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All-New Lexus RX Debuts in Japan with 2-Liter Turbo and Hybrid Powertrains

On Friday, October 22, Lexus revealed the full range for the RX premium crossover in Japan. For the first time ever, the luxury best-seller is available with a 2-liter turbocharged engine, which it borrows from the smaller NX model.
2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h 37 photos
Photo: Lexus
2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h2016 Lexus RX 200t and RX 450h
As in Europe, the RX 200t serves as the entry-level model, being over one million yen cheaper than the RX 450h. It's available with both 2WD and AWD, matching a 6-speed automatic gearbox to a turbo engine that makes 238PS at 4,800rpm and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque from 1,650rpm. Prices start at 4,950,000 yen ($41,125), and you can also order this engine with the F Sport package.

The other powertrain available is a THSII hybrid drive with a reduction mechanism, although one that's significantly more powerful than the one used by the NX 300h. The new RX 450h model matches a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motors for a final output of 313PS, so it's a little more powerful than the old model.

That's probably a good thing too because this crossover SUV is a little bigger than the old one. With a body measuring 4890 × 1895 × 1710mm (total length × overall width × height), the new RX is 120mm longer than its predecessor and 20mm taller.

The design is similar to other new Lexus models, but there are a few talking points. For example, the 3-eye LED headlights now also have an arrow at the bottom, a trademark of their design only introduced in 2015. However, basic models come with a monocular projector type of LED headlight. Around the back, you may notice that the RX 200t models have one big exhaust tip on each side, while the 450h is pipe-less.

Version L high-spec models come with two 11.6-inch displays integrated into the back of the seats. A 4.2-inch color TFT is wedged between the instruments, and a large 12.3-inch screen is perched on top of the dashboard.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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