DecodedCars2015 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 350 4dr SUV AWD Sportdesign/F Sport, 450h 4dr SUV AWD Sportdesign
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 270 hp
- 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 — 21% better than the average 2015 small SUV (24 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 270 hp, versus about 420 hp for similar 2015 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Lexus RX is a small 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 Sportdesign/F Sport).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (31 city / 28 highway), 21% better than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 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 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 RX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 RX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Cambridge, Ontario · Miyawaka, Fukuoka
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 RX configurations; 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 Sportdesign/F Sport | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 107.9 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 4,343 lb | 57/43 |
| 450h 4dr SUV AWD Sportdesign | 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 | +21% | $2,850 | 301 |
| RX 450h AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +24% | $2,950 | 312 |
| RX 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 429 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 422 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -12% | $3,350 | 445 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Lexus RX.
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Lexus RX (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Land Rover Range Rover | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2015 Porsche Cayenne | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 BMW X5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2015 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2015 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Sep 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V576000 · 15,872 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2015 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 8 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,500 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 2015 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 |
| 2014 RX | 29 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →