails. Lexus also offers a variety of interior trim options, including aluminum and multiple wood options.
The RX is also available with Lexus Enform telematics services. Enform Remote allows owners to view and control certain aspects of the vehicle through a smartphone app (iOS or Android). Functions include remote door locking and unlocking, remote climate control pre-conditioning, vehicle finder, and vehicle status alerts. Enform Service Connect includes a periodic Vehicle Health Report and Maintenance Alerts.
Design
The 2017 Lexus RX wears the same dynamic styling introduced as part of its 2016-model-year redesign. The current-generation RX looks striking not only for a Lexus, but for an SUV in general.
Designers did away with the traditional SUV box shape, breaking it up with an array of jagged lines and swooping curves. At the front, the RX features the brand's signature “spindle” grille and LED daytime running lights, giving it an aggressive appearance. The front fascia works well with the big, muscular wheel openings and low roofline. All of these elements combine to give the RX a hunkered-down stance, even though it's actually a very tall vehicle.
The interior is sporty looking, yet functional. The dashboard clearly divides the front of the cabin in half, creating a distinct space for the driver as in many sports cars. With its array of rounded horizontal surfaces, the interior design has a truly modern feel with few legacy design elements like those habitually used in many other luxury cars.
On the functional side, the RX features a lower rear seating position than is typical for an SUV, which not only makes ingress and egress easier, but also allows for greater legroom. Should you want to carry cargo in the back along with passengers, a 40/20/40 split-fold arrangement provides flexibility.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Lexus RX includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and Lexus Safety System+. Previously an extra-cost option, it encompasses a pre-collision system, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane-keep assist. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic braking and panoramic view camera system are available as options.
Verdict
The 2017 Lexus RX offers an impressive array of technology in a versatile package.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Lexus RX, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
*Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus. EPA mileage estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $975. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by dealer.
Image: Lexus