2012 Lexus RX Review

Detailed Review

The Lexus RX has been in production since 1998. The first generation concept combined the characteristics of an SUV and the luxury of a sedan and has gradually evolved over the years. The first generation RX codenamed XU10 was in production from 1998-2003. The second-generation RX codenamed XU30 was in production from 2003-2009. The third generation RX codenamed AL10 was in production from 2009-2015. The fourth generation RX codenamed AL20 has been in production from 2015 to 2021. The fifth generation codenamed ALA10 has been in production from 2022 to present.

The 2012 Lexus RX comes with 3 engine options; The 2.7-Litre 1AR-FE petrol engine in the RX270, the 3.5-Litre 2GR-FSE petrol engine in the RX350 and the 3.5-Litre 2GR-FXE hybrid petrol engine in the RX450h. The engines are mated to a 6-Speed Super ECT and an electric CVT for the hybrid version. They are also available in both 2WD and 4WD options.

2012 Lexus RX Grades

1. 2012 Lexus RX S – This is the entry-level grade that comes with 19-Inch alloy rims, synthetic leather seats, and sports suspension. This grade is available with the RX270, the RX350 and the RX450h.
2. 2012 Lexus RX L – This is a luxury grade that comes with semi-aniline genuine leather seats, wood grain panels, a power tailgate, and rear side airbags.
3. 2012 Lexus RX F Sport- This is the highest grade that adds sporty styling and performance features such as a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and unique interior and exterior styling accents.

Interior Legroom and Space

The 2012 Lexus RX has a spacious and luxurious interior with high-quality materials and a well-designed layout. The dashboard and center console are well organized, with intuitive controls and a clean layout. The interior color schemes and trim options allow for customization to suit individual preferences.

The front seats are comfortable and offer good support. In the second row the seats are perfectly sized and offer plenty of legroom. It has a flat floor that helps in seating three people at the back. The 2012 RX seats are also covered in high-quality leather upholstery and are all heated.

Cabin Storage
The 2012 Lexus RX has plenty of storage space both in the cabin and boot. At the front, there are 2 cup holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and a cubby box. For the second row, there are 2 cup holders, storage on the front seat pockets and door pockets.

Lexus RX Boot Space

The RX has plenty of cargo space, with 40 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 80.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. it also features a power-operated liftgate that makes loading and unloading cargo easy.

Exterior

The 2012 Lexus RX has a distinctive and elegant exterior design that reflects the brand’s signature styling cues. It features a sleek and aerodynamic body shape with a bold grille and sharp headlights, the flowing lines and curves give it a sense of motion even when it is parked.

It has a standard power moon roof that allows for plenty of natural light in the cabin. The roof rails are available as an option, providing additional cargo-carrying capacity.

The 2012 RX is available in a range of exterior colors, including classic hues like Starfire Pearl and Obsidian as well as more unique options like Cerulean Blue Metallic and Matador Red Mica.

Other Extras: DVD player, Dual Zone Climate Control, Reverse Camera, Multi-function steering controls, Cruise Control.

2012 Lexus RX Fuel Consumption
2012 Lexus RX270 Fuel Consumption: 10.6 km/L (on average)
2012 Lexus RX350 Fuel Consumption: 8.5 km/L (on average)
2012 Lexus RX450h Fuel Consumption: 12.75 km/L (on average)

2012 Lexus RX Acceleration
2012 Lexus RX270 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11 secs.
2012 Lexus RX350 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 secs.
2012 Lexus RX450h accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.4secs.

2012 Lexus RX Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 Litres

2012 Lexus RX Ground clearance: 7.3 Inches. This is above the minimum required clearance in Kenya; hence, it has a good off-road capability.

Stability and Handling

The 2012 Lexus RX is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, as well as its stable and secure handling. The RX features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride over most road surfaces. The suspension is tuned to be slightly firmer in the F Sport trim, providing more responsive handling without sacrificing ride comfort. It is available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides additional traction and stability in slippery or uneven road conditions.  It also has electrically powered steering, which provides a precise and responsive feel.

Service Intervals
Minor Service – Done at 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service – Done at 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
A few years back, Lexus spares parts were expensive and not easily available in Kenya. Things have significantly improved with the parts now being cheaper and easier to find. Considering that Lexus is an affiliate of Toyota, service parts are readily available in major towns and are shared with other Toyotas such as the Harrier. On the other hand, body parts such as headlights can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. For a list of spare part prices and dealers in Kenya, follow this link.

2012 Lexus RX Reliability

The 2012 Lexus RX has generally been considered a reliable vehicle. Many owners have reported trouble-free ownership.

However, some owners have complained about the electrical system in their 2012 RX, including problems with the navigation system, backup camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Other have reported issues the transmission in their 2012 RX, including rough shifting, hesitation, and slipping.

Overall the Lexus RX is good reliable car when properly maintained . We recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Lexus RX Competitors: BMW X5, VW Touareg, Mercedes M-Class, Audi Q5, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC60.

What We Like

• Premium interior
• Good driving experience
• Good fuel consumption

What We Don’t Like

• No third-seat option

Conclusion

The 2012 Lexus RX is a reliable SUV that is a perfect option for people who do not see the need for a third row. It best suits small families of two or three kids. If properly maintained it can serve you for a long time.