2018 Lexus RX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Lexus RX has been the best-selling midsize luxury SUV in the United States since it was first introduced in 1998. With an incredible array of standard features for the very class-competitive price, the RX was named the best luxury SUV for the money by U.S. News and World Report. With two rows of seats, the 2018 RX can seat up to five passengers. Here's what you need to know about this critical and commercial favorite.

What's New for 2018

The 2018 Lexus RX remains unchanged from the 2017 model year.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Lexus RX – The Pros

1. Generous Standard Tech Features

The 2018 Lexus RX is available in two trim levels. Those who choose the base model will enjoy a long list of comfort and convenience features, including automatic climate control and a premium nine-speaker audio system. You'll always be on time with the real-time traffic information included on the satellite radio. The expansive, stylish dashboard is complimented by the nine-inch infotainment screen.

2. High-Tech Driver Assistance

When it comes to smart features that prevent collisions, the 2018 Lexus RX delivers the tech that helps keep your family secure. Both trims come with smart cruise control, forward collision and lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, a rearview camera, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking when a hazard is imminent. Bolster these offerings even more by choosing the optional multi-angle rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and automatic rear braking.

3. Comfortable Interior

Reviewers and drivers alike are impressed by the comfortable, supportive cabin and stylish, high-quality interior of the 2018 Lexus RX. The front seats are power-adjustable and the second row both slides and reclines. Leatherette upholstery is standard.

4. High Reliability Score

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2018 Lexus RX boasts above-average reliability when compared with other vehicles in its class. It includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Another factor that makes it a great value is the low cost of ownership over five years reported by Vincentric, LLC.

5. Impressive Performance

Both trims of the 2018 Lexus RX are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower, which provides fast acceleration and plenty of power to propel this vehicle down the highway. It's combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers effortlessly smooth shifting.

6. Customizable Handling

The 2018 Lexus RX can be equipped with adaptive variable suspension, allowing you to adjust the SUV's handling based on terrain. Reviewers say this vehicle offers an incredibly comfortable ride. If you opt to purchase the F Sport trim, you'll experience the precision of sport-tuned suspension and steering. Both trims come with front-wheel drive and can be upgraded with all-wheel drive.

7. Outstanding Crash Test Scores

The Lexus RX is a Top Safety Pick+ of the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety, this agency's highest designation. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.

8. Bold, Stylish F Sport Model

The F Sport model is the way to go for drivers who want an athletic crossover that stands out from the crowd. On the outside, you'll find special styling with larger 20-inch wheels. In addition to the aforementioned sport-tuned suspension, the F Sport 2018 Lexus RX features an exaggerated engine sound, paddle shifters, and adaptive dampers. Leather upholstery is standard on this model.

9. Extensive Customization Options

Both trims of the 2018 Lexus RX can be upgraded with a range of feature packages; many of the features are also available as stand-alone add-ons. With the Premium package, drivers will enjoy side mirrors that dim automatically, smart windshield wipers, memory-adjustable drivers seat, additional storage compartment in the rear seat, and roof rails. Leather upholstery and real wood trim also come with this package.

The Luxury package includes everything in the Premium package plus higher-grade leather, heating in both the front and rear seats as well as ventilation in the front, heated steering wheel, rear shades, and lumbar-adjustable front seats. The exterior is upgraded with the 20-inch wheels of the F SPort, this time with customizable color inserts.

The Navigation package comes with a 12-inch display, 12-speaker sound system, Enform app interface, and of course, navigation along with voice controls.

10. Above-Average Fuel Economy

The Lexus RX stands head and shoulders above much of the rest of the luxury SUV class when it comes to fuel efficiency. You'll get an EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg with front-wheel drive or 19/26/22 when you opt for all-wheel drive. Want even better numbers? Go for the hybrid, which has ratings of 31/28/30.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Lexus RX – The Cons

1. Lack of Smartphone Connectivity

Lexus vehicles include neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto. These systems allow drivers to safely and easily use their smartphones through the infotainment system while on the road. Those who take frequent road trips or have long car commutes might prefer a luxury SUV that includes this technology.

2. Below-Average Cargo Space

Drivers who want plenty of room to haul groceries and gear will be disappointed by the Lexus RX, which offers just 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 18.4 cubic feet when all seats are in use. The Lincoln MKX has almost double the space behind its rear seats. However, a power liftgate is standard in the Lexus RX, making it slightly easier to load (especially if you choose the add-on hands-free option).

How it Stacks up to the Competition

While the 2018 Lexus RX is one of the best all-around SUVs, drivers who want more passenger room or cargo space may be better off looking elsewhere. One choice that appeals to the desire for an expansive interior is the Acura MDX, which also comes with a third row. The Audi Q7 is a competitor that will appeal to those who want a powerful engine and seating for seven.

Conclusion

Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2018 Lexus RX remains one of the best luxury SUVS on the market. It was named one of Motor Trend's best SUVs of the year and received a mention on the Ward 10 Best Interior's list, both testaments to its unmatched quality.