Lexus RX SUV (2016-2022) - Interior & comfort
Although conservatively styled, the Lexus RX has a handsome and well-built interior
Ride comfort is generally good in the RX, and exterior noises like wind and tyre roar are well isolated from the interior. Everything inside feels well built and designed to last but the RX is starting to show its age somewhat, particularly when compared with the latest Mercedes models with expansive digital displays.
Lexus RX dashboard
Lexus interiors lack the striking style of those designed by Audi, or the modern cool factor of Mercedes, but they are very high-quality and extremely well built. The slightly conservative design, which includes wood finishes, analogue gauges and an analogue clock mounted centrally on the dash, won’t be to all tastes, but everyone should be able to appreciate the quality throughout.
Even lower-spec RX models now get a 12.3-inch screen for navigation, and you can also use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The display looks fairly good, even if navigating the Lexus system isn’t the most intuitive of tasks, thanks to a rather odd trackpad system that's used to navigate a pointer around the screen..
More impressive is the Lexus' head-up display, which has a large viewable area that appears to float a few metres ahead of the bonnet. It beams your speed, sat-nav directions, cruise control settings, speed limits and other information in front of you, so you rarely have to take your eyes off the road.
Equipment
The standard RX is available in three trim levels, which includes an unnamed base model, F Sport and Takumi. Meanwhile, the stretched RX L is only available in standard and range-topping Takumi grades.
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All RX models come with climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, heated artificial leather front seats, all-round parking sensors and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. There's also a set of '3-Eye' LED headlights, a powered tailgate and 12-speaker Pioneer stereo, along with 20-inch alloy wheels.
F Sport cars come with a model-specific front bumper, black wing mirrors, sports heated and ventilated seats, rear door sun shades and AVS adjustable suspension system as standard.
Top-of-the-range Takumi cars gain blind-spot monitoring, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system, a 360-degree camera, a 10-inch head-up display and a sunroof. It also has a traditional look, courtesy of wooden trim and a heated wooden and leather steering wheel.
Options
Optional equipment includes different alloy wheel designs and a range of safety systems. In the Takumi RX L, it's also possible to specify ‘captain seats’ for the middle row, making the car a six-seater.
Option packs are also offered, with the Premium Pack adding features including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a powered tailgate to entry versions. Meanwhile, the Tech and Safety pack brings the head-up display, blind-spot and cross traffic alerts and sunroof to RX, RX L and F Sport trims.
