Makes›Lexus›RX›2020

2020 Lexus RX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Class: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles: 350 4dr SUV, 350l 4dr SUV, 450h 4dr SUV, 450hl 4dr SUV
Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower: 259–290 hp
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, CVT
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 30 combined · 31 city / 28 hwy
Length: 192.5–196.9 in
Curb weight: 4,453–4,905 lb
NHTSA rating: Not rated
Recalls: 2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 60% better than the average 2020 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

Modest powerUp to 290 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2020 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Lexus RX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,453 lb (350 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (31 city / 28 highway), 60% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 RX — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 RX →

Trims, performance & features

Engine290 hp3.5L 6-cyl

Engine259 hp3.5L 6-cyl hybrid

Transmission8-speed automatic · CVT

DriveAWD/4WD

Seating5 seats · 3 rows

Trims

350 Premium350L Premium450h Premium450h F Sport Base

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringOptional

Rear cross-traffic alertOptional

Rear automatic brakingOptional

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Parking assistStandard

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Keyless startStandard

LED headlightsYes

Built in: Cambridge, Ontario · Miyawaka, Fukuoka

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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	192.5 in	74.8 in	67.7 in	109.8 in	64.6 / 64.2 in	4,453 lb	58/42
350l 4dr SUV	196.9 in	74.8 in	67.3 in	109.8 in	64.6 / 64.2 in	4,619 lb	55/45
450h 4dr SUV	192.5 in	74.8 in	67.7 in	109.8 in	64.6 / 64.2 in	4,740 lb	56/44
450hl 4dr SUV	196.9 in	74.8 in	67.3 in	109.8 in	64.6 / 64.2 in	4,905 lb	55/45

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 AWD Hybrid	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	All-Wheel Drive	31 / 28 / 30	+60%	$2,750	297
RX 450h L AWD Hybrid	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	All-Wheel Drive	29 / 28 / 29	+54%	$2,850	305
RX 350	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	Front-Wheel Drive	20 / 27 / 23	-10%	$2,900	391
RX 350 L	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	Front-Wheel Drive	19 / 26 / 22	-14%	$3,050	407
RX 350 AWD	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	All-Wheel Drive	19 / 26 / 22	-6%	$3,050	405
RX 350 L AWD	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	All-Wheel Drive	18 / 25 / 21	-11%	$3,200	432

7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

7/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Spend $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

18.8 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus RX.

Similar 2020 standard SUVs

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2020 Lexus RX (this car)	30 MPG	Not rated	2
2020 Porsche Cayenne	21 MPG	Not rated	6
2020 BMW X5	23 MPG	★★★★★	11
2020 Land Rover Defender	19 MPG	Not rated	7
2020 BMW X3	27 MPG	★★★★★	16
2020 Volvo XC90	27 MPG	Not rated	9
2020 Audi Q7	21 MPG	Not rated	5

Recalls (2)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

56Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

7Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

4Injuries reported

11,500 miTypical mileage at failure

Air Bags21

Unknown Or Other10

Engine6

Electrical System5

Fuel/Propulsion System4

Fuel System, Gasoline4

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings3

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Lexus RX buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Air Bags — 21 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 11,500 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 2020 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
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
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 →