With new SUV prices continuing to climb, even mainstream family crossovers now carry price tags once reserved for luxury cars. This has made the used market increasingly attractive, especially to buyers who value comfort, elegance and long-term reliability over having the latest technology.
A notable example is well-maintained luxury SUV that can now be found for less than the price of a new Toyota RAV4. It offers a quieter cabin, high-quality materials and the confident ownership experience the brand is known for, making it one of the strongest value propositions in the used luxury market today.
In order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the information used to compile this article was obtained from various manufacturer websites, including EPA, CarEdge, JD Powerand Edmunds. This article focuses primarily on the Lexus RX 350, excluding the hybrid and extended wheelbase variants.
You can get a 2019 Lexus RX for under $30,000
Tons of luxury for less than a RAV4
As the price of new cars continues to rise each year, more and more buyers are turning to the used market. The RAV4 has traditionally been the go-to choice for those looking for a basic family SUV, but it now starts at over $30,000. For that kind of money, you can opt for a true luxury option that offers the same practicality and reliability instead.
2019 Lexus RX 350 trims and prices
|
Model |
Average list price |
|---|---|
|
Base |
$29,752 |
|
F Sports |
$31,120 |
The all-new Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900 excluding destination charges, and that’s for the base model. If the idea of stepping back a bit technologically doesn’t bother you too much, then you can easily get a well-maintained, say, 2019 Lexus RX for less than that. The upside is that in almost every way, the RX feels like a higher-end car. It also doesn’t come with the same downsides as many other luxury SUVs, with a strong reputation for reliability and relatively low maintenance costs. Because of how popular it isthere are also many patterns in the market, so you can shop around.
We think looking for an F Sport model is the way to go. You get enough equipment for a small jump in price, and it’s still less expensive than the new RAV4 on average. F Sport models come with a ton of aesthetic touches that help make it look a little more aggressive, including leather upholstery, more heavily bolstered seats, an adaptive suspension and 20-inch wheels. We’d also look for a model with the optional Navigation package, as you get a larger infotainment screen, in-dash navigation and a 12-speaker sound system.
Reliability and maintenance
- Confidence score: 85/100 (JD Power)
- Average annual maintenance costs: $550 (Repair Pal)
- 10-year average maintenance costs: $7,840 (CarEdge)
Lexus has a fantastic reputation for reliabilityand the 2019 RX definitely lives up to that. Owners report very few problems, especially with this model year. Maintenance costs are also well below average. CarEdge estimates that the RX costs $6,515 less than the average luxury SUV to keep for its first decade on the road.
Inside, the 2019 Lexus RX is simple but quite comfortable
It is soft and practical
Opting for the 2019 Lexus RX over the new RAV4 obviously means you’re making some compromises. While you make some sacrifices when it comes to modern technology, you get a sleeker cabin built with high-quality materials. There are also many of us who prefer the simple, traditional design of luxury cars like these compared to the overly complicated direction modern luxury cars are going.
Interior dimensions and comfort
|
Front row headroom |
39.4 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row leg room |
44.1 inches |
|
Second row headroom |
39.1 inches |
|
Second row leg room |
38 inches |
|
Load capacity |
18.4 cubic feet |
RX is a very practical and convenient option. Those up front will find there’s a ton of room to stretch out, offering more legroom than you might expect. Even tall adults will feel quite comfortable in the back, with plenty of headroom and legroom on offer. While cargo space isn’t as impressive as some modern SUVs, there’s still plenty of room in the trunk to carry a few suitcases or large groceries.
Design-wise, the RX’s interior isn’t bold at all, but still feels extremely classy. Really beautiful materials are used to cover most of the wood, from leather to textured metal. The seats are also extremely comfortable, even if you stick with the base model. There are tons of luxury offerings, including a moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and interior lighting.
Infotainment and technology
The infotainment system here is admittedly one of the 2019 RX’s weak points. It’s not that easy to use thanks to the awkward mouse-like controller next to the switch. It also doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which could be a deal breaker for some.
The standard infotainment screen is an eight-inch screen, but models can be optioned with a 12.3-inch unit instead. As mentioned, this screen was available as part of the Navigation package, which adds in-dash navigation and a 12-speaker sound system. A nine-speaker sound system is standard.
A 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with wireless headphones and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch screens are to be sought after.
It may not be thrilling, but the RX’s ride quality is exceptional
Lexus offers comfort like no other
Many other luxury automakers aim for a balance of performance and comfort, which can sometimes compromise luxury SUVs a bit. Lexus is all about the comfort angle, and we think it delivers well in the 2019 RX. While it may not be a very exciting car to drive, it will get you to your destination smoothly and without any hiccups.
2019 Lexus RX performance
- Main Trim Engine
-
3.5L V6 gas
- Main Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Basic Trim transmission
-
Front wheel
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
295 horsepower
- Main Trim Torque
-
267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- Fuel economy
-
20/28 MPG
- to do
-
Lexus
- Model
-
RX
- Segment
-
Mid-size luxury SUV
The 2019 RX 350 packs a pretty solid V-6 under the hood. Although not the most powerful, it has a quite decent 295 horsepower. It has also proven to be extremely reliable. Front wheels are standard, but all wheels are optional. Each model is equipped with a relatively smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
The RX takes 6.9 seconds from standstill to 60 mph, which is good by today’s standards. Acceleration aside, every other aspect of the Lexus feels comfortable. The steering is light and uncommunicative, and handling is average. However, ride quality in the RX is class-leading, and it does a great job of keeping noise out of the cabin.
The 2019 Lexus RX offers traditional luxury at a mainstream price
While some may prefer the modern tech features you get in the new RAV4, we think there are plenty of buyers who are after something a little more traditional and a little more rugged. You also don’t have to sacrifice reliability or maintenance costs. More importantly, it won’t cost you extra, and you’ll be able to find a reasonably well-equipped RX for about the same price as a new RAV4. For those who value convenience over tech-based gimmicks, it offers a really strong value proposition.
