The 2022 Lexus RX is one of the most reliable SUVs money can buy, here’s what else it has to offer
Reliability is something that many people put at the top of their list when considering the purchase of a new wheelset. Buyers are looking to ensure that they are buying a reliable car that will cost them as little as possible in repair costs. Luxury cars, with their complicated and expensive features, can quickly become a money pit if things start to go wrong. Fortunately, there are options in the luxury segment that buck the trend, the 2022 Lexus RX is one such vehicle.
Ranked number one in the JD Power ratings for the premium midsize SUV segment, the car scores 83/100 with all aspects considered. When it comes to reliability, the RX also performs very well here, receiving an “Excellent” rating of 85/100. This score indicates that the car is a great proposition and is much less likely to land you an expensive repair bill than the competition. Now that we know reliability is covered, let’s explore what else the 2022 Lexus RX has to offer.
8 bold styling
The 2022 Lexus RX is a facelifted version of the 4th generation car. The facelift was introduced in 2020, while the 4th generation car it’s based on was released in 2016. Although it’s essentially seven years old now, it’s still one of the sleekest SUVs around.
The front end is extremely angular and offers an excellent balance between sportiness and elegance. The expansive grille is probably the first thing you notice, and it follows the shape of other Lexus vehicles with a signature spindle design. Sharp triple-beam headlights are accented by eye-catching LED daytime running lights, which evoke a very modern appearance. The rear is quite minimalist, with discreet LED taillights. Get the specs right and the RX is one seriously imposing vehicle.
seven Advanced infotainment system with Alexa
Unlike some older Lexus infotainment systems, the units installed in the RX are thoroughly modern and easy to navigate. Entry-level cars come with an 8-inch screen, while a larger 12.3-inch unit is available as part of the navigation package.
The system is well equipped as standard, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One particularly nice feature is the integration of Amazon’s family-favorite voice assistant, Alexa. Drivers can ask it a number of helpful questions, from weather forecasts to traffic reports. Likewise, features such as the audio and navigation systems can be controlled by voice, adding convenience and keeping your eyes off the road.
6 A special Black Line edition
New for the 2022 model year, the Lexus RX is now available in a limited-edition “Black Line” trim, which is selectable across all powertrain options. The changes are purely cosmetic, but give the car a much more aggressive look than the regular version.
As the name suggests, black is used extensively throughout the vehicle, with many features receiving a visual tweak. Changes include black exterior mirrors, large 20-inch black alloy wheels combined with color-coded wheel nuts and a black front bumper section, among other exterior changes. Inside, black wood trim is used alongside black NuLuxe synthetic leather seats, enhancing the look and feel.
5 State-of-the-art security technology
One of the car’s greatest strengths is its safety performance. The car is seriously well-equipped, with nearly every system you could want included as standard.
What makes it a very safe vehicle is the inclusion of lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic pedestrian detection during emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, among other features.
4 Conventional combustion engine options alongside hybrids
Nowadays, Lexus is well known for producing very good hybrid-powered cars. This remains true in the RX, as buyers can spec the car in RX 450h guise. In this configuration, the car is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to three electric motors, to produce a combined output of 308 hp and allow a reasonable 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds.
The car is also available with a conventional combustion engine, in the form of the RX 350. This powertrain uses a 3.5-liter V6 to generate 290 hp, which is slightly less than the hybrid. However, given the added weight load of the hybrid’s electric motors, the 0-100 km/h time is matched and even exceeded when the front-wheel-drive-only model is selected, bringing the 0-100 time km/h at 7.7 seconds. .
3 Generous cabin space
Although a relatively compact mid-size SUV, the Lexus RX does well when it comes to cabin space. Those in the back will especially appreciate this, as they benefit from reclining seatbacks, a flat floor and ample legroom of 38 inches.
Boot space is also reasonably decent, offering 539 liters of hauling capacity with the rear seats upright. Flatten them, and that’s expanded to 1,579 litres.
2 Performs well in crash tests
No one likes to think they might be involved in an accident, but unfortunately the risk is ever-present. If the worst should happen, it is essential to have a safe vehicle. Since Lexus is a producer of luxury vehicles, it is absolutely correct that great security is built in, a luxury feature in its own right.
Reassuringly, the 2022 RX won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” award. This shows that the car performed well against their strict safety criteria. Front, rear and sides, the IIHS has rated them all, so buyers could do a lot worse than opt for the RX.
1 “BladeScan” smart headlights
A particularly clever feature of the Lexus RX is the inclusion of “BladeScan” headlights. These provide an unrivaled view of the road, carefully controlling the illumination provided by the LED headlights.
The feature provides significantly improved peripheral visibility, by directing light onto rotating blade-like mirrors inside the headlights. 10 LED bulbs can be found in each unit, and the light beam from these can be adjusted up to a precise 0.7 degrees.