Lexus RX270 Reviews

Lexus RX has been a huge success for the upmarket Japanese marque since its launch in Australia in April 2003. More a high riding station wagon than a 4WD it has mild to medium off-road ability in its AWD versions, though very few owners ever take advantage of it. The introduction of the fourth generation RX series in

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the Lexus RX SUV with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its international launch.

We've bid bye-bye to the RX270 Lexus, a car we have grown to like for many reasons over three months and 7000km.

They still don't offer a diesel RX but Lexus reckons it covers that base with the hybrid model and now, a four cylinder petrol variant called the RX270. The latter is unashamedly aimed at urban SUV buyers as it's a front wheel drive model but features most of the kit on other RX models including a six-speed auto

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Truth be known, the Lexus RX270 is all you really need in the RX range of medium large SUVs. We would bet a week's wages, 99 per cent of RX owners simply never need all wheel drive. They might tow sometimes but their vehicles would not see anything dirtier than a gravel road to the hobby farm. So, why pay more when you don't need to?They still don't offer a diesel RX but Lexus reckons it covers that base with the hybrid model and this four cylinder petrol variant. The RX270  is unashamedly aimed at urban SUV buyers but features most of the kit on other RX models including a six-speed auto transmission with sequential shift mode.More buyers are discovering the advantages of two wheel drive SUVs and Lexus is in there kicking with its RX270 at an affordable $69,990. That's the lowest price the RX has been ever and just because it's (relatively) low priced doesn't mean cheap and boned-out. Far from it.The RX270 scores a swag of goodies expected in a Lexus - stylish dash, smooth leather, near silent operation, incredible reliability, even "badge power." When you think the top of the range RX450h at over 100 grand, this is a bargain. Looks the same, goes well, plenty of kit.Handy kit includes a reverse camera, a large format info/satnav screen with the SUNA traffic warning system, premium audio, auto tail gate operation, eight way adjustable front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, climate control and the excellent remote touch control system that's a bit like a computer mouse in the centre console.Lexus upgraded the RX lineup late last year introducing the family “spindle” grille as well as a host of under the skin improvements.All are palpable in the RX270 complete with its Toyota family sourced 2.7-litre, petrol four cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a six speed auto with sequential change mode. For tech heads, the engine is a "stroker' meaning the cylinder bore is smaller than the piston stroke which has benefits in terms of torque feel.It achieves 138kW/252Nm output but feels better than that thanks to appropriate gearing and various technical features to boost launch and mid range response. It does a great job of moving the 1950kg RX270. Once up and running, the vehicle adopts the expected Lexus level of smooth and quiet.We know Lexus has put its eggs in the hybrid basket but can't help feeling a good low emission 2.2-litre diesel with 500Nm and sub 7.0-litre economy would be the ideal set up for the RX 0- all of them. It would also put Lexus on a firmer footing with its main competition all of whom have turbo diesel power in their line-up.The look is different enough to take your eye especially from the front but is unmistakably a Lexus RX. Inside the leather clad interior is plenty of room for five passengers and their luggage capped off by a classy looking dash and switch gear and a new you beaut version of the already handy Remote Touch Control system.It is engineered to score a five star crash rating and boasts 10 airbags, stability control, a reinforced passenger cell and all the usual safety kit expected in a 2013 vehicle.We have chalked up quite a few kays in our RX270 because it's so comfy and a good size. Long trips are a breeze and there's no issue with luggage space for five. We have also achieved better than the claimed fuel economy dipping under the 10 mark on trips and just nudging over around town.Lexus stiffened the chassis on RX this time around giving a better platform for all the dynamic functions to work off. It rides and steers better and has a sporty feel though still comfy. The 18-inch wheels carry chunky, grippy rubber.The lack of all-wheel drive is irrelevant for potential buyers of this vehicle who will use it as a practical wagon for general duties while saving on purchase price and running costs.

