2017 Lexus RX range gains more F Sport variants, price increases

The Lexus RX range has been expanded slightly with the addition of two model grades to the entry-level Lexus RX 200t, coinciding with a recent price bump across the rest of the range.

Previously only available in base Luxury trim, the four-cylinder RX 200t, the most affordable model in the RX’s three-powertrain family, can now be had in mid-spec F Sport and high-grade Sports Luxury configuration, with equipment levels matching the RX 350 F Sport and RX 350 Sports Luxury.

That sees features like sports front seats, electronically-adjustable dampers, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio, auto high beam and colour head-up display become available on the $86,840 RX 200t F Sport, along with a top-down camera view and sportier bodykit.

3

Stepping up into the $92,990 RX 200t Sports Luxury brings two-tone alloys, power-folding heated rear seats, 14-way adjustable front seats, alloy and wood interior trim and a leather and wood steering wheel.

All RX models receive LED headlamps, 20-inch alloys, heated and ventilated power front seats, keyless entry and ignition, a wireless phone charger, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, active cruise control, auto emergency brake, LED headlamps and a power tailgate.

The arrival of the F Sport and Sports Luxury grades to the RX 200t model expands the total number of RX variants to nine, and gives Lexus a more fleshed-out four-cylinder SUV range to combat 2WD four-cylinder diesel competitors from Germany like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d and BMW X5 sDrive 25d.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol four-cylinder, the RX 200t variants boast 175kW of power and 350Nm of torque, taken to the front wheels exclusively by a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is a claimed 8.1L/100km.

3

The RX 350 features an identical specification lineup to the RX 200t, but swaps the turbo four for a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre petrol V6 with 221kW and 370Nm. An eight-speed auto delivers drive to all four wheels, and combined-cycle fuel economy comes in at 9.6L/100km.

At the top of the tree is the hybrid Lexus RX 450h, which hooks up an efficiency-optimised version of the 3.5-litre six to an electric assistance motor, with a total output of 230kW. Thanks to its petrol-electric hybrid system, the most powerful RX variant is also the most frugal, with a claimed average consumption of 5.7L/100km.

Pricing

The RX’s model mix rejig comes on the back of a slight price increase that was applied across the range last month. The price of entry jumped $1824 for the RX 200t Luxury, while the biggest increase was for the RX 450h Sports Luxury – that model’s retail price increased by $2655.