The fifth-generation Lexus RX has hit the roads. Can the new RX tow? Maximum towing capacity? Need a Lexus RX Hybrid towbar?

The fifth-generation Lexus RX has hit the roads.  Can the new RX tow? Maximum towing capacity?  Need a Lexus RX Hybrid towbar?

First unveiled in 1998, the fifth generation RX has grown in size and is now offered with a three-tier line-up featuring the RX350h, RX450h+(PHEV) and RX500h; all hybrid-powered and all-wheel drive via engine-plus-e-motor at the front and an e-axle at the rear.
Lexus's new SUV has more sculpted sides, upgraded interior materials, and a new GA-K platform underneath.

The newest version of the RX is a little more spacious and better to drive than its predecessor.  This is the most luxurious, tech-forward Lexus RX to date. The new RX also has an expanded engine range to broaden its appeal.

The look of the RX is sharper, with a new grille design dominating the front of the car. There are also angular headlights, and some fake vents too.
It doesn’t look too tall from the side, and with the help of a panel towards the rear, you get a floating roof effect. At the back, you get a full-width lightbar and ‘Lexus’ written out across the back, as has become a trend with many manufacturers of late.

Inside, the new Lexus RX feels luxurious, with very comfortable seats, and a wide range of electric seat and steering wheel adjustments, to help you find your preferred driving position.  You have a commanding view out, due to the large windows all around assisting with visibility. 

The dashboard has been designed around the driver and puts the digital instrument panel and the centre touchscreen in your line of sight.  The infotainment screen is an extension of the driver display, stretching across the dash, and the one-piece unit tilts toward the driver. 
You control pretty much everything, including the climate control system, through touch and only have old-fashioned rotary dials to control the temperature. 

LED headlights come as standard on all versions, with an adaptive system standard on F Sport trim. The adaptive system automatically adjusts the light pattern to avoid dazzling other drivers.

The RX’s boot is smaller than the competition at 461 litres. The rear seats split 40/20/40 and can be dropped using electronic buttons in the boot to increase the load bay area if necessary.  With the rear seats folded, there's 1678 litres of cargo space.  Need to carry more, or to take your bikes along on the next weekend away?  Why not install our Invisible towbar?  Lexus has rated the RX up to a maximum of 2150kgs - check your manual as this could be lower, depending on your exact specs.

Powertrain-wise, the 350h hybrid uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine to produce a combined output of 247bhp, for a respectable 0-100km/h time of 7.9sec. Enough power for great everyday performance.

Then there's the 500h hybrid – the quickest and most powerful RX – with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, combined output of 366bhp and a 6.2sec 0-100km/h. Effortless on the freeway.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RX 450h+ sits comfortably between the two, using the same engine combination as the 350h to produce 304bhp and, a 0-100km/h time of 6.5sec.

The highest package and F Sport models come with Lexus adaptive suspension, which can be stiffened or softened to suit your mood. Other models come with conventional springs. The 500h comes with four-wheel steering as standard.

Noisewise, the RX runs almost silently when on battery power, and the crossover to petrol is hardly noticeable. 
The 350h and 450h have CVT automatic gearboxes so when accelerate harder, you do notice the ramped-up revs, but it's nowhere near as raucous as on previous generation. The 500h with its six-speed auto gearbox behaves as you would expect from a conventional engine, shifting through gears before the engine becomes noticeable when you reach higher speeds. 

When tested at Euro NCAP, the RX was awarded the full five-star rating and scored particularly well when it came to protecting adults in the front.  You get plenty of standard safety kit, including two Isofix child-seat mounts and active safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance.  You might find some safety features annoying, like the door not unlocking if the Lexus senses danger outside, or the prompts to sit upright if the eye-monitoring system does not detect your face.

The new RX is not a performance or sporty affair when compared to the competition, but the RX is rather refined, calm, serene, efficient and provides value in the context of the rest of the segment.  If you’re after a trouble-free ownership experience, you’re unlikely to go wrong with a Lexus.  Need a towbar for your new RX - order our Invisible Lexus RX towbar today.