...and what to watch for when you are buying it.Lexus cars are about comfort and refinement and the Lexus RX SUV leans very much in that direction and well away from the rugged off-road nature of its big brother the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX Series.The Lexus RX350 has significantly less ground clearance than the typical crossover. Which gives it road holding almost on par with that of a sedan or station wagon. While the Lexus RX350 does have all-wheel drive and can travel on dirt roads, forest trails and the like, taking it to the beach could leave it beached on its belly.Interior room is good for two adults and three junior travellers, but three adults in the back seats starts to stretch their friendship. It goes without saying that the choice of materials and the quality of fit and finish of cabin is immaculate in all models, and has been taken to even higher levels over the years. Boot space is reasonable considering the steep slope of the rear window, but most SUVs of this size give you more versatility when it comes to carrying boxy items. The rear seat has a handy 40/20/40 split to give you loading options.Australian buyers weren’t offered the chance to buy the first-generation Lexus RX300 as it was only sold in the USA. The second generation went on sale in this country in April 2003 as the RX330 (the numbers refer to the engine size in decilitres in most models, more about that later) and was a hit pretty well from the start.The third generation Lexus was introduced in February 2009 and, with a moderate facelift and the introduction of several new variants remains on sale today. The gen-three was virtually all-new, being longer and wider in the body than its predecessors and sitting on a longer wheelbase and wider track. The new model was designed to provide more interior space and even higher levels of interior comfort than before. It truly is a luxury wagon and the great majority of buyers use it that way.The twin-cam petrol engine V6 has a capacity of 3.0 litres in the 330 and 3.5 litres in the RX350. The third generation cars have noticeably lower fuel consumption without any loss of performance. The petrol engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission until the arrival of the all-new 2009 model saw it lifted to six-speed unit, which partly explains its lower fuel use.An interesting model is the petrol-electric hybrid RX. Sold since October 2006, it uses a 3.3-litre engine and an electric motor in combination. The hybrid’s model name breaks with convention by being tagged RX400h, that’s because Lexus reckons it has the performance that would be offered by a 4.0-litre petrol engine.A mid-life upgrade in July 2012 saw the introduction of an RX 2WD, four-cylinder model badged RX 270. Until then all RXs used 4WD and a V6 engine. The lighter weight of the 2WD model (which drives through the front wheels) means there is less loss in performance than you might expect. Naturally, it’s still a rarity on the used market but if you never plan any unsealed road driving its lower price may make it worth a wait.Lexus dealers are mainly in metropolitan areas of capital cities and major regional and country locations. Should you need work done in other areas some top Toyota mechanics have been trained in Lexus work. Service and repair costs are about average for an SUV in this upmarket class and we have heard of no real complaints about cost or availability of routine spare parts. Insurance charges don’t seem to vary significantly between major companies, but it may be worth shopping around.WHAT TO LOOK FORVery high build quality means that troubles are rare, but these are relatively complex machines and we highly recommend a professional inspection after you've completed yours to the best of your ability. If you find body damage indicating off-road use, a rarity, it’s most likely to be on the bumper corners, under the sill panels and in the form of scratches on the doors. Unless the price is right we suggest going for another RX instead.Look for a smoking exhaust on a high-mileage engine. It will be at its worst when the engine is worked hard. Check the automatic transmission is all but unnoticed in its actions unless you’re accelerating hard. Look over the interior and boot carefully because the RX is popular in the Mums’ taxi cohort.CAR BUYING TIPFaded paint on any vehicle, particularly those with strong colours, is likely to indicate it hasn’t been garaged very often. This can be hard on the interior as well as the body. 

Some vehicle mid-life facelifts are just that – a nip here, a tuck there and the model is freshened up for another two to three years. Not so with their-invented Lexus RX line which is more like a new model than a facelift, and it shows where it matters most - drivability.The mid-life upgrade has made significant improvement to the wagon's steering and handling as well as re-engineering to improve the popular SUV's chassis flex. There are also new F Sport variants available on the RX 350 and RX 450h models.Lexus also took the opportunity to launch an all-new RX to the Australian market - a 2WD, four-cylinder model badged RX 270 aimed at urban dwellers and families, hitting showroom floors at $69,990 complete with a bag full of fruit usually found in the options brochure.The RX line now has a stable of seven variants and puts Lexus in a good space to capitalise on the booming medium size SUV segment. Luxury SUVs now outsell luxury sedans and in 2012 to date medium size SUV sales are up a staggering 50 per cent compared to 2011.It may be the entry level model but the RX 270 comes well equipped including satellite navigation with traffic alert, reversing camera with guide assist, power tailgate, eight-way power seats, leather accented interior, smart entry and smart start, 12 speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and voice command, daytime running lamps, 18-inch alloys, and metallic paint.The 2.7-litre engine produces 138 kW of power at 5800 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm, and is no slouch. Under the skin Lexus has vastly improved the RX chassis. Twelve extra welding spots under the dash have vastly improved the stability and steering.In addition the F-Sport also gained extra bracing across the firewall, at the lower end of the front struts as well as across the rear bulkhead. These may sound insignificant, but have had a profound impact on the RX's handling and steering.The RX range gets an updated second-generation edition of the Lexus Remote Touch system – think of it as a mouse – which Lexus says it easier to access and use on-board media communications. Digital Audio - the coming technology mostly found in luxury vehicles - is also being offered across the range and widens the choice of stations as well improving sound clarity.The most significant exterior change is to the face – the first place buyers look – where the RX adopts the new corporate look that first appeared in the April 2012 release of the new GS models. The hallmark Lexus 'spindle' grille now graces the RX line with chrome surrounds and highlighted by new headlamps.The LED lights in arrowhead shape are quite striking and add aggression to the conservative design. It's a busy front end that may polarize opinions. As with other Lexus models the RX now gets an F Sport model that replaces the existing Prestige and Sport models.It has individual exterior styling including chrome 19 inch alloy wheels, F Sport badging and unique mesh grille inserts and is clearly aimed at a younger market. F Sport variants also feature black and grey leather-accented interior, alloy pedals and to push home the theme, F Sport-badged steering wheel.Safety equipment includes Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), stability control and, like the rest of the RX range, ten airbags.We were able to drive the RX 350 F Sport and the new RX 270 on winding roads, highways and some of Canberra's urban environment. Firstly, the F-Sport. It was not until we hit the tight bends that the realisation of just how much better the RX has become.The improved rigidity has ironed out a steering that was uncomfortable over undulating roads. It now feels solid and does not have the heavy feel of the older model. On the tight corners the RX 350 F Sport felt like it was on rails. We would compare this vehicle to any European SUV in this respect - something we would not have considered in the past from Lexus. The NVH (noise vibration harshness) is practically nonexistent. There is little outside noise intrusion into the cabin even at speed or under hard acceleration. If we had a compliant it is perhaps the front seats that need improved bolstering to cope with the F Sport's considerable handling ability.The RX 270 is a surprise package. It is as well balanced as the AWD RX models, but has a slightly firmer suspension. When pushed on uneven surfaces it also lacks the composure of the RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.

