2019 Lexus RX - All you need to know

In the posh and expensive world of luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus RX is undeniably one of the reigning champions. It’s certainly one of the best-selling Lexus models of all time and has been one of the pillars behind the success of the Japanese luxury car brand. The RX made its worldwide sales debut back in 1998 (over 20 years ago), ushering in a new era for posh crossovers - a niche segment that was still in its infancy at the time.

Four generations later, the latest RX still remains a force to be reckoned with when it comes to its type of car. And even though it faces far more competition than ever before, the 2019 Lexus RX goes up against some industry stalwarts like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The current-gen RX actually went on sale for the first time in 2015, though the facelifted 2019 model is only now entering the Malaysian market.

Officially launched just a few days ago, the 2019 Lexus RX that we get here comes in three different trim levels. The first one’s the entry-level 300 Premium which is priced at RM 399,888, the mid-spec 300 Luxury that goes for RM 424,888, and then at the top of the pecking order sits the 300 F Sport - costing a cool RM 439,888. Several countries get the new RX in a flexible seven-seater format,

however, that’s not the case in Malaysia -- the 2019 Lexus RX is currently only available as a five-seater. As with some other new Lexus models, this latest RX also rides on Toyota’s K platform, which is more or less the same architecture that underpins the present-gen Camry.

Exterior design and dimensions

With its recent facelift, the new Lexus RX has certainly gained an even more aggressive and sportier persona than ever before. The signature Lexus ‘Spindle Grille’ looks complex yet intriguing in its design, though there’s no denying the fact that it grows bigger with each passing generation/facelift.

Placed alongside the front grille are some of the sleekest headlights ever fitted to a crossover, with their unique triple-element arrangement for the main lamps and Nike-esque LED DRLs. The revised bumper looks sportier too, now featuring glossy plastic around the air vents, followed by horizontally-placed LED fog lights and a front diffuser-cum-splitter situation as well. Meanwhile, the striking lines that start at the front flow effortlessly through the bonnet and along the sides of the new Lexus RX.

Speaking of which, the side profile of the facelifted RX is not too dissimilar to iteration before it, though the bodywork on the latest-gen model never looked boring - with neatly carved contours and sharp bodylines.

Then there are the squared-off fenders, suave 20-inch alloy rims, and a ‘floating roof’ effect that just adds to the visual drama. The main highlights at the rear include the L-shaped & reverse L-shaped 3-D elements in the full-LED tail lamps, sharply-styled tailgate, sporty roof spoiler along with a sculpted bumper with an integrated air diffuser and chrome-tipped twin-exhaust portals.

Boasting a 200 mm ground clearance and weighing over two tonnes, the 2019 Lexus RX measures 4,890 mm X 1,895mm X 1,690 mm in length, width, and height, respectively. It also comes with a 453-liter boot and a wheelbase of 2,790 mm. Some of the RX’s colour options include Blue Metallic, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Sonic Titanium, and White Nova Glass Flake.

Interior

The interior of the Lexus RX has always been a fantastic place to be in - from the quality of the materials used to the immense attention to detail, from spectacular craftsmanship to the pristine levels of fit & finish -- there are few cars that can boast about the same. However, design-wise, there haven’t been huge changes between the new car and the older one.

The only tangible one here comes in the form of the all-new, high-definition 12.3-inch infotainment/multimedia screen that’s placed on top of the dashboard. Apart from that, it’s business as usual. Of course, this high-quality interior features soft-touch leather, tactile & user-friendly switchgear (save for the annoying trackpad controller for the infotainment), plus well-finished wood trim and extremely comfortable seats. The new RX’s cabin is not only quiet and vibration-free, but it also affords loads of room for all five occupants.

Equipment list and safety features

Lexus has always been pedantic about safety and ensuring maximum protection for those onboard, a forte that remains unchanged in the latest RX crossover as well. For starters, even the entry-level 300 Premium trim comes with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, so you get 10 airbags, front & rear 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, seats designed to reduce whiplash injuries, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC),

Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), Lane Keeping System with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) & Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Hill-start Assist (HSA) and Front Pre-Collision System (PCS). That’s not it. The list also adds Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Tire Pressure Warning System (TPMS), all-round parking sensors with a rearview camera, ISOFIX child-seat points for the second row and an automatic Brake Hold Function.

In terms of its convenience features, the 2019 Lexus RX specs sheet includes stuff like automatic LED headlights, front LED fog lights, sequential LED turn indicators, rain-sensing front wipers, adaptive dampers, hands-free tailgate, smart-entry system with push-button start and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Other kit includes power-adjustable steering, shift paddles, dual-zone climate control with rear blower control, heated & cooled front seats, drive selector with Eco, Normal and Sport modes, electronic parking brake, wireless charging pad, Lexus Premium Audio with 12 speakers with a subwoofer, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, GPS navigation system and rear sunshades to name a few.

Engine and performance

In Malaysia, the 2019 Lexus RX only comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-popper that puts forth 235 hp and 350N m of torque. This is managed by a Dynamic Torque Control AWD system and a 6-speed automatic transmission - empowering the RX to get past 100 kmph in 9.5 seconds and to go up to a top speed of 200 kmph. Meanwhile, the powerplant’s efficiency is boosted by the twin-scroll turbocharger, computer-controlled dual variable valve timing and an auto engine stop/start system.

Also Read:- All-new Lexus RX facelift arrived in Malaysia, price starts at RM 399,888