2009 Lexus RX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Lexus RX is mostly a carryover, with the RX 350 appearing as the year’s added trim. Beyond that lineup change, there are no major powertrain, styling, safety, tech, or structural updates.
About the 2009 Lexus RX
2nd generation (2004-2009), final year before the 2010 redesign.
The RX is Lexus’s core luxury crossover formula: a two-row SUV shaped around quiet road manners, easy entry and exit, family-friendly cargo flexibility, and a more car-like driving feel than truck-based SUVs. Lexus built the RX name around blending luxury-car comfort with everyday utility, which is why shoppers typically choose it for smoothness, cabin calm, and hassle-free daily use rather than sporty handling or off-road ability.
The RX 350 is the comfortable, everyday luxury crossover in the 2009 RX range, with a quiet five-seat cabin, smooth V6 power, and flexible cargo space. Notable features include a power rear liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, and a sliding and reclining split rear seat.
What changed, by category
2009 Lexus RX specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Alarm System | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Fog Lights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Roof Rails | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Tilt Wheel | |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2009 Lexus RX compared with the 2008 model?
The RX 350 appears as an added trim for 2009, but the vehicle otherwise receives no major product changes. Its powertrain, styling, safety hardware, cabin tech, and underlying structure carry over.
Was the 2009 Lexus RX redesigned?
No. The 2009 RX is the final model year of the second generation, and the fully redesigned third-generation RX arrived for 2010.
What engine and transmission does the 2009 Lexus RX 350 have?
The 2009 RX 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. There was no major powertrain update for this model year.
Is the 2009 Lexus RX meaningfully different from the 2008 model?
No, not in its main hardware or features. Because 2009 is a quiet carryover year, a used shopper should focus more on condition, maintenance history, and mileage than on model-year changes.