It’s good to see Lexus refining its designs and implementing a corporate identiy across the range. Latest to receive this treatment is the RX, medium size SUV, a vehicle that started out in the first locally delivered iteration looking like an eggmobile but it now looks posh and purposeful.The spindle grille is a defining feature of Lexus’ look but that’s not all that comes with the revamped RX. They’ve taken a knife to pricing as well as putting in more kit and there’s a new entry level  four cylinder, petrol front-wheel drive variant called the RX270.The range is essentially the 270 in one grade and  the petrol V6 RX350 and the hybrid RX450h also with a petrol V6 (Atkinson Cycle engine) and electric engine assist in three grades apiece- Luxury, F-Sport and Sports Luxury.Apart from spec’ adjustments, the two V6 models are pretty much the same underneath as the previous model with some tweaks here and there particularly to the dynamics and the steering as well as some chassis re-inforcement.The RX270 comes in at $69,900, the lowest priced RX ever while the 350 starts at $77,900 – a reduction of $5000 on the equivalent Prestige previous model. The RX450h starts at $82,900 – a $6500 saving on the previous model All have have been subtly enhanced in key areas over the previous model.But the 270 is a complete departure homing in on burgeoning "fronty" SUV sales as savvy buyers realise they don’t need all the usual fourbie/bigger engine trappings of a more traditional  SUV. Particularly if it’s going to be used predominantly around town as a family hack – a 'fat wagon' for want of a better description.This is a completely new drivetrain for Lexus emanating from some US model we have never heard of in the Toyota family. The engine is designated 1AR-FE And no, this is  not the same donk as the earlier Prado four or the Hilux ute from aeons ago.It’s an all aluminium,  2.7-litre, dual VVTi, (variable valve timing) four pot with a maximum 138kW/252Nm output – on regular unleaded fuel. Twin contra-rotating balance shafts keep it smooth and silent most of the time and it’s allegedly capable of returning 9.7-litres/100km. Low friction technologies are used inside including a three stage oil pump and low tension piston rings and auxilliary drive belt.An acoustic control system brings noise levels down into Lexus-land. But it misses out on highly efficient direct fuel injection that is becoming increasingly common in the Lexus lineup. A six-speed automatic transmission puts drive to the front wheels only.The 270 is specified to Luxury level with generous standard equipment including DAB digital radio, SUNA traffic update satnav and a large format reverse camera with park assist – as standard.Other goodies designed to make life easier include a power tailgate, eight way power front seats, leather upholstery, smart entry and smart start, premium audio, the latest Bluetooth 2.0 phone and audio with voice control , daytime running lights and electric steering wheel adjust.More welds in key areas have stiffened the chassis helping steering feel and ride control. There’s more metal behind the dash while the RX retains a large footprint on the road and relatively low centre of gravity despite its height. Though not available on the RX270, F-Sport spec’ brings performance dampers into the equation . Lexus is looking at making elements of F-Sport available on the 270.They made numerous minor changes on this mid-model makeover including a new front "mask", bumpers at both ends, badging , tail lights and other minor body hardware changes. Something similar has been effected inside with some emphasis put on easier operation. The overall interior look is typical Lexus-classy but they still insist on making satnav inputs available only when the car is stopped. Inside, the latest RX is similar in most respects to the previous model.This was a surprise on a number of counts – available performance, the sound of a four banger in an RX, the quiet running in cruise mode, the silky auto and the overall feel of the vehicle simply driving along.It’s not as sharp as the RX350 F-Sport we drove earlier on but still has that RX appeal – big, safe, prestigious, quality. It will fill the bill as a mum or dad bus taking the fam’ all over town and then capably back up on trips away as long as you stay on the black top and don’t overload it or expect to tow a big trailer.The ride is a good compromise and there is no cringe in standard equipment which rates as generous – pretty much the same as the V6 cars. It might seem incongruous to bring in a four pot RX but buyers are becoming more pragmatic and why should they buy something they really don’t need.

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.