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Lexus RX

Luxury crossovers went hybrid first with the RX 400h in 2005.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 27 sources

At a glance

0200400
198–366 hpPower
0510
6.6–8.2 s0–60 mph
0100200
175–200 km/hTop speed
0300600
283–550 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,823–2,245 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.7910111213

Engine
V6 versions: 3.0–3.5 L; I4 versions: 2.0–2.7 L; RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid39
Layout
Front-engine, FWD/AWD; RX 500h uses DIRECT4 AWD13
Gearbox
4–8-speed automatics; CVT hybrids; RX 500h: 6-speed automatic469
Built at
Toyota Motor Kyushu (Japan); TMMC, Cambridge (Canada)35
Units built
More than 2 million by 20204

The story

Developed to mix luxury-sedan road manners with an SUV's high driving position, the RX 300 pioneered luxury crossovers in 1998 and became Lexus's top seller. The family had sold about 3.5 million by April 2022.12

1993: The crossover brief starts over lunch19931997: SLV concept, then the Toyota Harrier19971998: RX 300 exports become Lexus's top seller19982003: RX 330 grows; Canada builds a Lexus20032005: RX 400h makes luxury crossovers hybrid20052009: RX 450h brings Atkinson-cycle hybrid20092014: Cambridge adds RX Hybrid production20142015: Fourth-generation RX debuts in New York20152022: Fifth RX: GA-K, plug-in and DIRECT42022 SLV concept: 1997Lexus RX (first generation) (XU10): 1998–2003XU10Lexus RX (second generation) (XU30): 2003–2008XU30Lexus RX (third generation): 2009–2015Lexus RX (fourth generation) (AL20): 2015–2022AL20Lexus RX (fifth generation): 2022–present 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12367891415
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1997SLV concept
1998–2003Lexus RX (first generation) (XU10)
2003–2008Lexus RX (second generation) (XU30)
2009–2015Lexus RX (third generation)
2015–2022Lexus RX (fourth generation) (AL20)
2022–presentLexus RX (fifth generation)
1993The crossover brief starts over lunch
1997SLV concept, then the Toyota Harrier
1998RX 300 exports become Lexus's top seller
2003RX 330 grows; Canada builds a Lexus
2005RX 400h makes luxury crossovers hybrid
2009RX 450h brings Atkinson-cycle hybrid
2014Cambridge adds RX Hybrid production
2015Fourth-generation RX debuts in New York
2022Fifth RX: GA-K, plug-in and DIRECT4
  1. 1993

    The crossover brief starts over lunch

    Toyota executives in Nagoya propose blending a luxury sedan with an SUV.3

  2. 1997

    SLV concept, then the Toyota Harrier

    The Sport Luxury Vehicle concept appears in Chicago; the production model reaches Japan in December as the Toyota Harrier.2

  3. 1998

    RX 300 exports become Lexus's top seller

    Exports start in March. The RX 300 immediately leads the Lexus lineup, accounting for half its sales.2

  4. 2003

    RX 330 grows; Canada builds a Lexus

    The larger RX 330 gains a 3.3 L V6 and five-speed automatic. On September 26, Cambridge starts the first Lexus production outside Japan.45

  5. 2005

    RX 400h makes luxury crossovers hybrid

    The RX 400h debuts as the first hybrid luxury crossover; its V6-electric system delivers 268 hp through a CVT.16

  6. 2009

    RX 450h brings Atkinson-cycle hybrid

    The third-generation RX 450h adds an Atkinson-cycle V6 and 295 hp total output; fuel consumption falls 28%.37

  7. 2014

    Cambridge adds RX Hybrid production

    Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada adds the RX Hybrid to the Cambridge production program.3

  8. 2015

    Fourth-generation RX debuts in New York

    The fourth RX premieres on April 1. Gen Ikeda's 'Seductive Strength' brief produces a spindle grille, flared fenders and floating roofline.28

  9. 2022

    Fifth RX: GA-K, plug-in and DIRECT4

    The fifth RX premieres on June 1 on GA-K. RX 450h+ brings an 18.1-kWh plug-in hybrid; RX 500h adopts DIRECT4.129

Every generation

  • Lexus RX (first generation)
    XU101998–2003
  • Lexus RX (second generation)
    XU302003–2008
  • Lexus RX (third generation)
    Lexus RX (third generation)2009–2015
  • Lexus RX (fourth generation)
    AL202015–2022
  • Lexus RX (fifth generation)
    Lexus RX (fifth generation)2022–present
  • Lexus TX (RX L successor)
    Lexus TX (RX L successor)

Power over the years

From 220 hp to 366 hp in 25 years.

