#22
2026 Lexus RX
Shaping the SUV Space.
Certain automobiles define a segment, while others establish one. The Lexus RX is in the second group. The mid-size luxury SUV market was still developing when it debuted in 1998. Lexus created one of the most enduringly successful premium cars in automotive history by shaping that market rather than just entering it. With a package that retains all its initial ambition, the RX carries on that legacy today by striking a balance between calm on-road performance, unique design, and true everyday practicality.
Without a doubt, the Lexus RX of the present generation is the most visually striking the nameplate has ever been. This generation arrives with a distinct point of view, angular, structured, and fearless of attention, while previous generations tended toward subtle elegance.
The brand’s iconic spindle grille, which is now depicted in a more geometric shape with a mesh pattern that extends further across the bumper, leads the front fascia. The RX has concentrated, sharp-eyed eyes thanks to the thin, piercing LED headlamps that flank it. The design’s most intriguing reward is found in the profile, where a sweeping roofline descends into a fastback-inspired rear that is unusual in this class. This gives the RX a coupe-like appearance without compromising the functionality that its customers want.
Even when the car is still, the sharp, elevated shoulder line catches light in a way that makes the flanks appear to be moving. L-shaped LED tail lamps with bold geometry encircle the tailgate at the back, giving the design a sense of visual closure that is deliberate rather than accidental.
One of Lexus’s most notable interior changes in recent memory can be seen when you step into the cabin. The dashboard’s layered, asymmetrical design and noticeable tilt in the direction of the driver make it obvious that this car takes driving seriously. The centre console is anchored by a sizable 14-inch touchscreen, whose interface is now far more user-friendly than the contentious touchpad technology of earlier iterations. To maintain tactile control without overcrowding the screen, physical shortcut buttons are placed somewhat below it.
One obvious strength is the materials. The cabin feels thoughtful at every touch thanks to the combination of brushed metal highlights, bamboo charcoal fabric inserts, and quilted semi-aniline leather. With hand-pleated leather and precise stitching that take hours of human attention to complete, the Takumi-crafted interior, which is a certification granted to Lexus interiors put together by master craftspeople, raises the bar even further.
The current generation of the Lexus RX maintains the history of prioritizing calm, easy performance over overt aggression while providing greater range than previous models.
An eight-speed automated transmission and a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 275 horsepower serve as the starting point. It is a capable vehicle that is responsive at low speeds, smooth in the gears, and willing to comply with the driver’s request for urgency. This engine does not attempt to masquerade as something it is not; it delivers exactly the performance profile most RX buyers need, without excess.
The RX 500h F Sport Performance, a hybrid that combines a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with front and rear electric motors to provide 366 horsepower, will be the more alluring powerplant for many. The system makes use of Lexus’s Direct4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, which precisely distributes power between axles and across individual wheels, changing not only performance metrics but also the way the vehicle feels as it navigates a series of turns. This hybrid makes advantage of electricity to significantly enhance the driving experience in addition to lowering fuel consumption. It takes about 6.2 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour, which is fast by all standards and genuinely speedy for a mid-size luxury SUV.
The standard RX 350h hybrid combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with an electronically controlled CVT and self-charging hybrid system. It is quieter, smoother, and more fuel-efficient, with real-world economy that makes a tangible difference over longer ownership periods. For buyers who spend significant time in urban environments, it is arguably the most sensible choice in the range.
On the road, the RX impresses with its composure. The suspension tuning strikes a balance that is harder to achieve than it appears, firm enough to suppress body roll through corners, yet supple enough to deal with imperfect road surfaces without transmitting harshness into the cabin. Road and wind noise are well managed, and the overall refinement level is competitive with any rival in the segment.
Pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane departure alert with steering correction are just a few of the many active safety features that come with the Lexus Safety System+, which is standard on all RX models. These devices function with a calibration that is mainly inconspicuous; they help rather than obstruct.
A significant boost in usability is the 14-inch touchscreen’s updated interface, which responds fast and arranges its selections rationally. In addition to wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included. The Mark Levinson 21-speaker Reference Surround Sound audio system is still one of the best factory-fitted audio options in any car at this price point, and higher versions come with a head-up display.
In certain areas, a digital side-mirror system that replaces traditional wing mirrors with camera feeds shown on interior screens is available. This technology offers increased aerodynamic efficiency and a broader field of view, which is especially helpful in poor light or bad weather.
The practical factors that make an SUV truly useful have never been overshadowed by the RX’s design aspirations. There is enough of boot space, and the rear passenger seat provides significant legroom without making the car too big. Storage options are placed carefully around the cabin, and the tailgate opens at a useful slant.
Over the course of more than 20 years, the Lexus RX has earned its name by persistent application of substance rather than flash. It still provides one of the most comprehensive packages in the premium mid-size SUV market, combining excellent performance, thoughtful technology, and expressive design. The RX continues to be a benchmark that rivals closely examine and few surpass for drivers who desire a car that rewards them every day, not just on the occasions when the road is flawless.
