Lexus RX 4x4 full 9 point review
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Performance
Ignore what's going on between the battery-powered electric motor and V6 petrol engine and you've got a swift 4x4 that puts a big tick in the green box. The RX will run on battery power alone for short periods around town, but its normal role is to support petrol power.
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Ride & Handling
Apparently, the RX has been tuned for European tastes. If that means little body roll, even less steering feel and poor grip from the tyres, they've achieved it. The ride is generally comfortable, but can feel decidedly jittery on broken surfaces. Cars on air suspension are a little better, but they're still not smooth.
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Refinement
Under battery power alone, the RX is eerily quiet – especially to passers-by. Things don't get much noisier on the move, unless you hit the throttle hard when the CVT gearbox produces an unusual engine note. There's some wind noise on the motorway, but everything else is quiet.
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Buying & Owning
Although list prices are expensive, residual vaules are pretty strong and the car’s generous standard kit also works in its favour. Also, the RX450h's hybrid drivetrain means low CO2 and high mpg, so running costs and tax bills are impressively low. A diesel-powered BMW X3 will still be cheaper to run, though.
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Quality & Reliability
Check out any JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey and you'll see Lexus at the top – owners love the cars and the dealers. What's more, the RX is one of the firm’s top performers. Quality is generally good, but other premium brands feel a little posher, and many mainstream brands come close.
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Safety & Security
Every model gets 10 airbags – two at the front, four along the side, curtains along the top of each side and even 'bags for knees at the front. All the stability and safety kit you expect is on board, while laminated side glass is a safety and security bonus.
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Behind The Wheel
Lexus's take on iDrive, MMI and COMMAND is called Remote Touch and works like a mouse. It's way more distracting than the rotary dial systems we've mentioned, because you have to be accurate with the cursor. There are still plenty of other individual controls around, though. The dashboard is reasonably attractive and you can specify a head-up display.
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Space & Practicality
The batteries are stored under the rear seats, so there's a decent, if not overly generous, boot. The rear seats fold down flat easily, though, and there's plenty of space for three kids (adults at a push) in the back, and lots of room and cubbyholes in the front.
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Equipment
You might see a higher basic price for an RX than other 4x4s, but look closer and you'll see the kit list is also more generous. Every model gets plenty of useful gadgets, with the top-trim SE-Ls getting an awesome Mark Levinson stereo among other things.
RX used car reviews
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Lexus RX 4x4 450h SE-L 5dr
Who said 4x4s can’t be green? Ultra-low CO2 combines with low running costs and plenty of comfort to produce a car that should keep Lexus at the top of the JD Power ratings.
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