2018 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 2018 Lexus RX comes with 2 engine options; The 3.5-Litre 2GR-FSE petrol engine in the RX350 and the 3.5-Litre 2GR-FXS 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.

2018 Lexus RX Grades

1. 2018 Lexus RX Base – This grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels,  automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights and running lights, rear privacy glass, a power liftgate, keyless ignition, Dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-inch color display screen, simulated-leather upholstery, eight-way Power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, Safety Connect emergency communications, a smartphone-integrated navigation system, and a nine-speaker sound system.
2. 2018 Lexus RX Luxury Package– This grade comes with 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear door sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery, four-way front seat lumbar adjustment, heated rear seats, and power operation for the folding and reclining rear seatbacks.
3. 2018 Lexus RX  Premium Package – This Grade adds roof rails, automatic wipers, driver memory functions, auto-dimming side mirrors, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a rear armrest storage compartment.
4. 2018 Lexus RX  Navigation Package– This trim adds a navigation system, the Remote Touch tech interface, a larger 12.3-inch display, voice controls, the Lexus Enform App Suite, and a 12-speaker sound system.
5. 2018 Lexus RX F Sport – This grade adds all-wheel drive, sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, additional drive mode settings, enhanced engine sound, transmission paddle shifters, special gauges, heated and ventilated sport seats, and leather upholstery.

2018  Lexus RX Interior Legroom and Space

The 2018 Lexus RX boasts a luxurious and spacious interior that is well-appointed with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. In the first row, the seats are supportive and offer a wide range of adjustments, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats are also roomy, although taller passengers may find headroom a bit limited due to the sloping roofline.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Lexus RX offers a decent amount of cabin storage. In the first row, there is a  center console that provides ample space for personal items,  two cupholders, and door pockets. In the second row, there are door pockets and a fold-down center armrest with two cupholders for rear-seat passengers.

Boot Space

The 2018 Lexus RX offers a decent amount of cargo space for a midsize luxury SUV in its class. It provides a boot space of 18.4 cubic feet with all seats in place. This is enough to accommodate several suitcases. If more space is needed the rear seats can be folded down. The RX provides a space of up to 56.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

Exterior

The 2018 Lexus RX has a striking and distinctive design. The front of the RX features a distinctive spindle grille, which is a signature design element of Lexus vehicles. The grille is flanked by sharp LED headlights and a sculpted hood, giving the RX an aggressive and sporty look.

At the sides, the 2018 RX has a long and flowing roofline that tapers towards the rear, giving the SUV a coupe-like profile. At the rear it has a sporty spoiler that adds to its aerodynamic look and L-shaped tail lights that feature a distinct L-shaped design.

Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, airbags, Adaptive Front Lighting, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, pre-collision warning system, Siri Eyes Free and a Backup Camera.

2018 Lexus RX Fuel Consumption

2018 Lexus RX350 Fuel Consumption: 12.5 km/L (on average)

2018 Lexus RX450h Fuel Consumption: 16.28km/L (on average)

2018 Lexus RX Acceleration

2018 Lexus RX350 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 secs.

2018 Lexus RX450h accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 sec.

2018 Lexus RX Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 Litres

2018 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 2018 Lexus RX has excellent stability and handling, with a smooth and comfortable ride that is well-suited for long journeys. Its suspension system is tuned for comfort, providing a plush ride quality that effectively absorbs road imperfections and bumps. The SUV also features a well-weighted steering system that provides good feedback and responsive handling, making it easy to maneuver through tight turns and winding roads. The all-wheel-drive system, which is available on some models, provides added traction and stability in wet or slippery conditions.

The RX also features advanced safety features that enhance its stability and handling. These include a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Traction Control System (TCS), and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

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 spare 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.

2018 Lexus RX Reliability

Lexus has a reputation for manufacturing reliable vehicles with a record of accomplishing of solid build quality, dependable performance, and low maintenance costs and the 2018 Lexus RX is no exception.

It is built with high-quality materials and boasts advanced features which contribute to its reliability record.

While most RX owners consider is as a reliable SUV, some owner has reported issues with the transmission, infotainment system glitches, noisy suspension, and brake squeaking.

It’s advisable to regularly service your RX and address any issues as they arise to ensure long-term reliability. We also 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
• Advanced Safety Features

What we don’t Like

• No third-row seat option

Conclusion

The 2018 Lexus RX is an excellent SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a refined interior, and advanced safety features. It’s an excellent choice for buyers who value luxury features and advanced features and are willing to pay for them.