Likes
- Superb build quality.
- Class-leading reputation for reliability.
- A genuine premium experience.
- Excellent driving experience.
Used Lexus RX (3rd-gen) review
2009 - 2015
Dislikes
- Tech is beginning to age.
- Arguably lacks its European competitors image and appeal.
- Smaller boot than there in this class.
- Ummm.
Stuff you should know
The 2009 to 2015 third generation RX initially began with the RX 350 and RX 450h.
Both the 350 and 450h share a very similar 3.5 litre V6 engine however the 450h adds two electric motors for the front wheels while another electric motor exclusively powers the rear wheels.
The 350 is also four wheel drive however the rear wheels are powered by a more traditional mechanical rear differential setup.
Either way both all wheel drive systems can shift power and torque to front and rear depending on the scenario and how you are driving.
Later in the life cycle an entry level and front wheel drive only RX270 was introduced powered by a 2.7 litre 4 cylinder engine.
In terms of the trim specs, in addition to the single trim RX270 and a smattering of special editions, initially, the 350 and 450h were available across three variants called Prestige, Sport and Sport Luxury, each receiving more goodies the higher up the food chain you climb, but these were then renamed post the mid life update, becoming Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.
Speaking of that update, mid 2012 saw the introduction of the Series 2 which received some structural changes under quite a refreshed exterior design package. The interior aesthetic also received its fair share of changes with an updated design, more premium materials, new tech and even more features.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- There are a few reports that the windscreen and doors are known to rattle and there have even been minor reports of the doors coming loose over time.
- In the case of the windscreen rattling this usually comes down to the two bottom windscreen stoppers and the windscreen retainers.
- In the case of the doors, it’s usually either the bolts and nuts coming loose, the window regulators or doors that are slightly misaligned.
Interior:
- Some 2010 – 2011 models are susceptible to cases of the steering column making a rattling sound, an updated steering column was introduced and that could be replaced if the rattles become unbearable.
- There are also a few reports that the air conditioning can show an error message on the display screen and the air conditioning will fail to blow cold air. But in more rare instances, faulty air conditioning amplifiers can trigger air to blow randomly.
- There are also reports that some infotainment systems can play up but a software update normally remedies this.
Mechanically:
- The 4 cylinder 1AR-FE is the 2.7 litre version of the 2AR-FE which is in a host of different Toyota models. It is incredibly reliable with no one common issue causing any serious problems or failures.
And the 2GR-FE V6 has been around for a very long time and has proven to be one of the most reliable engines available in any vehicle. The newer versions the 2AR-FXE are slightly more complex than the earlier variants, but again, very reliable. They all do very occasionally have minor issues like injector or coil pack issues or a leaking water pump but that’s about it. - As for the Hybrid systems, generally speaking, very reliable. There are some occasional issues with hybrid control systems but it is far from common. However in terms of the the batteries, they do occasionally have problems.
- One of the issues is that they overheat because the cooling vents can become clogged up with dirt and crap. It is a good idea to take the vents out every year or so and give them a solid clean.
- When it comes to repairing or replacing the batteries. This does not have to be done by the dealership. They’re very good and more affordable alternatives out there.
- Overall the thing about all of the RX range is that even though they are a luxury car, they really don’t cost any more to service than your average family car. In some cases, actually less.
Also generally anything from Lexus has a fairly high threshold for neglect, (unlike some other luxury manufactures) although regular servicing is a must and if kept up to date,
Exterior:
- There are a few reports that the windscreen and doors are known to rattle and there have even been minor reports of the doors coming loose over time.
- In the case of the windscreen rattling this usually comes down to the two bottom windscreen stoppers and the windscreen retainers.
- In the case of the doors, it’s usually either the bolts and nuts coming loose, the window regulators or doors that are slightly misaligned.
Interior:
- Some 2010 – 2011 models are susceptible to cases of the steering column making a rattling sound, an updated steering column was introduced and that could be replaced if the rattles become unbearable.
- There are also a few reports that the air conditioning can show an error message on the display screen and the air conditioning will fail to blow cold air. But in more rare instances, faulty air conditioning amplifiers can trigger air to blow randomly.
- There are also reports that some infotainment systems can play up but a software update normally remedies this.
Mechanically:
- The 4 cylinder 1AR-FE is the 2.7 litre version of the 2AR-FE which is in a host of different Toyota models. It is incredibly reliable with no one common issue causing any serious problems or failures.
And the 2GR-FE V6 has been around for a very long time and has proven to be one of the most reliable engines available in any vehicle. The newer versions the 2AR-FXE are slightly more complex than the earlier variants, but again, very reliable. They all do very occasionally have minor issues like injector or coil pack issues or a leaking water pump but that’s about it. - As for the Hybrid systems, generally speaking, very reliable. There are some occasional issues with hybrid control systems but it is far from common. However in terms of the the batteries, they do occasionally have problems.
- One of the issues is that they overheat because the cooling vents can become clogged up with dirt and crap. It is a good idea to take the vents out every year or so and give them a solid clean.
- When it comes to repairing or replacing the batteries. This does not have to be done by the dealership. They’re very good and more affordable alternatives out there.
