The Lexus RX came to life as a compact luxury SUV in 1998, and four generations of the soft-roader have seen it grow to mid-size status, gaining followers for its versatility and luxury sedan-like comfort, raising it to a No.1-sales ranking in the luxury SUV niche.

The current (fourth) generation started for the 2016 model year, and Lexus RX has undergone a re freshening for 2020 starting with new exterior styling and technology applications including Android Auto integration in addition to in-car connected technology applications from Apple CarPlay® and Amazon. Additionally the 2020 RX employs enhanced driving dynamics, improved steering response for smoother ride, has revised front and rear styling, enhanced handling and increased available safety features.

The 2020 Lexus RX350 comes in FWD, AWD, five-passenger or seven-passenger configuration and also in a Sport trim, and the 450h version is a gas-electric Hybrid available in 4WD in five- or seven-passenger styles. I tested the RX350 and it was loaded to overflowing with tech, convenience connectivity and safety items.

Reinvigorated and refined for 2020, Lexus RX 350 comes at you with its signature grille, and an elaborate look based on an L-motif. Each individual block has a different shape and angle to create a varying form that balances a strong yet elegant image. The hand-drawn angles of the grille surround are also echoed at each corner of the bumper to smooth the visual flow. The luxury crossover receives several changes designed to enhance the driving dynamics across the lineup. Both the front and rear stabilizer bars are now hollow to reduce weight, yet their thicker diameters and reinforced bushings help reduce body roll and improve steering response. The shock absorbers have been re-tuned to work with the stiffer roll bars, while upgraded dampers feature a new friction control device that helps to control high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.

The elegantly sculpted 4387-lb. (for the AWD) RX350 is constructed of unitized steel and aluminum, and measures 192.5 inches long, 74.6 inches wide and 67.7 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase.  Ground clearance is 8.2 inches and maximum towing capacity is 3500 lbs.

The RX350’s power set-up remains as it was last year -- a Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine, coupled with an 8-speed Automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission. The system is rated at 295 hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the transmission, with “intelligence”, accelerates in car-like fashion. Behind the wheel and in the seats, RX350 smoothly glides uphill and in passing maneuvers. Responding well from a stop, my test RX350 completed a zero-to-60mph run in 7.9 seconds during a 16.2-second quarter-mile. EPA rated at 19mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg/overall for the AWD configuration, my test RX350 averaged 22.3mpg in mixed-use tests.

The refined 2020 Lexus RX suspension design and newly added active corner braking helps prevent understeering by braking the inner wheel and providing more stability to the vehicle handling. Additional rigidity was achieved through additional spot welds and adhesive. The RX 350’s electric power rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist was often vague, but acceptable. Inside, for driver and passengers, the experience was as smooth as one would expect in a luxury vehicle. The all-wheel-drive set-up worked as expected and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and the rear double wishbone, smoothed out most road irregularities.

The cabin is generously packed with intuitive, luxurious and high-tech conveniences. With seating for 5, interior dimensions are comfortable at 39.4 inches up front and 39.1 in the rear; legroom is 44.1 inches in row one and 38.0 inches in row two; and shoulder room is 57.8 and 57.6.

Abundant safety items include Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, a Backup Camera and 10-Airbag System.

The base 2020 Lexus RX 350 starts at $44,150 in front-wheel drive and $45,550 in all-wheel drive. The seven-passenger 350L is priced at $47,300 for FWD and $48,700 for AWD; the dynamic sport-tuned RX 350F Sport starts at $47,950 (FWD) and $49,350 (AWD). If you go up to the 450h (gas-electric Hybrid) in AWD, pricing starts at $46,800, with $50,600 for the 450h Sport and $50,510 for the 450hL.

My all-wheel-drive test RX 350 AWD in Atomic Silver with a Parchment NuLuxe® and Striated Black trim interior. A power moonroof with roof rails was added for $1350. The $3365 Navigation/Mark Levinson® Package was added with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, Navigation System, 12.3-inch color multimedia display, in-dash DVD/CD player, Lexus Enform App Suite, remote touch and climate control smog sensor; the Premium Package was added for $800, with Matte Walnut interior wood trim, power-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors and the Lexus Memory System. A color Heads up display cost $600; heated and ventilated front seats were $640; a heated leather–trimmed steering wheel was $150; a power rear door kick sensor was $150; a panoramic blind-spot monitor with rear-cross-traffic and braking was added for $1865. Mud guards were $155; door edge guards were $140; and running boards were $640. With the delivery and processing fee of $1025, my test 2020 all-wheel-drive Lexus RX350 stickered at $56,430.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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