2020 Lexus RX: our luxury SUV revised

The Lexus RX is now in its fourth generation and has a proud history of innovation, such as being the first vehicle in the luxury segment to offer a self-charging hybrid powertrain. To further strengthen the model’s performance and customer appeal, Lexus has introduced a series of technical, styling and equipment enhancements for the 2020 Lexus RX.

The changes are led by new, evolutionary styling that maintains the RX’s powerful and sporty appearance. It introduces more elegant elements and creates a coherent flow from front to rear, giving the vehicle a stronger, unified look.

2020 Lexus RX: Design

Details of the frontal treatment include a new rendition of the signature Lexus grille, with a mesh pattern of radiating three-dimensional ‘L’ shapes; slimmer headlight units; more rounded edges to the front bumper; and an extended line from the sills that connects with the bottom of the grille, projecting strength and stability.

At the rear, a more elegant and powerful look has been created with a redesigned lower bumper that links smoothly to the rear wings. Elements such as the lights, reflectors, under guard and exhaust outlets are arranged horizontally to emphasise the vehicle’s width and sense of purpose, while new LED combination lights feature a series of ‘L’ motifs across the tail lights and turn indicators.

Interior

The human-machine interface in the cabin has been improved with the availability of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display. To accommodate this interactive feature, the screen has been moved further forward on the centre console, placing it within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. Multimedia functions can also be operated using a new trackpad version of our Remote Touch Interface, or with voice control.

The new RX provides seamless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. LexusLink gives access to connected services via a dedicated app, while all RX models are equipped with an onboard WiFi hotspot with an initial complimentary three-month/24GB data plan.

The electronically adjustable third-row seats of the RX L now feature two different seating positions, which add up to 94mm of extra leg space when the situation demands.

Technical upgrades

Dynamic improvements have been achieved by giving the new 2020 Lexus RX a more rigid body, using laser screw welding, additional spot welds and high-strength adhesive at key points around the chassis. The suspension has been improved with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, more rigid hubs and a new Friction Control Device in the shock absorbers to further reduce high-frequency vibrations from small imperfections in the road surface.

One of the hallmark qualities of the Lexus RX is its comfortable and reassuring ride quality. The 2020 Lexus RX helps to maintain this characteristic with the availability of a world-first suspension combination.

It’s a multi-faceted system that actively controls the suspension’s attitude as it moves both up and down and as forces are exerted across the car, helping to ensure maximum comfort in all road conditions. The result is a driving experience that offers the sensation of being stabilised in mid-air as if the RX is hooked in the sky while navigating a bend.

Control level one: Adaptive Variable Suspension

The active chassis control of RX begins with our Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Initially introduced in the flagship LC coupe, this technology is now a standard feature in RX F Sport and RX Takumi grade models. It constantly ‘reads’ the road and reacts to what it finds by selecting the optimal damper setting for prevailing conditions from a menu of 650 different rates. These are immediately applied through actuators integrated into the lower housing of each shock absorber.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension system actuator is integrated into the lower shock absorber housing (front shock absorber shown)

In addition to reacting instantaneously to isolate passengers from rough surfaces, AVS is programmed to automatically reduce damping force at low speed and increase it at high speed to maintain optimum comfort and control. It also adapts damping force to combat body roll and pitching motion.

Control level two: Active Stabiliser Suspension

The next two levels of chassis control are dedicated to RX F Sport grade models and applied as a single optional extra – Active Stabiliser Suspension. At the heart of this electric system is a powerful, rotary actuator that applies precise torque levels through each side of the stabiliser, or anti-roll bar.

The front Active Stabiliser Suspension actuator is located above the rear of the front cross member and applies torque to each end of the stabiliser independently

Traditional stabiliser set-ups use a cylindrical bar to physically connect both sides of the suspension system and help correct a vehicle’s natural tendency to roll when cornering. When one side experiences a lateral force, the bar acts as a torsion spring to distribute this force more equally across the axle. It creates a levelling effect that keeps the vehicle body nearer the horizontal. However, the installation of such a solid connection between both sides of the vehicle’s suspension means that sudden jolts experienced on one side are often transmitted across to the other.

To help solve this issue, the Active Stabiliser Suspension system splits the stabiliser in two and houses each half inside a powerful actuator. The electric motors within this actuator then apply the necessary torque to each side independently to create an enhanced levelling effect without deteriorating ride comfort – outcomes that in normal circumstances are mutually exclusive.

Control level three: Roll Skyhook Control

In Eco, Normal and Sport S modes, the Active Stabiliser Suspension system focuses on suppressing body roll, creating a composed, natural and comfortable vehicle posture when cornering. However, turning the Drive Mode Select dial to Sport S+ enhances the system to operate with Roll Skyhook Control.

The rear Active Stabiliser Suspension actuator is located behind the rear cross member

While the active stabilisers are excellent at cancelling out body roll, stability can still be affected when driving over bumpy surfaces or hitting a pothole. Roll Skyhook Control, therefore, adds a valuable new dimension to the system by using a vertical G-force sensor to measure such sudden movements. This data allows the system to quantify the impact force and instantly suppress it by supplying a corresponding counterforce through the actuator on the stabiliser. The result is a sensation of being stabilised in mid-air as if the RX is hooked in the sky.

This combination of all three active chassis technologies is a world-first achievement for Lexus. It not only contributes to the responsiveness and agility of the 2020 Lexus RX, but it also improves passenger comfort and maintains each individual’s line of sight and body position when travelling over uneven road surfaces.

Safety

The latest version of Lexus Safety System+ provides additional protection to help prevent accidents, or lessen the consequence if the vehicle is involved in an impact. The Pre-Collision System’s functionality has been increased, with pedestrian detection by day and night and daytime detection of cyclists in the car’s path.

In a world-first, the F Sport and Takumi grade models are equipped with a BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System, which uses a rapidly rotating blade-shaped mirror to direct light from the LED headlamps. It provides finer and deeper automatic forward illumination, making it easier to see pedestrians on the road margins. It also operates with no risk of dazzling drivers of vehicles ahead.

2020 Lexus RX: specifications

The new RX is available in the UK in three equipment grades: RX with Premium Pack, F Sport and Takumi. The seven-seat RX L is offered in RX with Premium Pack and Takumi trims.

2020 Lexus RX: prices and options

All information is correct at the time of publishing