The Nürburgring Nordschleife is typically associated with sports cars, exotics, and track-focused hatchbacks rather than conventional family SUVs. For the latest updates to its popular RX, however, Lexus used the renowned German circuit as part of its development work.
Lexus used its Nürburgring facility to refine the RX’s chassis, with the changes aimed at improving both stability and ride comfort. The automaker says the circuit’s bumps, elevation changes, and uneven surfaces made it an effective setting for fine-tuning the updates.
The revisions are also intended to give the RX more linear, natural-feeling dynamics. That may not be a priority for most RX buyers, but it is welcome news for driving enthusiasts.
The RX receives several smaller updates as well. New infrared-cut front door glass offers improved heat rejection, while the brake hold system now includes a memory function. RX350 and RX350h models gain a digital rearview mirror, and front and rear dashcams are now standard.
Japan-only for now
For the moment, Lexus has announced the updated RX only for Japan and has not said when the changes might reach other markets.
Japan’s range starts with the RX350 L, which uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is priced from ¥7,040,000 ($44,600) with two-wheel drive or ¥7,450,000 ($47,200) with all-wheel drive. The RX350 F Sport sits above it and comes with all-wheel drive, starting at ¥7,510,000 ($47,600). Each of these three versions produces 275 hp and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque.
The RX350h sits above the standard RX350 in Japan and combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It produces 246 hp and 233 lb-ft (316 Nm), with prices beginning at ¥8,000,000 ($50,700) for front-wheel drive and ¥8,510,000 ($53,900) for all-wheel drive. The RX450+ uses an upgraded 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain producing a combined 304 hp and starts at ¥9,130,000 ($57,800). At the top of the Japanese lineup, the RX500h pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm), and is priced from ¥9,290,000 ($58,800).
Lexus has introduced a series of updates for the 2027 RX in Japan, including chassis refinements developed at the Nürburgring, improved ride comfort, and more natural handling. The SUV also gains heat-rejecting front door glass, brake-hold memory, a digital rearview mirror on selected models, and standard dashcams. Japan’s lineup spans RX350, RX350h, RX450+, and RX500h variants.
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