Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is an executive luxury SUV from Toyota's luxury marque Lexus, positioned between the NX and the flagship LX. Since the debut of its first-generation model in 1998, the RX has undergone several generation updates, standing as one of the pioneers in the luxury SUV segment. As of June 2026, the latest offering on sale is the 2026 model-year facelift. The updated SUV is available in 7 variants, with official retail prices ranging from RM380,000 to RM619,000. The lineup has been revised with the addition of the RX 300 Black Edition (priced at RM398,000) and the discontinuation of the RX 350h Zhixiang Edition, while pricing for the remaining variants remains unchanged from the 2025 model. The RX is sold as a fully imported (CBU) model in China, competing primarily against luxury mid-size SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5L, as well as mid-to-large SUVs like the Lincoln Aviator and Audi Q6.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the 2026 RX follows an evolutionary design approach. Standard variants retain Lexus's signature spindle grille, filled with dense horizontal chrome slats and flanked by split-type lighting units—featuring L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) on top and high/low beam headlights below. The side profile sports clean, straight character lines, where a floating roof design lends the 4,890 mm-long body a sleek and proportionate stance. At the rear, it features full-width LED taillights with central "LEXUS" lettering and a concealed exhaust layout. The newly introduced RX 300 Black Edition serves as the visual highlight of this update, boasting an exclusive blacked-out package: Ultimate Black matte paintwork (limited to 500 units globally), 21-inch smoked black alloy wheels, gloss black side mirror caps, black window surrounds, black roof rails, matte paint protection film (PPF), bespoke decals, and custom headrests. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,890 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase. The cabin layout is carried over from the pre-facelift model, with updates primarily focused on improving everyday ride comfort. The Black Edition features a bespoke interior theme to elevate its sporty, luxurious ambiance.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 RX continues to offer three powertrain options: petrol, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), matching the output figures of the 2025 model. The RX 300 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 182 kW (248 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 6.8 seconds. The RX 350h features a petrol-electric hybrid setup pairing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor; the engine delivers 139 kW (189 PS) and 241 Nm, yielding a total system output of 184 kW, mated to an E-CVT with a rated WLTC combined fuel consumption of around 5.38 L/100 km. The RX 500h is driven by a hybrid system pairing a 2.4-litre turbo engine with an electric motor—the engine churns out 199 kW and 460 Nm for a combined output of 273 kW (367 PS), mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the RX 450+ plug-in hybrid packs a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor delivering a total system output of 227 kW, paired with an E-CVT; supported by an 18.1 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, it delivers an electric-only range of up to 83 km on the CLTC cycle.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the 2026 RX is built upon the TNGA-K platform, utilising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup across the entire range. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system. In terms of drivetrain, the RX 300 and higher-spec hybrid variants feature an all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance comes equipped with the DIRECT4 electronic all-wheel drive system, capable of seamlessly varying front-to-rear torque distribution from 0:100 to 100:0 for superior cornering stability. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes.

Cabin and Features

The cabin represents the key highlight of the 2026 RX's updates. A 14-inch floating infotainment touchscreen is now standard across the range, marking a significant upgrade from the 9.8-inch unit found on entry-level 2025 variants. The display offers a 40% improvement in resolution over its predecessor, striking an optimal balance between visual clarity and haptic feedback. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, accompanied by standard next-generation built-in navigation with 3D map views. Instrumentation is handled by a 7-inch digital cluster. For interior appointments, Nappa leather upholstery is standard fitment, complemented by 64-colour ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, and multiple USB charging ports. The Black Edition cabin is trimmed in Alcantara and carbon-fibre accents, highlighted by red contrast stitching on the steering wheel and paddle shifters. All variants maintain a practical 5-seater layout.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety is a central pillar of the 2026 RX update, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) suite fitted as standard across all variants. Integrating 12 active safety features—including Pre-Collision System (PCS), Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)—the suite utilises millimetre-wave radar and high-definition cameras to deliver comprehensive active protection from 0 to 180 km/h. During night driving, the system reliably detects pedestrians and cyclists, cutting emergency brake reaction times to just 0.3 seconds. Passive safety is equally comprehensive, featuring knee airbags and full-length curtain airbags. Other driver assistance features include automated parking assist, hill-start assist, and lane keeping assist.

Market Performance and Evaluation

The Lexus RX serves as the brand's volume driver in China. Within its first month on the market, domestic bookings for the 2026 model exceeded 8,000 units; in March 2026, insurance registrations in China reached 2,529 units; in the US market, monthly sales in May 2026 hit 11,075 units, reflecting a 25.1% year-on-year growth. Between January and August 2024, cumulative sales of the RX totaled 22,021 units, cementing its leadership in the imported mid-to-large luxury SUV segment.

The 2026 RX adopts a "value-added with no price hike" upgrade strategy—substantially boosting its active safety and infotainment credentials while holding retail prices steady. That said, this revision remains an annual mid-cycle update, leaving the chassis, body structure, and core mechanical underpinnings largely unchanged. The key selling points of the RX remain its proven CBU build quality, strong brand residual value, a comprehensive powertrain portfolio (petrol, HEV, and PHEV), and the class-standard LSS+ 3.0 safety suite. Furthermore, the complimentary 6-year/150,000 km warranty and maintenance package offers a distinct competitive advantage. Overall, with its well-rounded product package, versatile powertrain lineup, and rock-solid brand reputation, the Lexus RX continues to command a strong presence in the RM350,000 to RM600,000 luxury SUV segment.