Ahead of the Curve
Lexus invented the midsize luxury crossover segment nearly 20 years ago. Since then, other makes and models have come and gone but few have ever come close to matching the RX’s superb mix of style, sportiness, and sophistication. Throw in Lexus’ penchant for quality and reliability and it’s no wonder the 2015 Lexus RX remains the most complete luxury crossover SUV on the market.
Powertrains and Performance
The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the RX delivers 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, with 90 percent of its peak torque available in the low-rpm range. This, in turn, makes for one incredibly quick and responsive engine at all speeds. Power is sent to the front wheels via a silky-smooth six-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to being fleet of foot, the RX is also remarkably agile and composed out on the road. The standard front-wheel drive configuration can be upgraded to employ Lexus all-weather drive, which further enhances the RX’s stability and handling.
By utilizing the Active Torque Control all-wheel drive system, the RX monitors vehicle and road conditions to predict your path. It actively monitors wheel grip and can deliver up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels when the situation demands. With the 2015 RX, safety and performance work in tandem without having to prioritize one over the other.
Performance and efficiency also work hand in hand in the 2015 Lexus RX. Thanks to advanced engine technologies such as Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, the RX is able to earn 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) with front-wheel drive,* and 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) with all-wheel drive.*
A more performance-focused RX F Sport is also available. It does away with the six-speed automatic in favor of an eight-speed version and replaces the standard front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty character, the F Sport is equally efficient, earning 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).*
Features and Trims
Part of what has made the RX 350 such an enduring model of the years is its attention to detail, and a bevy of features (standard and optional) that cater directly to customer’s needs. With two trim levels (standard and F Sport) and several packages, there is RX that is bound to fit your needs.
Starting at $40,970, the standard RX 350 is generously outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, LED running lamps, heated mirrors, and power liftgate. Other amenities include keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and eight-way power front seats. Not to be overlooked are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and much more.
The RX is a sophisticated vehicle and that sophistication is underlined by a veritable arsenal of technology. Standard tech features include a now-standard seven-inch display, rearview camera, and Lexus’ Safety Connect emergency communications. Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity along with a 12-speaker sound system are also included.
Looking to augment your RX with even more creature comforts? Select from several packages such as the Premium package, which adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, and roof rails, a Luxury package, which adds 19-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, and upgraded leather upholstery, or a Comfort package, which adds automatic wipers, xenon headlamps, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Finally, F Sport models build upon the RX 350’s already impressive list of goodies with a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, and more aggressive exterior styling elements.
Design
The RX’s prescription for success has always been its understated looks, and it’s something Lexus been keen to preserve. That formula carries on into the current model year.
For 2015, the RX comfortably slots in line with the rest of the brands lineup, sporting the edgier ‘spindle grille’ that was introduced to the model for the first time last year. With its snub-nose, blunt-shoulders, and elegant profile, the RX remains the epitome of sophistication; it’s perfect for drivers that want to enjoy the fruits of their labor without being ostentatious.
Refinement and quality highlight the RX 350’s interior. Here, we find the same level of understated luxury, with new Saddle Leather interior options as well as eye-catching contrast stitching. The available Lexus Remote Touch system is rather brilliant, too. Here, users operate a mouse-like controller that is simple and intuitive to work.
There is also a big emphasis on passenger comfort and utility, with a large number of cargo solutions from rear seats that slide, recline, and fold, to storage compartments throughout the large cabin. As for larger items, the RX provides up to 40 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, with that number swelling to nearly double the size with the rear seats folded down. Talk about convenient!
Safety
The 2015 Lexus RX comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, a rearview camera and the Safety Connect emergency communications system that includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button and stolen vehicle location services.
Drivers looking to further enhance the RX’s safety capabilities can add an available blind-spot monitoring system and a frontal pre-collision warning and brake-priming system.
Bottom Line
Don’t let the 2015 Lexus RX’s quiet confidence fool you. It’s not the most brazen crossover on the market, but its reputation is happy to speak for itself. Indeed, the RX provides all the comfort, utility, and performance you could ever want or need from a midsize luxury crossover.
Despite having been on the market for months now, the Lexus RX remains a popular choice thanks to its unrelenting commitment to excellence.
Interested in the 2015 Lexus RX? Get the very best deals by browsing our latest incentives, and be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template for a test drive.
*2015 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
**Prices for options / accessories / packages are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) as of posting date.
Image: Lexus
