Used Lexus RX for sale: everything you need to know

The Lexus RX is a luxury SUV that offers ride height and comfort with plush interiors and hybrid powertrain to keep longer term running costs lower.

This is not your average SUV and in a very good way, standing out for unique and sleek lines, an upmarket feel and legendary servicing support that's ideal for this used car option. 

Lexus launched this model in 2016 and it has run through to now as used, but you can still buy this new with fresh models rolling off the production lines. Most of these are hybrid models but that isn't to say they lack punch with the RX 450h packing 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines backed by dual electric motors to churn out an impressive 308 BHP. But there is also the RX 200t with petrol engine only, although they're rare.

Inside you can expect to find premium finishes to the dash and chair upholstery as well as a lots of trims, to offer upgrade options as needed. What isn't so great is the width of the car which is slightly slimmer than some and offers less space for three adults in the back as well as a boot that could leave something to be desired.

There was also an RX L introduced in 2018 which offered a seven seater option but it's still a more compact setup than some of the competition offers.

Key rivals for the Lexus RX include the larger BMW X5 and the more classically designed Volkswagen Touareg, or the premium Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Should you buy a used Lexus RX?

The Lexus RX is a good option both for the city and motorways thanks to that hybrid drivetrain option which can have you running on battery alone.

The handling is what you might expect from an SUV, offering some power from that larger V6 and electric combination, but with softer suspension there is some wobble in the corners. So if you want comfort and luxury, with overtaking speed, this will serve you just fine. Just don't expect a driver's car for handling.

You get a lot of luxury for your money even on the most basic SE trim which packs in plush leather finishes, all-electric seat adjustments and a decent infotainment screen and speaker setup. From 2020 onwards you can expect Android Auto and Apple CarPlay onboard.

Spend more and you can go luxury with heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, sunroof and more.

The engine on the RX 400h is a 3.0-litre V6 petrol backed by two electric motors. This is built for comfort primarily rather than speed and handling and even with that large 308 BHP output you're still topping out at 7.7-seconds for a 0-62 MPH sprint. So more than enough power for most situations then.

The Lexus RX offers an impressive reliability and dedicated servicing which should mean these are very safe used car buying options, also with ongoing care to keep you running in good condition. 

Thanks to the hybrid drive system you can enjoy decent MPG for a car of this size making longer term costs lower than on some of the competition.

A Lexus RX not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Lexus RX model to buy?

The Lexus RX 450h comes with the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and dual electric motors while the RX 200t option has a petrol engine only, although these are rare. So presuming you're going for the RX 450h you have several trim options to pick from.

The entry-level SE variant gets you decent levels of equipment thanks to this being a luxury brand. But this level also has extras like a CD player, electric mirror and leather seat trim.

Move up to the Luxury level and you get that electric-operated tailgate which can be opened inside or outside using the key fob. You can also expect a sat nav bundle with DAB, parking camera and 12-speaker audio system.

The F Sport trim, as the name suggests, gets you a more performance-focused setup. That means 20-inch wheels, perforated leather interior, bespoke instrument cluster and door illuminations.

The top-end Premier packs in a 15-speaker setup, blind-spot monitoring, heads-up display, dual climate control, plus heated and ventilated front seats.

All models come with that 308 BHP hybrid engine and a CVT automatic gearbox available.

Used Lexus RX fuel economy and performance

• Lexus RX 200t petrol: This now rare variant has a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 235 BHP for a 0-62 MPH time of 9.2-seconds. This outputs 120 g/km for CO2 and manages an average of 34 MPG.
• Lexus 450h hybrid: This has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors to add up to a top power output of 308 BHP which gets you from 0-62 MPH in 7.7-seconds and outputs 120 g/km of CO2 with a 54 MPG fuel economy.

What used Lexus RX trim levels are available?

• The Lexus RX SE is the entry-level trim, and is the most affordable to buy or lease. It’s with CVT auto gearing and comes with leather inside.
• The Lexus RX Luxury is the mid-level trim, with electric tailgate and upgraded sound system.
• The Lexus RX F Sport is a premium finish with 20-inch alloys and bespoke instrument cluster.
• The Lexus RX Premier is the top-end with heated and ventilated seats, blind-spot check and 15-speaker sound system.

Lexus RX dimensions and boot size

The Lexus RX’s dimensions are: 

• Length: 4890mm 
• Width: 1895mm 
• Height: 1685mm

The Lexus RX’s boot size is: 

• 539 litres

Used Lexus RX road tax

The Lexus RX 450h is from band G to band J and is charged at £560 annually. Although there are some exceptions like the Premier trim between 2015 and 2017 which is band D at £140 per year.

How much is it to insure a Lexus RX? 

The Lexus RX starts at insurance group 36 for the 200t, and up to 41 for the 450h meaning you can expect a range of prices but the higher end of the charge market.

Read our full Lexus RX review