Lexus RX Generations

The Lexus RX has a history going back more than two decades and a promising future, with an all-new fifth-generation model expected for the 2023 model year. From its beginnings as a compact crossover in the late 1990s, the RX range blazed the trail for luxury SUVs. Our Lexus experts here at Eskridge Lexus in Oklahoma City, take a look back at the history of the RX range and give you some tips about what to expect from the latest version of this iconic SUV.

The History of the Lexus RX

When the RX range hit the US market in 1998, in time for the 1999 model year, crossovers were growing in popularity. However, the RX 300, as the first-generation RX crossover was known, was actually one of the first luxury SUVs of its size. The new Lexus undercut many of its luxury competitors in price and size, making the RX 300 an attractive option for many car buyers. By the time the second-generation RX came out for the 2004 model year, Lexus had sold over 400,000 units, helping make the RX brand a household name.

The original RX was much smaller than it is today. The first-generation RX sat firmly in the compact SUV class. When the second-generation RX came out, its dimensions increased slightly, placing the RX between a compact and mid-sized crossover.

During the transition from the second-generation to the third-generation RX in the late 2000s, Lexus increased the dimensions of its popular crossover to shift it up from the compact SUV class to the mid-sized SUV range. The growth in the size of the RX was accompanied by the introduction of an optional third row of seats to boost passenger capacity to seven, with the launch of the fourth-generation RX in 2016.

In addition to being one of the first luxury compact SUVs, the Lexus RX also played a pioneering role in hybrid engines. The first RX hybrid to be sold was the RX 400H, which came out for the 2006 model year with a modified version of the 3.3-liter V-6 engine that powered the second-generation RX crossover. The RX’s first hybrid power train put out a solid 268 horsepower.

Lexus RX Generations

The first-generation Lexus RX was sold new between the 1999 and 2003 model years. It was powered throughout by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generated 220 horsepower. A modest facelift was given to the RX in 2000, although this made no significant changes to its powertrain.

The second-generation RX was sold new between the 2004 and 2008 model years. To cope with its larger dimensions compared to its predecessor, Lexus gave the second-generation RX a more powerful 3.3-liter V-6 engine capable of putting out 230 horsepower. In 2007, the car’s engine increased in size again, this time to a 3.5-liter unit that could churn out 270 horsepower.

The third-generation RX was sold new between the 2009 and 2015 model years. The 3.5-liter V-6 got an upgrade to boost its power to 275 horsepower. In addition, the RX 450H came with a hybrid powertrain enhanced to produce 295 horsepower.

One important turning point for the third-generation RX was the release of the F Sport trim for the 2013 model year. F Sport models have a more aggressive, sporty appearance that is accompanied by some performance upgrades to the suspension and steering.

When the fourth-generation RX hit showrooms for the 2016 model year, Lexus retained the 3.5-liter V-6 engine for the RX 350. Upgrades boosted its output to 295 horsepower. The hybrid RX 450H also kept the same powertrain, capable of putting out 308 horsepower.

2022 was the last model year for the fourth-generation RX. Lexus fans are waiting with excitement to see what the fifth generation of this venerable vehicle will bring.

Which Lexus RX Should You Buy?

If you’ve decided to purchase a Lexus RX, there are many questions to consider. Should you buy a new vehicle or opt for a pre-owned model? Is the gas-powered RX the best choice, or should you try the RX hybrid? Is it worth waiting for the all-new fifth-generation RX, or should you buy now?

The current edition of the Lexus RX has a diverse trim lineup that will appeal to many buyers. You could choose the RX 350 L if you require a third row of seats to travel with your family or the RX F Sport if you prefer to drive in style.

On the other hand, if you’re shopping on a tight budget, a used Lexus could be a sensible option. Lexus has sold over 3.5 million units of the RX range since it was first released, which demonstrates how customers have come to appreciate the reliability of the brand over the years.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, you could check out pre-owned RXs from 2014 or 2015, which were the last two years of the third-generation RX. These are good years to go for because any minor issues that often crop up during the first years of a new generation are usually ironed out by the last years of the cycle. Just keep in mind that if you’re considering buying a used vehicle that’s more than five or six years old, you should have it inspected by a Lexus dealership to ensure that any required maintenance is carried out.

Now that you know a little more about the history of the Lexus RX series and the great vehicles that have been part of it, we hope you’re ready to explore the RX crossover some more. If you’d like to test drive an RX 350 or RX Hybrid, you can stop by our Lexus showroom in Oklahoma City. Should you have any questions about the RX series, our auto experts here at Eskridge Lexus are only a call away.

If you’re ready to begin the purchase process, our finance team is standing by to help you secure an auto loan or lease agreement for a Lexus RX. Why not get started by filling out our straightforward online application form?

Lexus RX-L 2018 by Karlis Dambrans is licensed with CC BY 2.0