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LexusRX (2009-2015)

Medium/Large SUV
Full hybrid
Used only

£6,333Typical price

Test score

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The Lexus RX (2009-) is a 4x4 that is only available in hybrid form - the 246bhp RX450h - with no option to choose petrol or diesel. Its 3.5-litre petrol engine sits alongside a pair of electric motors, which Lexus says offer rapid performance and low CO2 emissions. But is it true - can its hybrid powertrain take the guilt out of 4x4 ownership? Read our full review to find out.

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What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable is the Lexus RX (2009 to 2015)?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
Jul 2009First reviewed by Which?
Jul 2009Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

6 Jun 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectiveness of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performance is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Car reliability 10-15 years

How we test car reliability 10-15 years

How reliable this car is, based on the real life feedback of current owners as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability

General
Class	Medium/Large SUV
Luxury	Yes
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£6,333 - £15,484
Fuel type	Full hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	35.8mpg
Length	4,770mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,885mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,130mm
Height	1,685mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	12.2 m
On sale date	03 July 2009
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£17.02

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	450h
Fuel type	Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	3.5-litre (299hp)
Transmission	CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Driven wheels	Four-wheel-drive (4WD)
Fuel tank capacity	65 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	17.02p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£87
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Medium
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	182
Official Euro emission level	Euro 5
Braked tow load (KG)	2000kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	15 December 2012
Test programme	2012-2016

Engine two
Engine and trim name	450h
Fuel	Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	3.5-litre (299hp)
Transmission	CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Driven wheels	Four-wheel-drive (4WD)
Fuel tank capacity	65 litres
Cost of filling tank	£87
Braked tow load (KG)	2000kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	26 October 2010
Car test programme	2001-2012

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LexusRX (2009-2015)

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