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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2022 Lexus RX: The Classy Crossover
2022 Lexus RX Review: The RX comes with plenty of technology and offers a smooth driving experience across ten trim levels. Read our full review here.
What’s New for the 2022 Lexus RX?
The 2022 Lexus RX has only minor changes from the 2021-year models. Three new colors – Grecian Water blue, Cloudburst Gray, and Iridium silver – make their debut.
In addition, there are now optional foglamps offered as well as a new Special Edition appearance package.
Other than that, Lexus left the 2022 RX alone.
2022 Lexus RX – lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus RX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Powerful hybrid engine
Excellent MPG ratings
Luxurious interior
Optional third-row seating is small
Four-star NHTSA overall rating
F Sport trims ride rough
A classy, practical, and efficient crossover
2022 RX Specs
- 295 horsepower from base engine
- 267 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 10 available trims
- 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 32.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 3,500-lb towing capacity with optional package
- Optional 12- or 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
- Intuitive Park Assist available
- Complimentary first year maintenance
2022 Lexus RX Powertrain
Drivers can rejoice at the two distinctive powertrains that the 2022 Lexus RX trims offer. Those with an RX 350 name are equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard and AWD is optional on all RX 350 trims.
As for the RX 450h trims, drivers get the same 3.5L V6 engine assisted by two electric motors. Essentially, it is a mild-hybrid setup that delivers more power instead of a plug-in hybrid like the Lexus NX. Lexus equipped the RX 450h trims with a continuously variable transmission. AWD is standard on the RX 450h lineup.
All trims come with paddle shifters and selectable drive modes.
The two electric motors on the RX 450h trims boost the power from 290 horsepower to 308 horsepower. Drivers will lose a bit of torque (from 268 ft. lbs. to 247 ft. lbs.), but there’s still plenty there to get the vehicle up to highway speeds at a decent pace.
With the exception of the F Sport trims, the suspension is comprised of MacPherson independent struts with coil springs on the front and double-wishbone suspension on the rear. The F Sport trims feature the same basic setup but are performance tuned. All trims offer a respectable 8.2 inches of ground clearance.
The 2022 Lexus RX models are a blessing to those who want a comfortable ride for longer trips. The cabin is isolated from the road, and the suspension provides a plush ride that would impress the most critical drivers (or passengers).
As for the F Sport trims, we thought that the ride was actually worse than the other trims. Although the suspension is tuned to be sportier, it really doesn’t add much to the driving experience. It actually detracts from it due to the stiffer ride quality and handling.
It is most certainly a long-haul cruiser. While it may not be the most fun crossover to drive, it more than makes up for it in terms of ride quality and practical drivability.
Towing & Payload
The 2022 Lexus RX can tow up to 3,500 lbs. This is, of course, assuming that it is equipped with the optional towing package. The package adds an oil cooler and heavy-duty radiator to the RX that allows it to stand up to the extra weight.
For its class, this is a very impressive feat.
2022 Lexus RX Fuel Economy & MPG
The pinnacle of the 2022 Lexus RX is the fuel economy. Compared to others in its class, it is among those at the top. Drivers who relish saving money at the pump (isn’t that all of us?) will love the 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway rating of the RX 250 with FWD.
You will lose a little if you go with the AWD package on the RX 350 trims (19 MPG city/26 MPG highway), but it isn’t enough to be a deal breaker.
Step up to the RX 450h and you really see where the two electric motors come into play. Drivers get 31 MPG city/28 MPG highway with this combination.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior does not disappoint on this luxury crossover. It is comfortable up front with plenty of room to stretch out or accommodate taller drivers. The back, however, may feel a little cramped for some passengers – especially taller ones.
Drivers get 32.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down, and 16.0 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up. That space drops to 6.2 cubic feet for the RX 350L and RX 450hL – both of which offer nearly useless third-row seating. It’s not Lexus’ answer to the Toyota Highlander in terms of space, but it definitely works.
Lexus stuck with high-quality materials for the 2022 Lexus RX. Drivers can experience soft-touch plastics, wood and metallic trims, and fine leathers.
From an ergonomic perspective, it is easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat. However, the tuning knob on the radio requires a long reach, and the infotainment center controller is located awkwardly by the shifter. These are quite easy to overcome, however. A driver or passenger would be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable and luxurious interior for long trips.
While not a cargo-hauling champion, the 2022 Lexus RX will certainly make long rides more enjoyable, especially for those up front.
Entertainment & Technology
In terms of technological goodies, the 2022 Lexus RX falls a bit short of the competition. The standard infotainment display is 8.0 inches. With the optional upgrade, drivers can have a 12.3-inch infotainment display that adds navigation to the mix.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility come standard on both systems. Imagine being able to tell Alexa to start your car for you in the morning!
