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2018 Lexus RX

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Overview

The 2018 Lexus RX continues to set new standards for safety, comfort, and performance in the luxury crossover segment. Lexus engineers have infused years of ground-breaking automotive technology in an impressively stylish body design that is both cutting-edge and timeless. 

The 2018 Lexus RX is a five-door, five-seat midsize luxury crossover. It’s offered in a six style levels with pricing starting at $43,270.*

A Perfect Ride for...

The driver who wants nothing but the best from a brand known for being the best. 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 2018 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. 

Drive & Handling

The 2018 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 comes in two possible variants: the RX 450h and the RX 450hL (the first hybrid luxury crossover with a third row of seating). Both are powered by a potent 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 paired with a powerful electric motor and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. Total system output is 308 hp with instant torque delivery. (All without requiring a charge.) This hybrid can do 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed limited at 112 mph and 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 delivers 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 which 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.

Key Features

Available upgrades

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, enormous 12.3-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 2018 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 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 wish to carry cargo in the back along with passengers, a 40/20/40 split-fold arrangement provides flexibility.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Lexus RX includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and Lexus Safety System+. Previously an extra-cost option, the Lexus Safety System+ 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.

Alternative Options

Perhaps you want the legendary Lexus luxury in the shape of a sedan instead. Luxurious interior detailing, from hand-pleated door trims to the world’s only Kiriko glass ornamentation, make the 2018 LS the most opulent sedan in the Lexus lineup. Over on the sporty side, the 2018 Lexus LC marks the brand’s triumphant return to producing high-end coupes.

Gallery

      

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*MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $995. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by dealer.

**Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus. EPA mileage estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary. Specs for FWD model shown.

Image: Lexus