This bulletproof Lexus luxury SUV now costs less than a base Toyota RAV4

With new SUV costs persevering with to climb, even mainstream household crossovers now carry value tags that had been as soon as reserved for luxurious autos. That has made the used market more and more engaging, particularly for consumers who worth consolation, refinement, and long-term reliability over having the newest know-how.

One standout instance is a well-kept luxurious SUV that may now be discovered for lower than the value of a brand new Toyota RAV4. It delivers a quieter cabin, higher-quality supplies, and the reliable possession expertise the model is thought for, making it one of many strongest worth propositions within the used luxurious market immediately.

For lower than $30,000, you will get a 2019 Lexus RX

Tons of luxurious for lower than a RAV4

With the value of recent automobiles persevering with to climb yearly, an increasing number of consumers are beginning to shift to the used market. The RAV4 has historically been the go-to possibility for these searching for a easy household SUV, however even it now prices over $30,000 to start out. For that form of cash, you may as an alternative go for a real luxurious possibility that provides the identical form of practicality and reliability.

2019 Lexus RX 350 trims and pricing

Mannequin	Common record value
Base	$29,752
F Sport	$31,120

A brand-new Toyota RAV4 begins at $31,900, excluding vacation spot costs, and that’s for the bottom mannequin. If you happen to’re not too bothered by the concept of taking a slight step again tech-wise, then you may simply get a well-cared-for instance of a 2019 Lexus RX for lower than that. The upside is that in nearly each approach, the RX seems like a way more upscale automobile. It additionally would not include the identical downsides that a whole lot of different luxurious SUVs do, with its status for reliability being robust and its upkeep prices being comparatively low. Thanks to how popular it is, there are additionally loads of examples available on the market, so you may store round.

We predict that searching for an F Sport mannequin is the best way to go. For the small soar in value, you get numerous tools, and it’s nonetheless cheaper on common than a brand new RAV4. F Sport fashions include leather-based upholstery, extra closely bolstered seats, an adaptive suspension system, and a ton of aesthetic parts that assist make it look a bit of extra aggressive, together with 20-inch wheels. We would additionally search for a mannequin outfitted with the non-compulsory Navigation bundle, as you get a bigger infotainment display screen, in-dash navigation, and a 12-speaker sound system.

Reliability and upkeep

• Reliability rating: 85/100 (J.D. Energy)
• Common annual upkeep prices: $550 (RepairPal)
• Common 10-year upkeep prices: $7,840 (CarEdge)

Lexus has a fantastic reputation for reliability, and the 2019 RX undoubtedly lives as much as it. House owners report only a few points, notably with this mannequin yr. Upkeep prices are additionally a lot decrease than common. CarEdge estimates that the RX prices $6,515 lower than the typical luxurious SUV to take care of in its first ten years on the street.

Inside, the 2019 Lexus RX is straightforward however exceptionally comfy

Plush and sensible

Choosing a 2019 Lexus RX over a brand new RAV4 clearly means you are making some tradeoffs. Whilst you could also be making some sacrifices so far as fashionable know-how goes, you are getting a way more refined cabin constructed with high-quality supplies. There are additionally loads of us that want the straightforward, conventional design of luxurious automobiles like this in comparison with the overly advanced route fashionable luxurious automobiles are going.

Inside dimensions and luxury

Entrance row headroom	39.4 inches
Entrance row legroom	44.1 inches
Second row headroom	39.1 inches
Second row legroom	38 inches
Cargo capability	18.4 cubic ft

The RX is a fairly sensible and comfy alternative. These up entrance will discover that they’ve a ton of area to stretch out, with extra legroom on provide than you’d anticipate. Even tall adults will even really feel fairly comfy within the again, with loads of headroom and legroom on provide. Whereas the cargo space is not fairly as spectacular as some fashionable SUVs, there’s nonetheless sufficient room within the trunk for a few suitcases or a big grocery haul.

By way of design, the inside of the RX is not precisely daring, but it still feels exceptionally upscale. Very nice supplies are used all through, from leather-based to textured steel or wooden protecting most surfaces. The seats are additionally exceptionally comfy, even should you stick to the bottom mannequin. There are tons of luxuries on provide as nicely, together with a moonroof, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and ambient inside lighting.

Infotainment and know-how

The infotainment system right here is, admittedly, one of many weak factors of the 2019 RX. It is not the simplest to make use of, due to the awkward mouse-like controller close to the shifter. It additionally would not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which may be a deal-breaker for some.

The usual infotainment show is an eight-inch display screen, however fashions might be optioned with a 12.3-inch unit as an alternative. As talked about, this display screen was accessible as a part of the Navigation bundle, which additionally provides in-dash navigation and a 12-speaker sound system. A nine-speaker sound system is commonplace.

Different fascinating choices to be looking out for embrace a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a rear-seat leisure system with wi-fi headphones and twin 11.6-inch screens.

It might not be thrilling, however the experience high quality of the RX is phenomenal

Lexus does consolation like nobody else

Credit score: Lexus

Quite a lot of different luxurious automakers goal for a steadiness of efficiency and luxury, which may generally make plush SUVs really feel a bit of compromised. Lexus leans absolutely into the consolation angle, and we predict it pays off fairly nicely within the 2019 RX. Whereas it is not precisely an thrilling automotive to drive, it can get you the place you are going easily and with none hiccups.

2019 Lexus RX efficiency

Base Trim Engine

3.5L V6 Gasoline

Base Trim Transmission

8-Pace Automated

Base Trim Drivetrain

Entrance-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

295 hp

Base Trim Torque

267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Gasoline Financial system

20/28 MPG

Make

Lexus

Mannequin

RX

Phase

Midsize Luxurious SUV

The 2019 RX 350 comes outfitted with a fairly stout V-6 underneath the hood. Whereas it is not probably the most highly effective, it does make a fairly first rate 295 horsepower. It has additionally confirmed itself to be exceptionally reliable. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace, however all-wheel drive is non-compulsory throughout the board. Each mannequin additionally comes outfitted with a comparatively easy eight-speed automated transmission.

Getting as much as 60 miles per hour from a standstill within the RX takes 6.9 seconds, which is affordable even by immediately’s requirements. Past its acceleration, each different facet of the Lexus feels relaxed. Steering is gentle and uncommunicative and dealing with is common. Nonetheless, the experience high quality within the RX is class main, and it does a implausible job of holding noise out of the cabin.

The 2019 Lexus RX delivers conventional luxurious at a mainstream value

Whereas some will want the trendy tech options that you just get within the new RAV4, we predict there are a whole lot of consumers on the market which are after one thing a bit of extra conventional and a bit extra strong. You additionally do not need to make sacrifices so far as reliability or upkeep prices are involved. Extra importantly, it will not price you any additional, and you can discover a fairly well-equipped RX for a similar value as a brand new RAV4. For those who worth consolation over tech-focused gimmicks, it affords some actually robust worth.