The Lexus RX is the kind of SUV that almost looks and feels American - and it was certainly designed primarily for the US market.
The original RX 300 launched in the 1990s did very well indeed stateside so it’s no great surprise that the current model has a sense of Americana about it.
It’s a big and bold large luxury SUV. Very dashing and individual with its distinctive and almost out there styling really setting it apart from the opposition.
One of the most impressive design features is its sleek rather than chunky profile that sometimes tends to be the go-to design blueprint for many large SUVs.
As far as the range goes the choices are fairly simple.
There’s a standard RX, with five seats or an RX L offering seven seats - or six if preferred.
They share the same wheelbase but the bodies are slightly different, the RX L being a little longer with an extended rear overhang.
A traditional drawback with the RX range was there being no seven-seat option and the RX L means that is no longer the case.
Engine-wise the choice is also simple - the RX being a self-charging hybrid with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol working in tandem with two electric motors.
The RX is one of the latest vehicles to use Toyota’s hybrid system with onboard batteries and electric motors.
A step up from a mild hybrid, the system enables the RX to be fully electric but in a limited low-speed setting rather than multiple miles, as would be the case with a plug-in hybrid.
In terms of trim levels there are three - RX, F Sport and Takumi.
As with any Lexus all buyers get a generous level of standard equipment, meaning even the entry-level version comes heavily laden with useful tech and creature comforts.
All RXs come with an eight-inch display screen with DAB radio, navigation and a reversing camera. This higher spec model had a 12.3-inch screen.
Buyers also get heated front seats and climate control.
There are impressive driver aids and safety features too, including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking.
The RX’s cabin is plush and luxurious and the extra length means the L can transport seven people comfortably enough, though as always the third row has its limitations.
This car offered a variant on the passenger carrying theme though.
Takumi trim offers the option of two individual ‘captains’ chairs’ in the rear/middle row.
I have to say I rather liked this set-up and it made a big impression on passengers I was transporting too.
The ‘captains’ seats’ are almost palatial and could have come straight off the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
They have their own armrests and cupholders and as a result there’s a sizeable space between them.
While some might see that as a waste of precious interior space I think it gives the RX L an almost limo-like or club class kind of feel.
Drivers are well looked after in the RX, on all models the front seats are electrically adjustable and there’s an electrically adjustable steering wheel.
The controls err more towards the physical than increasingly commonplace digital ones operated via the touchscreen (there are lots of buttons) - but that makes operating them while on the move easier and they’re well laid out and easy to get to grips with.
As you would expect the RX L offers a super comfortable ride, an experience that is further enhanced with the adaptive suspension in this range-topping Takumi model.
Engage comfort mode and any long journey should prove to be an absolute joy.
When it comes to driving dynamics buyers shouldn’t expect too much, but the RX L is reasonably composed generally for a big SUV and pitch and roll,though noticeable, are never a big issue.
FAST FACTS
Lexus RX L Takumi
Price: £64,215
Mechanical: 3.5-litre, 299bhpp, V6 petrol engine with electric motor, driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 7.9sec
Combined mpg: 34.4
Insurance group: 42
CO2 emissions: 132g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
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