c5bob

Yesterday my car was parked in diagonal slot at Publix. While I was in the store a huge van parked on the driver side, which effectively made it impossible to see any incoming cars while I was backing out of the parking place. I eased back and got a chime from the "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" followed by my car immediately braking to a stop as a truck rocketed past the back of my car. Whew! Had I continued to back out the truck would certainly have hit my RX.

I am so impressed and thankful that Lexus has added this feature to the safety package. This car is the most technologically advanced car I have ever seen. I have owned a 2007 RX450 and a 2010 RX350. The 2017 is so much more car in every way that there is no comparison. I could not be happier!

aznkorboi

sweet! My foot is always on the brake ready to smash it if I hear that beep sound or see a car.

skiracer

I know of the beeps when rear cross traffic is approaching, but wasn't aware the car will brake itself. Good to know!

aznkorboi

Only works with 2017!!! FYI It was new on the 2017 models.

Ours just beeps!

Darith

Great story. It's so weird how unconfident I feel when driving other cars without these safety features. These safety features should be made required by law in all cars.

skiracer

Damn wish i had that feature. Time to trade in the car. J/k

daryll40

I did just that. Traded a 2016RX for a 2017 with the safety stuff. I decided that my biggest non-health risk in life was driving. Cost me about $10,000 to trade up, but about $6000 of that would have happened anyway in my normal 3 year trade cycle. So for $4000 this was a no-brainer

ggebhardt

Added the 2017 450h to our garage and have no regrets. Nice to know that Lexus is constantly improving the safety features.

yang88she

FYI it is the ICS intelligent clearance sonar that does the braking for the front or back of the car the RCTA is just the audible alert.

It is one of my favorite features, and goes to show that people drive way too fast in a grocery parking lot. Makes me incredibly nervous when I have my kids with me.

c5bob

Yang88she - Thanks for the actual system information! Makes sense . . .

azinn

Just another reason I'm glad I waited for the 2017 model.

tdjacw

Is that feature on all 2017 RX models, I have the middle package and wasn't aware it would do that.

daryll40

I think this rear braking is NOT standard. My car has a $1065 option package titled as follows:

Blind Spot Monitor, Intuitive Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Automatic Braking.


This would clearly imply that none of that is part of the Lexus Safety System +, which is listed on the left side of the window sticker as standard equipment then sub-detailing all the stuff that includes..and it does NOT include the stuff in the $1065 option package above.

azinn

Per Lexus website................................................

To help you change lanes with confidence, the available Blind Spot Monitor is designed to detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. For added peace of mind, its Rear Cross-Traffic Braking system can help you when backing out of a parking space by notifying you of vehicles approaching from either side. And, if it senses a potential collision, can automatically brake your vehicle to a stop.
STANDARD ON: RX 450h F SPORT, RX 450h
OPTIONAL ON: RX 350 F SPORT, RX 350

daryll40

"And if it senses a potential collision, can automatically brake your vehicle to a stop". Is the work "CAN" just legalese for "WILL" or "SHOULD"? Using "CAN" implies that there is some setting required to make this happen. Or that the car might stop and it might not. Yes, I'm nitpicking here a little but it would seem that there IS some wiggle room to whether you can expect/have confidence the vehicle to stop or not.