2011 Lexus RX Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 Lexus RX provides the expected comfort, refinement and space, but now adds better handling, a classier cabin and more equipment. And for the first time, there will be no Toyota Harrier stealing its lustre.

2011 Lexus RX quick specs

Body Style	SUV
Class	Large Luxury Utility
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Lexus RX ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

From generation to generation, Lexus has been evolving the RX's appearance. And the 2011 Lexus RX looks much sharper compared to the first-generation RX, but other than the sleeker front and rear end, and more sculpted lines, there is precious little to differentiate it from the just-discontinued, second-generation Lexus RX. The roofline and tailgate all look too familiar. Then again, with the Lexus RX selling like hot cakes around the world, what reason is there to mess with the instantly recognisable, understated styling?

Handling

The previous Lexus RX's chassis has been carried forward, with a major change being the use of double wishbone rear suspension layout in place of the previous MacPherson struts. On the roads, Lexus's efforts on improving the RX's dynamics are apparent, if still insufficient. For a start, the 2011 Lexus RX feels more composed through corners, exhibiting minimal body lean in the process. The steering is well-weighted, decent in feedback and linear in response. That said, the 2011 Lexus RX is neither as entertaining nor as involving as class-leaders BMW X5/X6 and Porsche Cayenne.

Comfort

The suspension tackles most surface imperfections with ease. But the ride can lose composure when going over rougher, more bumpy roads. Cruising refinement is good by SUV standards, but road and wind noise are noticeable, though hardly intrusive. The high driving position brings a commanding view of the road ahead, while the two-way adjustable steering and eight-way adjustable front seats are fully electric. The controls are fairly easy to use, and the trip computer allows some personalisation as well.

Quality + Reliability

Like in any other Lexus, the RX's cabin feels very well-made. The fit-and-finish are exemplary as expected. And materials feel premium to touch and look at. Unlike in the previous Lexus RX, the switchgear does not look uncomfortably familiar to Toyota's. The switchgear now looks more upmarket, and operates with absolute precision and slickness. Lexus models, if anything, would receive even more factory testing and checking than Toyota models, so the 2011 Lexus RX should run trouble-free for years on end.

Performance

The 3.5-litre V6 engine has been carried over from before, but some reworking has increased the power output marginally. Having 273 bhp at 6200 rpm and 346 Nm at 4700 rpm, and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 engine has plenty of punch for anything from overtaking maneuvers to high-speed cruising. And of course, the drivetrain refinement is excellent, with vibration-free acceleration and silky smooth gearshifts.

Roominess

The 2011 Lexus RX is bigger than its predecessor in every direction, but surprisingly the interior room is about the same as before—which means excellent legroom for the front, and decent legroom for the rear. Headroom is abundant both front and rear. The rear floor is flat, which is good, but it is also high relative to the rear seats, which means taller passengers will find under-thigh support lacking as a result. Cabin storage compartments are everywhere to be found, and the boot is usefully shaped and sized. For additional versatility, the rear seats can slide, recline and 40/20/40 split-fold.

Running Costs

The official fuel economy stands at 9.4 km/litre, but our test drive returned a figure in the region of 8.0 km/litre. To attain the official figure would need more driving in the Eco mode we suspect. Servicing and repairs will be costly, but the same can be said for other luxury brands. The Lexus brand is both reliable and desirable, which would translate into strong residual values for the 2011 Lexus RX. The absence of an equivalent Toyota Harrier will also give the Lexus RX's resale values a major boost.

Value for Money

Looks aside, the 2011 Lexus RX feels like a better car than its predecessor in more ways than one: it is more sure-footed on the roads, and the cabin feels more premium. With lesser depreciation, the Lexus RX should be cheaper to run, too. Not to mention the higher equipment level. Some areas are basically unchanged: the Lexus RX is at least as comfortable, refined and roomy as before, and the on-road performance still feels strong despite the weight increase. Overall, the 2011 Lexus RX represents great value against large premium SUV rivals. And without an equivalent Toyota Harrier for this generation of the Lexus RX, exclusivity is yet another plus.

Equipment

Standard items include 18" alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, rain sensor, sunroof/moonroof, leather upholstery, steering wheel controls, OLED display, Eco mode driving indicator, cruise control, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, 6-disc CD/AM/FM/MP3/WMA audio system with 9 speakers and AUX input, and 8-way adjustable front seats. Safety equipments include 10 airbags, seatbelt pretensioners for all seats, and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which manages everything from stability to traction and braking controls.

Environment

The 3.5-litre V6 is reasonable in terms of consumption and emissions by standards of similarly-sized engines. The presence of the environmentally-friendly Eco mode might encourage drivers to be gentler with the throttle, but in truth, nothing can change the fact that the 2011 Lexus RX is a large, heavy and thirsty SUV that carries only five.

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2011 Lexus RX Review

2011 Lexus RX at a glance