NEW FOR 2015:
- Minor changes to exterior styling
- Stabilizer bars added to front and rear suspension for RX 350 and RX 450h
- Radar cruise control no longer offered
- Minor equipment level changes
For the final year of the current body style, the 2015 Lexus RX and RX Hybrid get a slightly bolder look and a new name – Sportdesign. The standard RX 350 Sportdesign and RX 450h Sportdesign hybrid gain the front bumper and lower valance of the F Sport model, but not its grille. Think of it as F Sport looks without the sports suspension.
That said, it’s business as usual under the hood. RX 350 and RX 350 F Sport models use a 3.5-litre V6 engine that develops 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350 receives a six-speed automatic, while the F Sport gets an eight-speed automatic with paddles for manual shifting. The greater gear count also improves fuel economy.
For those wanting to truly maximize on fuel economy, there is also the RX 450h hybrid. It has a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a CVT transmission and three electric motors, one of which drives the rear wheels. As with all Lexus hybrids, the RX can be driven for short distances solely on electric power.
For 2015 the base RX 350 Sportdesign receives additional standard equipment – content that luxury buyers will undoubtedly enjoy. Gone are the base model’s cloth seats, replaced by ones upholstered in perforated leather. They’re heated and ventilated too, and come with driver-side memory. HID headlamps, a moonroof, 19-inch wheels, and power folding auto-dimming side mirrors are also included as standard. The infotainment system also features Siri Eyes-Free voice control.
Other standard features include: smart key with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, power tilt and telescope steering column, 12-speaker sound system, 7-inch infotainment display screen, reverse camera, garage door opener, genuine wood trim, 10-way power driver’s seat, 40/20/40 split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB audio input and more.
The Touring Package adds navigation with DVD audio capability, a heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The Technology Package builds on the Touring package and adds Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display, intuitive parking assistance, premium leather upholstery, additional wood trim, and illuminated door sills.
Perhaps Lexus didn’t find as many buyers for the F Sport as it had expected, so for 2015 it is consolidated into one well-equipped model. It receives heated and ventilated F Sport leather seats and interior accents, unique wheels, F Sport grille insert, VDIM, an eight-speed automatic, head-up display, blind-spot monitoring system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Other than a new wheel design, revised front-end styling and new stabilizer bars, the RX 450h Sportdesign carries over unchanged.
Technology Package adds 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display, front-seat power thigh support with premium leather upholstery, a 120-volt power socket, and LED headlamps.
The Executive Package adds a dual-screen rear entertainment system with two wireless headphones. Radar cruise control with pre-collision warning, formerly included with this package, is no longer offered.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
