DecodedCars2011 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 350 4dr SUV AWD, 450h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 31 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,343–4,652 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Lexus RX is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,343 lb (350 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (31 city / 28 highway), 39% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 RX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 RX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 4dr SUV AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.7 in | 107.9 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,343 lb | 57/43 |
| 450h 4dr SUV AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.7 in | 107.9 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,652 lb | 54/46 |
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 450h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 28 / 29 | +39% | $2,850 | 306 |
| RX 450h AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +48% | $2,950 | 317 |
| RX 350 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Lexus RX.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Lexus RX (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2011 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 26, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V377000 · 32 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 LEXUS RX350 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 30, 2010, THROUGH MAY 18, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT (VDIM). THE CALIBRATION FOR THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVES IS INCORRECT. DUE TO THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY NOT BE CONTROLLED PROPERLY DURING ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) OR VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) ACTUATION.
- Risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND/OR A FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT A VEHICLE SLIDE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WITH A NEW ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2011 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 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 →