only the 450h need to trim the under panel.

 

The Curt #13272 will fit.

 

Any Canadians here with the 2020 RX higher trims that have towed? I just checked the Lexus Canada website for the 2020 RX and it seems that the F Sport 2/3 and Executive packages have "towing capability removed". Wondering if this means that it just doesn't have the tow prep package inclusions or if it means that the wiring will be a mess.

 

It may be because of the adaptive suspension rather than because of wiring.

 

Lexus indeed claims that the car isn't tow capable because of the suspension.

"We would like to confirm that your 2020 Lexus RX 350 does not have towing capability, as the towing hitch is not compatible with the front and rear performance dampers, equipped as part of the F-Sport Series 3 Package."

I checked my car and the plug for the wiring harness seems to be there although I'll need to test if it's fully functional for the wiring harness. Lexus's explanation confuses me as I thought the US spec F-Sports had the same dampers. How risky is it to try and tow in this situation?

 

That depends on what is meant by "not compatible". My guess is that it might mean "the adaptive system will go crazy trying to compensate for the forces put on it by the towed unit, and will be worn out prematurely". In other words, risky for Lexus and their warranty.

 

Looks like I'll be waiting until after the warranty ends to start towing. I'm only looking to tow a ~2,500lb trailer for short distances in the winter but I'd rather not have my suspension, drivetrain, and powertrain warranties voided.

Ridiculous how this feature, or rather lack of it, was hidden away into a small link on their website and was not on any of the brochures.

 

Oddly, my U.S. F-Sport AWD with adaptive suspension (built at Cambridge ....) has the tow prep package installed, so I could put a hitch on it and haul a camper or something if I wanted to. It's difficult to imagine why they would compromise the Canadian F-Sport that way. Perhaps something about the "tow prep" package compensates for the incompatibility issue on the suspension.

 

I recently turned in my leased 2017 RX350 F-Sport with a towing package for the new 2021 version. I used the 2017 to tow a motorcycle trailer (under 1000 lbs.) The 2021 does not have a towing package option because there is now a pneumatic stabilizer between the frame rails behind the muffler where the toe hitch would be. It is held on by 4 bolts and easily removed. My 2017 Curt trailer hitch fits the 2021 perfectly. I am not concerned about the need for a larger alternator or radiators because the motorcycle trailer puts little strain on the car.

My problem, however, was the tow wiring harness. Although the plug is present for the 4-pin connector, it is not live. The good news is Tekonsha makes a kit which solves this problem. It uses sensors that do not require puncture or splicing of the existing brake, turn signal, or running light wires that go to the tail light housings. The sensors literally wrap around the wires. It is called ZCI Zero Contact Interface ModuLite and Installation kit, #119251. I purchased it on Amazon for $111. In addition, it is easily removable and can be transferred to another car should the need arise.

Following the supplied instructions, I removed the tail light housings (easy) and did a test installation this morning. The kit worked as advertised, supplying the brake, turn signal, and running light voltage to the trailer wiring harness.

It is definitely worth checking out if you have a car without a factory tow package installed and want a trailer hitch for light weight towing.

 

This worked on a 2020 Fsport without trimming or messing with the dampers/active suspension? I’m about to buy a 2021 Fsport handling & it would be a nice relief to know I at least have this option if needed. Thanks.

 

Most Canadian destination Lexus and Toyota Models come with Tow Prep package included, with some exceptions. I wonder if the Tow Prep has been removed from the 2020 F sports for Canadian market. Would be worth testing the cable that sits under he car, in the rear driver side to see if the connector is live.

 

What do you mean by “adaptive suspension”? Is it auto leveling? I don’t have that & really need it. If I put two adults in the back seat, or put more than 200lbs of cargo in the rear, the headlights are pointing in the trees & the suspension is bottoming out. I haven’t been able to find any kind of load leveling kit for this car.

 

My 2018 F Sport has the "Adaptive Variable Suspension System", which I think is as described for the 2020 here: https://www.earnhardtlexus.com/blog/...spension-work/

But I don't think it is the cure for the sagging springs problem that you are describing. It sounds like you should consider an upgrade to stiffer springs.

 

I wouldn’t say the springs are always sagging, they just won’t carry much of a load. I have looked everywhere for some kind of supplement suspension & haven’t found anything specific for this vehicle. This vehicle has been a disappointment, but not a failure. If I didn’t have the motorcycle trailer, I would have traded this off a long time ago.

 

The suspension design tradeoffs between getting a cushy ride with one driver in the vehicle, and also handling 400 lb. of passengers plus 100 lb. of luggage, is a classic challenge for automobile design. It's pretty much impossible to get both on the same car. Having test driven a 2018 base model RX, and my F Sport, I think the F Sport has a stiffer suspension and, of course, a harsher ride with only me in the car. But I'd rather have that than a suspension that bottoms out with a full load. It's just a matter of personal taste.