“It's great on gas, stylish, smooth and comfortable. It is roomy as I am 6'4 and I fit comfortably.”
2018 Lexus RX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is the arrival of the RX 350L and RX 450hL, the first Lexus RX models with three rows. The familiar two-row RX 350 and RX 450h otherwise carry over without major mechanical or structural changes.
About the 2018 Lexus RX
4th generation (2016-2022), third model year; 2018 is also the first year for the longer three-row RX L variants.
Lexus positions the RX as the comfort-first luxury crossover: a vehicle that blends SUV usefulness with the smooth ride, quiet cabin, and upscale feel of a luxury sedan. Official materials lean on bold styling, premium interior finish, strong standard safety tech, and the choice of gas or hybrid power. Compared with sportier rivals, the RX’s core appeal is relaxed daily driving, easy ownership, and a polished cabin rather than sharp handling or maximum cargo space.
The RX 350 remains the main five-seat model, with a 295-horsepower V6, a driver-assistance suite, and an 8-inch display; F Sport versions have sportier styling and an adjustable suspension. The RX 450h pairs a 308-horsepower hybrid system with standard all-wheel drive. The longer RX L models focus on family flexibility, with a power-folding third row and three-zone climate control, while the RX 450hL also has second-row captain’s chairs.
What changed, by category
Structural
Lexus introduced the longer RX 350L and RX 450hL, the first three-row RX models. Both have a power-folding, 50/50-split third row and three-zone climate control; the RX 450hL also has second-row captain’s chairs.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring changed from standard to optional on the RX 450h and RX 450h F Sport.
Tech
On the RX 450h, the navigation system and touchscreen changed from standard to optional. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel also moved to the options list.
2018 Lexus RX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 20 mpg | 31 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 290 hp | 308 hp | 308 hp | 295 hp | 308 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.3 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | 55.9 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 55.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 23.5 in | 38 in | 22.6 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Lexus RX?
The biggest change is the introduction of the RX 350L and RX 450hL, the first three-row models in the RX family. Their longer bodies provide extra passenger flexibility while retaining gas and hybrid versions of the familiar RX formula.
Does the 2018 Lexus RX have a third row?
Yes, but only the 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL have a third row. Both use power-folding, 50/50-split rear seats and three-zone climate control; the regular RX 350 and RX 450h remain five-seat models.
What is the difference between the 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL?
The RX 350L uses a 290-horsepower V6 and an eight-speed automatic, while the RX 450hL uses a 308-horsepower hybrid system with standard all-wheel drive. The hybrid also has standard second-row captain’s chairs.
Is the 2018 Lexus RX a redesign?
No, the 2018 Lexus RX is not a full redesign. It is the third model year of the fourth-generation RX, with the lineup expansion to three-row L models serving as the main update.
Did standard equipment change on the 2018 RX 450h?
Yes. Navigation, the touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and the heated steering wheel changed from standard to optional on the RX 450h. Blind-spot monitoring also became optional on the RX 450h and RX 450h F Sport.
2018 Lexus RX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lexus RX.
4.3
2018 Lexus RX
(312 reviews)
“This vehicle is quiet to drive on the freeway, but not a smooth ride, it has a bit of a jerk down the road, especially when in economy mode is on. A bit large to drive and get use too. Being a small person the NX was better.”
“I would highly recommend this vehicle. It's a beautiful vehicle and extremely safe.”
Sources
- lexus.com — Models / 2018 / MY18 Lexus RX and RX Hybrid Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Rx Epitome Luxury Versatility
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Rx Drivers Now Have The Power Three Rows
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Rx 350 450H Standard Safety Technology
- pressroom.lexus.com — What New 2019 Lexus Rx
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2016 Rx Redefines Segment Short