- Overall the thing about all of the RX range is that even though they are a luxury car, they really don’t cost any more to service than your average family car. In some cases, actually less.
Also generally anything from Lexus has a fairly high threshold for neglect, (unlike some other luxury manufactures) although regular servicing is a must and if kept up to date, the RX will most certainly outlast its Euro competitors.
Exterior:
- There are a few reports that the windscreen and doors are known to rattle and there have even been minor reports of the doors coming loose over time.
- In the case of the windscreen rattling this usually comes down to the two bottom windscreen stoppers and the windscreen retainers.
- In the case of the doors, it’s usually either the bolts and nuts coming loose, the window regulators or doors that are slightly misaligned.
Interior:
- Some 2010 – 2011 models are susceptible to cases of the steering column making a rattling sound, an updated steering column was introduced and that could be replaced if the rattles become unbearable.
- There are also a few reports that the air conditioning can show an error message on the display screen and the air conditioning will fail to blow cold air. But in more rare instances, faulty air conditioning amplifiers can trigger air to blow randomly.
- There are also reports that some infotainment systems can play up but a software update normally remedies this.
Mechanically:
- The 4 cylinder 1AR-FE is the 2.7 litre version of the 2AR-FE which is in a host of different Toyota models. It is incredibly reliable with no one common issue causing any serious problems or failures.
And the 2GR-FE V6 has been around for a very long time and has proven to be one of the most reliable engines available in any vehicle. The newer versions the 2AR-FXE are slightly more complex than the earlier variants, but again, very reliable. They all do very occasionally have minor issues like injector or coil pack issues or a leaking water pump but that’s about it. - As for the Hybrid systems, generally speaking, very reliable. There are some occasional issues with hybrid control systems but it is far from common. However in terms of the the batteries, they do occasionally have problems.
- One of the issues is that they overheat because the cooling vents can become clogged up with dirt and crap. It is a good idea to take the vents out every year or so and give them a solid clean.
- When it comes to repairing or replacing the batteries. This does not have to be done by the dealership. They’re very good and more affordable alternatives out there.
- Overall the thing about all of the RX range is that even though they are a luxury car, they really don’t cost any more to service than your average family car. In some cases, actually less.
Also generally anything from Lexus has a fairly high threshold for neglect, (unlike some other luxury manufactures) although regular servicing is a must and if kept up to date, the RX will most certainly outlast its Euro competitors.
Should you buy it?
Of course you bloody should.
We understand the attraction to the RX’s European rivals. As good as the RX is, and as acclaimed as Lexus are for build quality, reliability and longevity, the likes of Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW continually dominate Lexus in terms of image and just mass appeal.
There is simply something about the European brands that make them so appealing and attractive.
But, as we’ve seen previously on ReDriven and as countless reports, surveys and expert accounts have shown, quite often the trade off for all of the alluring appeal of the Europeans, is an inferior reputation for reliability and prohibitive repair costs when compared to Lexus.
Therefore if you need a luxury SUV of this size and for this budget, the RX is the pick.
It drives beautifully, it’s reliable, if something goes wrong it shouldn’t cost a fortune to fix, the interior is spacious and feels immensely premium, it’s safe, practical and loaded with features and on the used market offers excellent value for money plus in 450h form it’s even quite fuel efficient, what a brilliant thing.
Of course you bloody should.
We understand the attraction to the RX’s European rivals. As good as the RX is, and as acclaimed as Lexus are for build quality, reliability and longevity, the likes of Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW continually dominate Lexus in terms of image and just mass appeal.
There is simply something about the European brands that make them so appealing and attractive.
But, as we’ve seen previously on ReDriven and as countless reports, surveys and expert accounts have shown, quite often the trade off for all of the alluring appeal of the Europeans, is an inferior reputation for reliability and prohibitive repair costs when compared to Lexus.
Therefore if you need a luxury SUV of this size and for this budget, the RX is the pick.
It drives beautifully, it’s reliable, if something goes wrong it shouldn’t cost a fortune to fix, the interior is spacious and feels immensely premium, it’s safe, practical and loaded with features and on the used market offers excellent value for money plus in 450h form it’s even quite fuel efficient, what a brilliant thing.
Should you buy it?
Of course you bloody should.
We understand the attraction to the RX’s European rivals. As good as the RX is, and as acclaimed as Lexus are for build quality, reliability and longevity, the likes of Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW continually dominate Lexus in terms of image and just mass appeal.
There is simply something about the European brands that make them so appealing and attractive.
But, as we’ve seen previously on ReDriven and as countless reports, surveys and expert accounts have shown, quite often the trade off for all of the alluring appeal of the Europeans, is an inferior reputation for reliability and prohibitive repair costs when compared to Lexus.
Therefore if you need a luxury SUV of this size and for this budget, the RX is the pick.
It drives beautifully, it’s reliable, if something goes wrong it shouldn’t cost a fortune to fix, the interior is spacious and feels immensely premium, it’s safe, practical and loaded with features and on the used market offers excellent value for money plus in 450h form it’s even quite fuel efficient, what a brilliant thing.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of September 2, 2022.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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