Mark Your Calendars: Lexus Unveiling the new RX on May 31!

Will the rumors be true? Will Lexus announce an RX 500h with more than 450 hp as the next F Sport Performance model?

It’s been an exciting year for Lexus crossover and SUV customers with updates across various product lines. We’ve toured multiple LX trim levels. Driven the all-new NX and UX. And today Lexus confirmed the launch date for the company’s best-selling RX crossover as Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 8pm (Eastern). To watch the event, there will likely be a YouTube stream established closer to the launch. But you can also bookmark and head over to https://www.lexus.com/newRX.

So what can we expect in the new RX?

Let’s start with the fun stuff. As reported earlier this year, rumors suggest that Lexus may drop the V6 option and add an RX 500h model with over 450 horsepower from a hybrid incarnation of the 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder, which could be a lot of fun. There’s also talk that this more powerful 500h could be the next F Sport Performance model. And given our time in the NX, the 2.4L turbo as the ‘core’ RX engine makes sense. Still, Toyota just announced that they’re keeping the V6 for the 2023 Camry, so I wouldn’t count it out.

Otherwise, one should expect more refinement and technology in the new RX. Revised grilles. The new LEXUS logo (in place of a badge) on the rear tailgate. Wrap-around rear lighting. Triple-beam front LED headlights. The new Lexus Interface infotainment system with the optional big screen. Adaptive suspensions on F Sport models. Optional Mark Levinson sound systems with as many speakers as they can stuff into the cabin. A base model that’s less-powered and front-wheel-drive only. And mid to higher trims with all-wheel-drive.

So, as with any refresh, we should expect some carryover in terms of features and design language with a few new bold updates designed to capture our hearts (and wallets). Stay tuned for more!

Excited about the new RX?
Join the discussion HERE in the forum!

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.