2022 Lexus RX450h Review: When More of the Same is a Good Thing

Auto123 reviews the 2022 Lexus RX450h.

While vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V rightfully get much of the credit for ushering in the crossover era, the Lexus RX Series deserves acknowledgement for ushering in the luxury CUV era, along with the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class.

For 2022 there are some slight changes, namely a couple of new colours (the Nori Green seen here is not one of them), as well slightly different chassis tuning – different bushings, hollowed-out stabilizer bars and re-tuned shock. Is that enough to keep the RX, always a popular model in the segment, really competitive?

In terms of styling, the RX is still a pretty angular-looking thing punctuated by a grille design that, even when you take into account the madness that is the Genesis GV80’s front-end, remains incredibly unique and is properly eye-catching. Because my tester doesn’t have the F Sport treatment, the grille isn’t completely blacked-out, which is actually a more aggressive look than the silver/black grille I have, thought the 3D effect it offers is cool.

Do I prefer it? Not so sure as part of me thinks if you’re going to go this crazy, go all the way, but this is a classier look overall. The head- and taillight lenses, meanwhile, are aggressive without being overly in-yer-face – the Angel Eye items seen on the Acura RDX, for example, are a much more aggressive take. My Executive trim tester features tri-beam LED lights, including the foglights and DRLs. The wheels and paint, meanwhile, are fine if unspectacular.

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