A mid-cycle refresh is on the way for Lexus’ mid-range crossover SUV. The 2020 Lexus RX 350 will present the new features and cosmetic surgeries. It is the biggest update in five years, and all fans of the premium brand will be eager to see what changes could it be. According to early info, front fascia will take the most updates. Also, the hybrid engine is now more efficient. The 450h version can deliver more miles and power. Finally, a revisit of the 2020 Lexus RX 350L extended model will create more space for passengers.
What’s more, we have an F Sport, the most popular version. With special tuning and a few new parts, the ride on this model is going to be even smoother and sportier. Towing capacity for the Lexus RX 350 remains the same, while mentioned L trim level is adding more cargo space. With all updates, we will see the more interesting 2020 Lexus RX 350 vs 2020 Acura MDX battle.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Release Date, Price, Competition
The new 2020 Lexus RX 350 is not confirmed yet. So, we don’t know too much about the release date. Toyota, the parent company, will monitor moves by Honda and Acura, as major rivals. However, other companies are in the market as well. Besides MDX, rivals of the RX 350 are also Infiniti QX60, Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5, and Lincoln Nautilus. All these vehicles won’t be available before the last quarter of 2019. So, we will monitor the situation in the next couple of months.
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 and all its versions belong to the premium market. The cheapest SUV you will buy is not going to cost under $45,000. With some upgrades, the price will go over $50,000. F Sport is the most popular and the most expensive version. Buyers can also choose extended 2020 Lexus RX 350L or 2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid model. Longer-bodied SUV will cost $50,000, and hybrid around $48,000. If you add F Sport package to these, you will have to pay about $2,000, and $1,500 costs the AWD configuration.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Specs
Under the hood of the 2020 Lexus RX 350, there is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Different models require special treatment. Starting from the base setup, the SUV can produce 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. An extended RX 350L version produces 5 horsepower fewer than the standard model. It is also heavier, so its fuel economy numbers are dropping by 1 mpg in each section.
Buyers can choose between
2020 Lexus RX 450h Engine
When you upgrade the RX 350 with a hybrid engine, you will get the 2020 Lexus RX 450h model. It uses the same 3.5-l V6 as the base for the hybrid configuration. Additionally, there is a 123 kW electric motor to boost the power output. Total horsepower rating for this setup is 308 hp, either for standard or 450hL model. Also, the hybrid is able to deliver 247 pound-feet of torque. Gas mileage drops for the long model. It delivers 29/28 mpg for city/highway drive. An FWD version makes 31 mpg in urban areas. Hybrid setup does not affect the towing capacity. It remains 3,500 pounds.
2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport
As its name says, this SUV brings sportier ride thanks to few upgrades. Different configuration of brakes, suspension, and shocks will make it easier to maneuver. Also, the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport will add few details to make the SUV more aggressive. For example, a revisit of the grille is a bull’s eye hit by designers. Also, they are preparing new unique paint jobs. Skid plates and headlights design will make the F Sport different visually from the standard offer. Dimensions are the same. Special 20-inch wheels are the offer here. And the best thing of all – for all these upgrades, buyers will pay only about $5,000.
2020 Lexus RX 350 vs 2020 Acura MDX
From all mentioned SUVs, the 2020 Lexus RX 350 will have the biggest rival in 2020 Acura MDX. There are a lot of similarities between these two, so personal preferences of each buyer will be decisive. Both SUVs are using a 3.5-liter engine with similar specifications. An F Sport model boosts chances for Lexus RX. On the other hand, hybrids are again a no advantage for either model, since we have again a tiebreaker. Comfort, driving, and other segments won’t make too many differences if you are not a fan of either vehicle.
Too bad a redesign of the Lexus SUV doesn’t include a redesign of that hideous grill. It’s the only reason I haven’t bought another Lexus and have started looking at alternatives. Otherwise it was the best car I’ve ever owned!
I agree – garish front end- really ugly.
I agree totally! The RX I owned was my favorite vehicle ever.. I bought the 2019 BMW X5 because of the ugly exterior of the new RX, but I am missing the Lexus brand badly. BMW has too many glitches. Please Lexus go back to elegant styling for the RX. Save the aggressive look for the sports cars.
Hate the new UGLY grill !!! That stoped me from buying the new 2019 ! I have always loved
Lexus and wanted to go back to this make !!! Bet your sales for new Lexus’ would blossom
If you changed that aweful grill.
At least I am consistent !!! ( at 88 ! )
Please listen to this feedback Lexus, Lexus IS my very favorite car/brand: I want to buy a new 350 but won’t until you change the front grill/ design. PLEASE!,,,,,,,
I totally agree about the ‘guppy mouth’ grill Toyota seems to enamored with for all of it’s high end lines of cars from the Toyota brand through Lexus.
That is what has discouraged me from purchasing the RX.
I have the standard grill, and think it is classy, I have to get a new one in Jan,2020, but I want Autumn Shimmer which I understand is discontinued, my rx350 is a great car and when it is in the sunshine that gold fleck really makes my car stand out, I may have to keep my car if I can’t get my color.
It’s weird, the MDX used to be boxy, with hard edges, while the RX350 used to have smooth edges all over. The RX was definitely more elegant, in my opinion. Now the two swapped styles. The MDX has no sharp edges while the RX350 has a ton of them. The MDX now looks way more elegant. The RX350 re-design was a disappointment. I am hopeful that Lexus will regain its senses over this car.