A light update and a returning special edition will keep the RX moving swiftly.
The strong selling Lexus RX crossover has been updated for the 2022 model year. It gets a few new colors for both its standard and F Sport models and fog lights are now a standalone option for all grades. Lexus also refreshed the Black Line packages for the new year. The 3.5-liter V6 stays in both the regular and hybrid models.
Let’s start with the Black Line. The returning trim will be offered on just 2,500 models this year, split between the Lexus RX 350 (2,100) and RX 450h (400). They’ll be based on the Premium Package and come in either Caviar or Eminent White Pearl.
The Black Line comes with black 20-inch wheels and lug nuts, a black Lexus spindle grille, black mirrors and a black lower front bumper. In back it also gets a black nameplate in the lower right of the rear door. Inside, buyers will get black open-pore wood trim and light gray stitching on black seats. It continues through the interior on the console, shift boot, steering wheel and the upper instrument panel.
The floormats, cargo mat and key carrier are black too, and the special editions also get the Lexus Memory System for power driver’s seat, outside rearview mirror and steering wheel. The RX 350 Black Line starts at $49,450 while the RX 450h Black Line has an MSRP of $52,150.
The whole line was refreshed in 2020, hence the rest of the changes are minimal. That last update brought us lighter weight and stronger suspension components for a smoother ride. It also added the active corner braking function that slows the inner wheel to provide more stability in turns.
For 2022, the F Sport edition is split into a base package and a handling package (which used to be called performance package). Both include a special shift knob and steering wheel, pedals, bumpers, grilles, badges, front seats, and 20-inch wheels. They also both get performance shocks, LED ambient lighting and a few other tweaks. The optional handling package adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Electric Power Steering (EPS) sport steering, moonroof and heated/ventilated seats.
Both RXs will come with the company’s tried and true 3.5-liter V6. In the RX 350, it’ll make 295 hp and in the RX 450h, it will combine with three electric motors for 308 total hp. The RX 350 gets a standard eight-speed automatic; the 450h has an eCVT.
There’s no mention of the company’s new Lexus Interface infotainment system for the RX (it comes first in the NX), but buyers will continue with a choice of 8- or 12.3-inch screens, six USB ports, voice control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RX also comes integrated with Amazon Alexa, and all the functions it offers.
All of the expected safety feature will be included, consisting of road sign assistance, lane tracing assist, pre-collision braking, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The 2022 Lexus RX 350 starts at $46,395. All-wheel drive adds $1,400 to the base price. The RX 450h starts at $49,905.
