Lexus RX SUV 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The Lexus RX offers luxury but lacks practicality.

Transcript

This is the new Lexus RX. And some cars look like animals. And this one, well, it reminds me of a horse shoe crab. Can you see the resemblance there? It's It's prehistoric arthropod. Brand new car. This car stands out. It's certainly more distinctive than the mainstream German SUVs. And it's the same story here on the inside. I mean, this this inte... Read More

Key Insights

• The Lexus RX stands out with its unique design, reminiscent of a horseshoe crab, setting it apart from typical German SUVs.
• Inside, the RX boasts a luxurious interior with soft leather seats and ample storage, enhancing its premium feel.
• Standard features include wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, and a heads-up display, reducing the need for additional options.
• The infotainment system, while standard, is not user-friendly, with a challenging interface that lags behind German competitors.
• Rear seating offers abundant space and comfort, though the middle seat is less accommodating due to headroom constraints.
• The boot is smaller compared to rivals like the BMW X5, hindered by hybrid components, and lacks convenient features like a flat-folding floor.
• Driving the RX is comfortable and quiet, ideal for city and motorway travel, but lacks the sporty feel some SUV drivers may desire.
• The RX is available in hybrid and petrol options, with the hybrid offering better town fuel economy but less efficiency on motorways compared to diesel rivals.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Lexus RX's design stand out?

The Lexus RX's design is distinctive, with a look reminiscent of a horseshoe crab, which sets it apart from more traditional German SUVs. This unique aesthetic, both inside and out, contributes to its standout presence in the luxury SUV market, appealing to those seeking a non-conventional design.

Q: How does the interior of the Lexus RX enhance its luxury appeal?

The interior of the Lexus RX enhances its luxury appeal through the use of exceptionally soft leather seats and thoughtful storage solutions. Features like heated and ventilated seats, a heads-up display, and wireless charging come standard, minimizing the need for additional options and reinforcing its premium status.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the Lexus RX's infotainment system?

The Lexus RX's infotainment system is a major drawback due to its challenging user interface. Controlled by a mouse pad-like device, it is not intuitive and lags behind the more user-friendly systems found in German competitors, making it difficult for users to navigate menus and access features easily.

Q: How does the Lexus RX perform in terms of rear passenger comfort?

The rear passenger comfort in the Lexus RX is excellent, with ample knee room and reclining seats, making long journeys comfortable. However, the middle seat is less accommodating due to limited headroom, which can detract from the overall comfort when the back row is fully occupied.

Q: Why is the boot space in the Lexus RX considered limited?

The boot space in the Lexus RX is considered limited because it is smaller than that of rivals like the BMW X5. The space is compromised by hybrid components and lacks features like a flat-folding floor, making it less practical for loading large items compared to its competitors.

Q: What is the driving experience like in the Lexus RX?

The driving experience in the Lexus RX is characterized by comfort and quietness, making it ideal for city and motorway travel. However, it lacks the sporty driving dynamics that some SUV enthusiasts may desire, focusing instead on providing a relaxing and luxurious ride.

Q: How does the hybrid model of the Lexus RX perform in terms of fuel economy?

The hybrid model of the Lexus RX performs well in urban settings, offering better fuel economy than petrol models. However, it is less efficient on highways compared to diesel SUVs from German brands, which may provide better overall fuel economy for those doing regular motorway miles.

Q: What are some unique features of the Lexus RX?

The Lexus RX boasts unique features such as fast and quiet electric windows, a laser-etched wood trim made by Yamaha's piano division, and a Mark Levinson stereo system that enhances compressed music quality. These features, along with the large heads-up display, contribute to the car's luxurious and high-tech appeal.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Lexus RX 2018 is a distinctively designed SUV with a luxurious interior, offering a range of standard features that enhance its premium appeal. However, its infotainment system is less intuitive, and the boot space is limited compared to its competitors.

• While the RX provides excellent comfort and a quiet driving experience, it may not satisfy those seeking a sporty SUV feel. The car is available as a hybrid or petrol model, with the hybrid performing well in urban settings but less so on highways.

• Rear passenger comfort is a highlight, though the middle seat and boot space pose challenges. Despite these drawbacks, the RX's build quality and standard features make it an appealing choice for those prioritizing luxury and comfort over practicality.