Lexus RX (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 02 September 2009
The third-generation Lexus RX is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid engine in the UK, which means it's expensive to buy. But based on the previous version, the fuel-sipping hybrid was by far the most popular choice. While the previous RX400h had class-leading low emissions, Lexus has made further improvements for this RX450h version and achieved a set of impressive figures for performance, fuel economy and CO2 output. It means lower taxation for owners and people choosing one as a company car. A harsh ride on top models with a more ‘sporty’ set-up and indifferent steering feel spoil an otherwise outstanding vehicle.
4 out of 5

Other Lexus reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

Although it's not a cheap car, it turns out the Lexus is relatively cheap to run. Road tax rates are as low as many small family cars and so is fuel consumption if you spend much of your time on the road in town. Servicing at Lexus centres won't be cheap though and Lexus doesn't offer a fixed price servicing option when ordering the car - something that's available from BMW. For company car drivers, tax liability is roughly half as much as for its main diesel rivals.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12 months/10,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£125.00 - £125.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
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  • D
  • E
  • F
    145
  • G
  • H
  • I
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  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The RX450h is greener than many family cars let alone rival 4x4s. With CO2 emissions of 148g/km, the RX has significantly lower emissions than any diesel rival available at the time of its launch.

Find the exact engine and CO2