2019 Lexus RX
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $42,457–$56,042 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2019 Lexus RX is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 8.2/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.9/10. The RX nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.6/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $42,457–$56,042, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus RX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Lexus RX will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on safety and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Lexus RX ranks #29 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 99% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $42,457 starting price is about 18% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Lexus RX scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 8.2 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $49,950 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $48,451 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $46,953 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.2/10 | $45,454 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.3/10 | $43,956 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $42,457 | |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $40,959 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $39,460 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $37,962 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $36,463 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 22/01/2025 · 25V028000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.