Lexus RX review (2016-2022) - Interior, design and technology

Lexus has made further updates to the RX’s exterior, with the car taking on similar  design cues to the new IS, NX and RC coupe,. The headlights are narrower and blended better with the bonnet, while the two air intakes either side of the vast (and tweaked) spindle grille are more pronounced. The exhaust pipe garnish has morphed seamlessly into the rear bumper, too. New ‘BladeScan’ LED headlights that are said to be significantly more reactive than earlier adaptive systems, are standard with F Sport and Takumi trims.

There are a range of aerodynamic upgrades compared to the old model, including a front under spoiler, a rear spoiler across the width of the tailgate and a diffuser beneath the rear bumper which reduces drag and increases stability. 

The larger exterior dimensions mean there's more headroom for those in the front and more legroom for rear-seat passengers, too. 

The RX L, with its longer and more upright rear end, is home to two additional seats, although they are small and probably best suited to children or short journeys for adult passengers. The rear cabin does include separate air conditioning controls. 

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The interior feels well built and there are lots of high quality materials around the dashboard. Whether you'll like the old school ambience with its analogue clock and wood finish is a matter of taste, but the seats are comfortable and all the instruments are high quality.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

All models receive a 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays the car's infotainment system menus, music and sat-nav. This means you no longer have to deal with the old mouse-like controller, or the updated version’s (improved but still fiddly) supplementary trackpad. The sat-nav instructions could still be clearer, but the large screen looks slick.

There's also a large head-up display in front of the driver, which Lexus claims is the world's largest. This can display speed, directions, cruise control status, speed limits and even pre-crash safety warnings. It’s standard for Takumi variants and a cost option for the RX and F Sport.

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All trim levels include a wireless phone charger in the centre console - this lets those with a compatible mobile keep it topped up without having to plug in a cable. If you do want to connect up to the infotainment system then there are USB and aux ports there too - and of course you can sync up with Bluetooth.

RX and F Sport versions include a 12-speaker Pioneer audio set-up, while those opting for the Takumi model will benefit from an upgraded 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.