DecodedCars2009 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 350 4dr SUV AWD, 400h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 270 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 186.2–187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,090–4,367 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 270 hp, versus about 405 hp for similar 2009 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Lexus RX is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,090 lb (350 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway), 3% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine dropped: 3.3L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 25 to 20
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 RX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2009 RX configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 4dr SUV AWD | 186.2 in | 72.8 in | 68.5 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 60.2 in | 4,090 lb | 57/43 |
| 400h 4dr SUV AWD | 187.4 in | 72.8 in | 68.5 in | 106.7 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 4,367 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| RX 350 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| RX 350 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +7% | $4,350 | 468 |
| RX 350 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +7% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Lexus RX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Lexus RX (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2009 BMW X3 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Volvo XC90 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Audi Q5 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus RX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Structure › Body — 5 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Lexus RX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 24 |
| 2024 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 61 |
| 2023 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2022 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 39 |
| 2021 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 71 |
| 2020 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2018 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2017 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 103 |
| 2016 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 93 |
| 2015 RX | 29 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 67 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →