Used 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h remain two of the most desirable luxury midsize SUV/crossovers. Not surprising, since the RX pretty much invented this vehicle class.

The current generation has a sumptuous interior and a choice of powertrains. However, newer and more technically sophisticated rivals such as the BMW X5, Audi Q5, and the electric Tesla Model X, throw the RX’s need for an update into sharper relief.

Despite missing a few high-tech features like a digital instrument cluster and self-driving technology, the 2021 RX excels in the areas of quality, reliability, and resale. The hybrid trim achieves impressive fuel economy, while the longer L version (which rides on the same wheelbase) adds a small but viable 3rd-row seat, increasing capacity to seven.

The RX is one of the smoother-riding members of the luxury SUV/crossover community. Although the F Sport version is intended to deliver a more athletic drive (it doesn’t add any more power), it’s no match for the muscle and handling found in the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace or Porsche Cayenne.

Lexus knows that most buyers are looking for a smooth ride and a quiet interior. Which is why the RX continues to be a sales leader. With this primary mission to pamper and coddle, the 2021 Lexus RX 350 isn’t focused on aggressive cornering or breathtaking acceleration. Conversely, it’s not sloppy or slow.

Should the road begin to twist and turn, the RX remains stable and provides the driver with all the feedback necessary to enjoy the ride. Its well-shaped seats are supremely comfortable, permitting hours of fatigue-free driving. And the dash design, while a bit frenetic, is easy to use and understand.

For those who would like more agility in their ride, the RX 350 F Sport can come with adaptive dampers and an upgraded version of the company’s selectable driving modes. This adds a Sport S+ setting to increase steering feedback and sharpen throttle response.

The cabin of the 2021 RX is full of upscale materials with superb fit and finish. The analog clock is an especially elegant touch. The overall design is distinct, but not as sophisticated or flowing as that of an Audi or a BMW.

All versions have a large infotainment screen operated by a console-mounted mouse-like controller that hasn’t been particularly well received. A 12.3-inch split-screen multimedia screen is part of an optional navigation package.

The seats are plush, and there is plenty of headroom and legroom in back. Whether you get two rows or three, cargo space around that back seat is about the same. The standard RX has 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row that expands to 32.6 when the seat is dropped. The third row on the 4.4-inch longer L version offers 16.3 cubic feet behind it and expands to 33.4 cubic feet when dropped. Lay down both back rows and the load space expands to 70.7 cubic feet.

The RX 350L offers seating for seven with a 3-seater bench in the second row. Captain’s chairs for the second row are optional in the RX 350 and standard in the RX 450hL, but they reduce the occupant count to six. The RX 350L’s power-folding 3rd-row bench is tight and best suited for small kids.

It’s the grille, isn’t it? The elephant in the room of aesthetic sensibilities. Let’s be kind and call it bold. No one could describe the 2021 Lexus RX as classically beautiful, but it is distinctive. And the number of RX buyers tells us that many people like it. Or just don’t care that much.

The blacked-out rear pillars make the roof look like it’s floating, and the 20-inch alloy wheels of the F Sport variants ramp up the presence. The RX L models are only 4.4 inches longer than the standard 2-row RX, so it’s not easy to identify them quickly.

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 2.0
This state-of-the-art array is standard on every 2021 Lexus RX. It brings valuable driver aids such as pre-collision warning with pedestrian/bicycle detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping/lane-departure assistance, road sign recognition, automatic high beams, and radar-based all-speed adaptive cruise control.

ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION
As part of the F Sport’s upgraded Handling package, AVS monitors road conditions and adjusts the shock absorbers’ responses automatically for optimum performance. The system acts in mere milliseconds and gives the F Sport a real advantage over the standard RX’s cornering and steering abilities.

The 2021 Lexus RX has plenty of standard equipment, including  LED headlights, powered tailgate, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10 airbags, power-adjustable steering wheel, simulated leather interior, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, garage door opener, 18-inch alloy wheels, plus the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and lane departure alert.

The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch screen, 9-speaker audio with USB, Bluetooth, auxiliary input, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhones.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect, complimentary for 10 years, includes an SOS button, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle notification. Lexus Enform Remote (complimentary for three years) lets the RX owner lock or unlock the doors remotely, start the engine, adjust climate controls and even check the fuel level with a smart device or an Amazon Alexa-enabled device at home.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional in the new RX 350 and standard in the RX 450h hybrid. This formula applies to the F Sport variants as well.

Extra equipment for a new RX includes leather upholstery, moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, hands-free tailgate operation, navigation, 12.3-inch touchscreen, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual screens, wireless charging, a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and a fantastic-sounding 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

F Sport versions are eligible for the Handling package that adds the Sport S+ driving mode, adaptive variable suspension, plus model-specific front and rear fascias.

There’s also a towing-prep package with a heavy-duty radiator and oil coolers for the engine and transmission. A hitch receiver is available as an accessory, along with running boards and roof rack crossbars.

The RX 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 295 horsepower. This engine runs on regular gasoline and, in standard form, drives the front wheels (FWD) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are mounted under the steering wheel. The extended-wheelbase RX 350L has the same configuration, but with five fewer horses due to its single exhaust pipe.

The hybrid 2021 RX 450h and RX 450hL have a less powerful version of the 3.5-liter V6. It’s paired with a battery-electric powertrain for a total system output of 308 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.

There were no official fuel consumption estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while compiling this review, but we don’t expect the 2021 RX to differ much (if at all) from its 2020 iteration.

Last year, the 2-row version achieved 31 mpg in the city and the EPA-estimated driving range of 516 miles compared favorably to the 422 miles of the RX 350 with all-wheel drive. Premium gasoline is recommended.

Towing capacities of both the standard RX and the RX hybrid is 3,500 pounds.

3.5-liter V6 (RX 350, RX 350 F Sport)
295 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 (RX 350L, RX 350L F Sport)
290 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + 123-kW electric motor (RX 450h)
259 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gasoline engine only)
Total system horsepower: 308
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/28 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 + 123-kW electric motor (RX 450hL)
259 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gasoline engine only)
Total system horsepower: 308
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/28 mpg (AWD)