There are six USB ports around the cabin. As for sound, the standard 9-speaker setup isn’t bad, but the optional Mark Levinson 12-speaker and 15-speaker premium audio are amazing.
Safety Features
The 2022 Lexus RX received 4 out of 5 stars overall from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave the 2022 Lexus RX a 2021 Top Safety Pick when equipped with the optional triple-beam headlights.
Intuitive parking assist is available as an option on most trims and is standard on Black Line Special Edition trims.
In the event of a collision, the 2022 Lexus RX is equipped with 10 airbags. Other standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic front emergency braking, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
2022 Lexus RX Trims and Pricing
There are ten available trims counting the Black Line Special Editions. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll get with each.
RX 350 – $47,070 MSRP
The base model of the 2022 Lexus RX includes standard features that one would expect to find in a luxury crossover. For the RX 350, drivers get the 3.5L V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and FWD standard (AWD available).
The 2022 Lexus RX 350 also comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment center (upgradable to a 12.3-inch touchscreen), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, SiriusXM radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and leather interior appointments.
RX 350 F Sport – $50,550 MSRP
Drivers get all standard features of the 2022 Lexus RX 350 plus: F Sport grille, front and rear bumpers, and badges, 20-inch wheels, sport suspension, and aluminum interior trim.
The optional F Sport Handling package includes adaptive suspension (enhances ride comfort and handling stability), heated and ventilated sport seats, and a heated steering wheel.
RX 350 Black Line Special Edition- $50,850 MSRP
The Black Line Special Edition RX 350 includes the same standard features as the base model. Drivers also get special Black Line appointments such as open-pore Black Walnut interior trim, a heated wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, and black upholstery with white accents.
A power moonroof, aluminum roof rails, and 20-inch black alloy wheels are standard. The front grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser are also blacked out. Intuitive parking assist with auto braking and rear cross-traffic braking are also included.
RX 350L – $49,900 MSRP
The 2022 Lexus RX 350L has all the same standard features as the base model RX 350 with the addition of third-row seating.
RX 350L Black Line Special Edition – $54,205 MSRP
This trim features all of the same standard features as the RX 350 Black Line Special Edition with the addition of third-row seating.
RX 450h AWD – $49,870 MSRP
The 2022 Lexus RX 450h AWD comes standard with the same features as the base model with the addition of AWD and two electric motors to assist the 3.5L V6. The transmission is Lexus’ CVT transmission instead of the eight-speed automatic.
If you’re looking for a practical mild-hybrid crossover, this is where you should start.
RX 450h F Sport AWD – $53,350 MSRP
This trim offers all of the standard features of the RX 350 F Sport. The biggest change here is the powertrain which is the same as the RX 450h. The sporty suspension and styling upgrades are still there but with the addition of AWD.
RX 450h AWD Black Line Special Edition – $53,825 MSRP
This trim is essentially the same as the RX 350 Black Line Special Edition trim. It has the powertrain and drivetrain of the RX 450h plus all of the Black Line Special Edition features.
RX 450hL AWD – $53,260 MSRP
The RX 450hL has all standard features of the RX 450h plus the addition of third-row seating.
RX 450hL AWD Black Line Special Edition – $57,190 MSRP
This is the trim for drivers who want it all plus a blacked-out look. You get the same hybrid power from the RX 450h drivetrain and powertrain and all of the Black Line Special Edition features plus third-row seating.
If you’ve just got to have it all, the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL AWD Black Line Special Edition is the one to get.
Warranties
Lexus does a good job at matching the competition for the majority of its warranties. The 2022 Lexus RX warranties include a limited warranty covering 4 years/50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covering 6 years/70,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for 1 year/10,000 miles.
Vehicles that don the RX 450h badge get hybrid component warranty coverage of 8 years/100,000 miles.
While they aren’t quite as good as other manufacturers, such as Kia, the warranties are not bad for their class.
What we think
2022 Lexus RX – pressroom.lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus RX on Carsforsale.com
The overall verdict is that the 2022 Lexus RX was designed with comfort in mind. The interior is more than capable of carrying drivers, passengers, and luggage to their destination in luxurious styling and forgiving comfort.
While wading through the trims, we found that the third-row seating is virtually useless for passengers unless they like the feeling of being cramped up.
We also found the F Sport trims to be underwhelming in terms of being sporty. The verdict is that these trims are mainly for styling because they definitely have a “cool” factor. The ride was less than expected for a vehicle supposedly tuned for performance. It detracts from the comfortable ride offered by the other trims.
Lexus could also change up the finicky – and often unruly – infotainment system to make it a bit more user-friendly.
Other than those changes, the 2022 Lexus RX is a practical luxury crossover with all of the feel that drivers would come to expect from Lexus. Be sure to check out some great new car incentives here.
