Lexus RX Estate (2009 - 2015) boot space, practicality and safety

Lexus RX safety systems are many and varied. The RX450h is fitted with 10 airbags, including knee airbags for both front seat occupants. Active head restraints in the front reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. Meanwhile, top models come with a pre-crash safety system which begins braking if sensors determine a collision is likely and will alert the driver and supplement his or her braking effort.

If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable the system will apply the brakes to reduce the speed of impact. Top models also come with adaptive cruise control which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front.

There is a minimum of 446 litres of luggage space in the RX450h – a decent amount of space, but compared with non-hybrid rivals, it falls short because of the space taken up with battery packs on motors. The rear seats are split 40/20/40 to offer improved versatility over alternatives with a 60/40 split. Folding them down is easy too as there’s a handle in the boot which automatically flips them down flat in one go.

The seats can also be slid forwards and backwards to increase leg room or luggage capacity and can also be reclined. The interior has various other storage areas, including a multi-compartment front armrest.