0100200300400 20002005201020152020 hp 1998 · 220 hp · RX 300 (US launch)2000 · 198 hp · RX 300 (Europe)2004 · 230 hp · RX 330, 3.3 L V62006 · 268 hp · RX 400h hybrid2007 · 270 hp · RX 350 replaces RX 3302010 · 275 hp · RX 350 (2010 model)2010 · 295 hp · RX 450h hybrid2016 · 295 hp · RX 350, fourth-generation V62016 · 308 hp · RX 450h, fourth-generation hybrid2023 · 246 hp · RX 350h, 2.5 L hybrid2023 · 275 hp · RX 350 turbo2023 · 366 hp · RX 500h F SPORT Performance 366 hp RX 500h F SPORT Performance 220 hp RX 300 (US launch)
34691013
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998220RX 300 (US launch)
2000198RX 300 (Europe)
2004230RX 330, 3.3 L V6
2006268RX 400h hybrid
2007270RX 350 replaces RX 330
2010275RX 350 (2010 model)
2010295RX 450h hybrid
2016295RX 350, fourth-generation V6
2016308RX 450h, fourth-generation hybrid
2023246RX 350h, 2.5 L hybrid
2023275RX 350 turbo
2023366RX 500h F SPORT Performance

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    RX 300 (first generation)

    1999–2003

    220 hp
  • RX 400h

    Standard

    RX 400h

    2006–2008

    268 hp
  • RX 270 / RX 200t / RX 300 (regional fours)

    Standard

    RX 270 / RX 200t / RX 300 (regional fours)

  • RX 350L / RX 450hL

    Standard

    RX 350L / RX 450hL

    2018–2022

  • Standard

    RX 350 / RX 350h / RX 450h+ (fifth generation)

  • RX 350 F Sport / RX 450h F Sport (third generation)

    Performance

    RX 350 F Sport / RX 450h F Sport (third generation)

  • RX 500h F SPORT Performance

    Performance

    RX 500h F SPORT Performance

    366 hp

  • Limited

    RX 300 Silversport

    2001

  • Limited

    RX 300 Coach Edition

    2002

  • Limited

    RX 350 / RX 450h Black Line

    2021

  • Limited

    RX 500h F Sport Performance Black Line

    2025

    366 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First-generation RX 300: gray bumpers and lower-body cladding contrast with the main paint.3
  • Third generation: look for arrowhead-shaped side-window trim.7
  • Fourth generation: the roof seems to float above the body.8
  • Fifth generation: the spindle shape spreads from the grille across the entire front end.2
  • Fifth generation: a single taillight lens wraps around the rear of the body.9

Year by year

  1. 2000

    First-generation facelift brings crystal-style headlights and rear lenses, plus updated colors and interior choices.24

  2. 2007–2008

    RX 400h adds rear-door Hybrid badges in 2007; 2008 cars gain a blue Lexus badge and body-colored rear spoiler.3

  3. 2008

    Second-generation updates bring a new front grille, door handles, paint options and wheel designs.4

  4. 2012

    The third-generation nose adopts a spindle-shaped front grille.2

  5. 2019; 2021

    Fourth-generation grille refinements mark both updates.4

  6. 2023

    The fifth generation introduces spindle-body front styling and a single wraparound rear lamp lens.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Lexus RX
    RX
    Photo of a Toyota Harrier
    Toyota Harrier

    Toyota Harrier

    On the first two generations, check Toyota Harrier versus Lexus RX branding; Japan's third generation switched to RX.3

  • Lexus RX 350L / RX 450hL

    These three-row versions are 110 mm longer; the RX 450h L also has a steeper rear window than the standard RX.215

  • Photo of a Lexus RX
    RX
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz ML320
    Mercedes-Benz ML320

    Mercedes-Benz ML320

    The original RX 300 has a rounder tail, busier body moldings and clear-lens projector headlights.312

Against its rivals

  • Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro (2009)

    RX vs Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro (2009)

    Skidpad grip

    RX0.8 g
    Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro (2009)0.8 g
    20

