2020 Lexus RX350

MSRP: $44,150

Engine/Horsepower/Torque: 3.5 Liter V6 / 295 horsepower / 267 ft/lbs

MPG as tested: 18 in combined

Text and Video: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Richard Maneen

The Lexus RX has been with us for a few years now.  When it first came out it was a shocking departure for a brand known for stoic design and to be honest…stoic buyers as well.  In an effort to help rejuvenate the image of Lexus, radically designed vehicles started to be introduced and one of the first was this RX. 

Creases, angles and spindle grills adore the exterior and while it was shocking at first now it’s more common place across the lineup.  For 2020 the front facias has been revised and the headlights and DRLs are integrated to help clean up the front end.  Out back it’s pretty much the same and same goes for the sides. On the inside you still have Lexus Enform and it’s controlled by a horrendous touchpad interface BUT the RX now is graced with Apple CarPlay integration.  So at least there is that. 

Other than that it is the same cabin we are familiar with and that’s not a bad thing at all.  The interior of the RX has aged rather well and it still looks fresh today.  The seats are ever comfy as before and there is plenty of room up front, in the middle and in the cargo area.  Our tester is powered by a 3.5 Liter V6 and it makes 295 horsepower and 267 torque.  No the numbers won’t scream at you nor will the performance.  But it is perfectly competent.  It does everything without a complaint and trudges along dutifully. 

That is actually what makes the RX such a great vehicle.  It’s a vehicle that is so competent that it’s not newsworthy.  It doesn’t grab the headlines or put you in headlock with neck snapping performance…it just gets the job done without compliant that it is pretty much perfect for the people who buy these.  As Lexus number one seller it does so extremely well.  So what do I think of the 2020 Lexus RX?  Perfectly competent…and that is not a bad thing.