DecodedCars2012 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 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, Regular 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 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 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 2012 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 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 RX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 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 | +47% | $2,950 | 317 |
| RX 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +5% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lexus RX.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lexus RX (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Lexus GX | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 12, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V054000 · 261,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
- Risk
- If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2012 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,123 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 2012 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 →