Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus RX review (2016-2022) - MPG, CO2 and running costs

No longer a top company car tax choice due to efficient plug-in hybrid rivals, but RX models hold their value well

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs rating

4.3

How we review cars
RRP
£63,530 £85,040
Avg. savings
£5,191 off RRP*
Find your Lexus RX
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Despite a 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol sitting under the bonnet, the RX 450h hybrid is surprisingly economical. Every version comes with 20-inch alloys, so there’s no difference in economy between top variants and lesser versions with smaller wheels. Under WLTP testing, the RX delivers 35.7mpg, while the 7-seat RX L is a touch less efficient at 34.4mpg.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Emissions for the RX are 178-186g/km depending on variant, meaning the 450h is initially more expensive on road tax than many PHEV rivals, and will incur an extra charge after the first year due to all versions being priced over the £40,000 threshold. 

From the business perspective, Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates no longer flatter the Lexus in the way that they used too. A top-rate tax-payer will face annual charges of at least £8,500 calculated at 37 per cent of list price of the cheapest Lexus RX model. Volvo XC90 T8 drivers would be charged between 15 and 17 per cent of their car’s list price over three years due to its much lower PHEV C02 ratings, making substantial savings. If you pay for your own fuel, and can commute on a PHEV’s electric only range, then the Lexus once again falls short.

Insurance groups

Both the RX and RX L sit in groups 41-42 for insurance, with the F Sport and Takumi versions being most expensive.

Depreciation

Residual values for all RX models are particularly strong, and you can expect it to hold its value better than a Volvo XC90, a BMW X5 and some Audi Q7 variants. After three years and 30,000 miles, an RX or RX L should retain at least 50 percent of its value.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    350h 2.5 Premium 5dr E-CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £63,530
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    450h+ 2.5 Premium 5dr E-CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £65,385
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    500h 2.4 Direct4 F-Sport 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £80,040
Select car

New & used car deals

Lexus RX

Lexus RX

RRP £62,140Avg. savings £5,191 off RRP*
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £3,974 off RRP*Used from £15,633
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month
Jaguar I-Pace - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month

The I-Pace shows how good an electric Jag can be. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 February
News
7 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025