RX

Make
Lexus
Segment
SUV

The Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury SUV in the United States, and up until recently, was the best-selling overall luxury vehicle until it was dethroned by the trendy Tesla Model 3. Clearly, the RX has some nice attributes, but there has always been one major issue we've had with it - that awful remote touchpad Enform infotainment system. This system is highly distracting to use and has only very recently gained Apple CarPlay compatibility.

But Lexus has just revealed the 2020 RX in its 350 F-Sport and 450Lh variants, and although the exterior looks nearly the same as before, Lexus has finally introduced an update to its infotainment system. Hallelujah and mazel tov!

Lexus told us it has received complaints from both journalists and owners about its infotainment system and was thinking about switching back to a touchscreen system. The 2020 RX still features the remote touchpad (if you are one of the few who enjoyed it), but it now includes a standard eight-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen. And the joy of joys, the new system will now feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility (the latter being a first for Lexus).

"The new 2020 Lexus RX improves our best-selling vehicle with a focus on the future of the brand - one of sophisticated yet bold design," said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing. "We heard very positive feedback from our US guests about their experience in the RX, and we worked to improve upon the success with key areas of focus."

On the exterior, Lexus hasn't gone out of its way to critically redesign the RX because why fix what isn't broken? The signature spindle grille remains unchanged but the headlights are now slightly slimmer than before. Lexus has also added a new kick sensor to the rear tailgate so it can be opened even when hands are full. Two new colors have been added for 2020 - Moonbeam Beige Metallic or Nori Green Pearl - the latter of which comes from the smaller Lexus UX. There are also two new wheel patterns in 18-inch and 20-inch sizes.

Under the skin, Lexus has made some minor changes to improve the RX's driveability. The front and rear stabilizer bars are now hollow to reduce weight, limit body roll, and improve steering response. Lexus has also re-tuned the shock absorbers to pair with stiffer roll bars in order to decrease vibration and create a smoother ride.

All 2020 RX models include a suite of standard advanced safety features called Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which now adds daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) to the mix. Lexus has also decided to break the F-Sport offerings up into two categories. One is simply an appearance package while the other now includes additional tuning.

The latter includes a new active variable suspension that was borrowed from the LC coupe, a cold air intake, active sound control, electric power steering, a heated steering wheel, new front and rear performance dampers, and Drive Mode Select with Sport+ mode. Powertrains remain the same with either a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower or a 3.5-liter hybrid producing 308 hp and 30-mpg combined (29-mpg for the RX 450Lh). Production will begin in the third quarter of 2019 and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.