It’s no accident that the Lexus RX series is the company’s cash cow. It hits the sweet spot between luxury, performance and reliability that makes it a perennial favorite for the Van Nuys drivers served by Keyes Lexus. Now that the 2017 Lexus RX is available, here’s what to look forward to when you visit us.
Lexus RX Legacy Features
The 2016 Lexus RX was extensively redesigned. Because of that, we expected (and got) minimal changes for 2017. The powertrain options (V-6 engines of varying displacements coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, except in the hybrid, which has a CVT), interior and exterior design, and many of the vehicle’s features, carry over unchanged from one year to the next.
Lexus RX Trim Levels
The Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 450h hybrid, and Lexus RX 450 F Sport (with sport suspension and a different transmission algorithm) each carry over from 2016. New for 2017 is the 2017 Lexus RX 200t (with its smaller, lighter turbocharged engine). Unfortunately, it’s only available in Asia and the EU.
New for 2017
The FWD version of the Lexus RX 450h has been discontinued. However, the biggest change is that the 2017 Lexus RX series includes more safety features — lane departure warning with steering assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams — as standard equipment. There’s also a new Scout GPS Link app that feeds your smartphone’s navigation through the Lexus Enform infotainment system.
Which should you buy? Given that this year’s version of the Lexus RX shares so much with the version it’s replacing, it might be tempting to opt for a 2016 model. On the other hand, the added safety features alone make the 2017 Lexus RX a compelling buy, and even more competitive in an increasingly crowded segment. Come to Keyes Lexus at 5905 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys, CA to compare both model years and arrange a test drive of a new Lexus SUV today.