  • RX vs BMW X3 xDrive30i (2009)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    RX15.3 s
    BMW X3 xDrive30i (2009)15.5 s
    20

  • RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC (2010)

    Price as tested lower is better

    RX$52,965
    Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC (2010)$45,935
    20
  • Volvo XC60 T6 AWD (2010)

    RX vs Volvo XC60 T6 AWD (2010)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    RX15.3 s
    Volvo XC60 T6 AWD (2010)15 s
    20

Prices

Value today $5.4K–$10.7K316

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $5,400–$10,700 1999 · $31,995 · US base, RX300 FWD1999 · $33,445 · US base, RX300 AWD2006 · $50,863 · US as-tested, RX400h AWD2007 · $41,180 · US base, RX400h FWD2007 · $42,580 · US base, RX400h AWD 1999 · $31,995 · US RX300 FWD base, 1999 model year 2025 · $32,000 · 2016 RX350 AWD, 16k miles, BaT2026 · $26,001 · 2008 RX350 AWD, 35k miles, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 2003 RX300 AWD, 66k miles, BaT2026 · $23,800 · 2013 RX350 AWD, 39k miles, BaT $32.0K BaT, 2025
34111224252627
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$31,995US RX300 FWD base, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$31,995US base, RX300 FWD
1999Price when new$33,445US base, RX300 AWD
2006Price when new$50,863US as-tested, RX400h AWD
2007Price when new$41,180US base, RX400h FWD
2007Price when new$42,580US base, RX400h AWD
2025Auction sale$32,0002016 RX350 AWD, 16k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$26,0012008 RX350 AWD, 35k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5002003 RX300 AWD, 66k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$23,8002013 RX350 AWD, 39k miles, BaT
2026Value today$5,400–$10,700

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “RX 330's playable double: Emperor Habanero”
    • “Gen Ikeda's Seductive Strength”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 27 sources
  1. World Premiere of the All-New Lexus RX | Lexus | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  2. History of the Lexus RX | Lexus UK mag.lexus.co.uk
  3. Lexus RX - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. The Lexus RX: History, Photos, Generations, Specifications, and More motortrend.com
  5. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Celebrates 20 Years of Lexus Production media.toyota.ca
  6. 2004-09 Lexus RX | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  7. Introducing the Lexus RX 450h - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  8. Strong and Seductive: the New Lexus RX Design Concept - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  9. THE EVOLUTION OF AN ICON: THE ALL-NEW 2023 LEXUS RX media.lexus.ca
  10. Lexus RX300 - A New Definition For Lexus - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  11. 2006 Lexus RX400h AWD Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 1998 Lexus RX300 Begins the Luxury Crossover Craze caranddriver.com
  13. 2010 Lexus RX350 / RX450h – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  14. Used Lexus RX (Mk3, 2008-2015) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. Used Lexus RX review: 2015-2022 – Is Toyota Kluger's premium cousin & BMW X5, Audi Q7 & Mercedes GLE rival a good used car? | CarsGuide carsguide.com.au
  16. 1999-03 Lexus RX 300 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  17. Lexus Introduces Two All-New Special Edition Models autointell.com
  18. 2021 Lexus RX SUV Partially Redacted By Black Line Special Edition motortrend.com
  19. 2025 Lexus RX500h F Sport Gets Limited Edition, Surprisingly Sharp Black Line Package motortrend.com
  20. 2010 Compact Luxury SUVs Compared caranddriver.com
  21. IGCD.net: Lexus RX 330 in Grand Theft Auto V igcd.net
  22. New Lexus RX Range To Feature Turbo Power - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  23. Used Lexus RX buying guide | DrivingElectric drivingelectric.com
  24. No Reserve: 2003 Lexus RX300 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on August 20, 2026 (Lot #258,809) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. 16k-Mile 2016 Lexus RX350 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $32,000 on December 10, 2025 (Lot #222,931) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. No Reserve: 35k-Mile 2008 Lexus RX350 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,001 on November 5, 2026 (Lot #272,566) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 39k-Mile 2013 Lexus RX350 AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $23,800 on June 23, 2026 (Lot #248,987) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • global.toyota
  • mag.lexus.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • media.toyota.ca
  • consumerguide.com
  • media.lexus.co.uk
  • media.lexus.ca
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carsguide.com.au
  • autointell.com
  • igcd.net
  • drivingelectric.com

Photo credits

Other car files