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With new SUV prices continuing to climb, even mainstream family crossovers now carry price tags that were once reserved for luxury vehicles. That has made the used market increasingly attractive, especially for buyers who value comfort, refinement, and long-term reliability over having the latest technology.
One standout example is a well-kept luxury SUV that can now be found for less than the price of a new Toyota RAV4. It delivers a quieter cabin, higher-quality materials, and the dependable ownership experience the brand is known for, making it one of the strongest value propositions in the used luxury market today.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including the EPA, CarEdge, J.D. Power, and Edmunds. This article focuses primarily on the Lexus RX 350, with the hybrid and extended wheelbase variants excluded.
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For less than $30,000, you can get a 2019 Lexus RX Tons of luxury for less than a RAV4
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
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Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
With the price of new cars continuing to climb every year, more and more buyers are starting to shift to the used market. The RAV4 has traditionally been the go-to option for those looking for a simple family SUV, but even it now costs over $30,000 to start. For that kind of money, you can instead opt for a genuine luxury option that offers the same kind of practicality and reliability.
2019 Lexus RX 350 trims and pricingModel
Average list price
Base
$29,752
F Sport
$31,120
A brand-new Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900, excluding destination charges, and that is for the base model. If you're not too bothered by the idea of taking a slight step back tech-wise, then you can easily get a well-cared-for example of a 2019 Lexus RX for less than that. The upside is that in just about every way, the RX feels like a much more upscale vehicle. It also doesn't come with the same downsides that a lot of other luxury SUVs do, with its reputation for reliability being strong and its maintenance costs being relatively low. Thanks to how popular it is, there are also plenty of examples on the market, so you can shop around.
We think that looking for an F Sport model is the way to go. For the small jump in price, you get quite a lot of equipment, and it is still cheaper on average than a new RAV4. F Sport models come with leather upholstery, more heavily bolstered seats, an adaptive suspension system, and a ton of aesthetic elements that help make it look a little more aggressive, including 20-inch wheels. We'd also look for a model equipped with the optional Navigation package, as you get a larger infotainment screen, in-dash navigation, and a 12-speaker sound system.
Reliability and maintenance Reliability score: 85/100 (J.D. Power) Average annual maintenance costs: $550 (RepairPal) Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,840 (CarEdge)Lexus has a fantastic reputation for reliability, and the 2019 RX definitely lives up to it. Owners report very few issues, particularly with this model year. Maintenance costs are also much lower than average. CarEdge estimates that the RX costs $6,515 less than the average luxury SUV to maintain in its first ten years on the road.
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Inside, the 2019 Lexus RX is simple but exceptionally comfortable Plush and practical
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Credit: Lexus
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Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Credit: Lexus
Opting for a 2019 Lexus RX over a new RAV4 obviously means you're making some tradeoffs. While you may be making some sacrifices as far as modern technology goes, you're getting a much more refined cabin built with high-quality materials. There are also plenty of us that prefer the simple, traditional design of luxury cars like this compared to the overly complex direction modern luxury cars are going.
Interior dimensions and comfortFront row headroom
39.4 inches
Front row legroom
44.1 inches
Second row headroom
39.1 inches
Second row legroom
38 inches
Cargo capacity
18.4 cubic feet
The RX is a pretty practical and comfortable choice. Those up front will find that they have a ton of space to stretch out, with more legroom on offer than you'd expect. Even tall adults will also feel pretty comfortable in the back, with plenty of headroom and legroom on offer. While the cargo area isn't quite as impressive as some modern SUVs, there is still enough room in the trunk for a couple of suitcases or a large grocery haul.
In terms of design, the interior of the RX isn't exactly daring, but it still feels exceptionally upscale. Really nice materials are used throughout, from leather to textured metal or wood covering most surfaces. The seats are also exceptionally comfortable, even if you stick with the base model. There are tons of luxuries on offer as well, including a moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Infotainment and technologyThe infotainment system here is, admittedly, one of the weak points of the 2019 RX. It isn't the easiest to use, thanks to the awkward mouse-like controller near the shifter. It also doesn't come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
The standard infotainment display 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 also adds in-dash navigation and a 12-speaker sound system. A nine-speaker sound system is standard.
Other desirable options to be on the lookout for include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and dual 11.6-inch screens.
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It may not be thrilling, but the ride quality of the RX is exceptional Lexus does comfort like no one else
Credit: Lexus
A lot of other luxury automakers aim for a balance of performance and comfort, which can sometimes make plush SUVs feel a little compromised. Lexus leans fully into the comfort angle, and we think it pays off quite well in the 2019 RX. While it isn't exactly an exciting car to drive, it will get you where you're going smoothly and without any hiccups.
2019 Lexus RX performance
Base Trim Engine 3.5L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission 8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower 295 hp
Base Trim Torque 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Economy 20/28 MPG
Make Lexus
Model RX
Segment Midsize Luxury SUV
The 2019 RX 350 comes equipped with a pretty stout V-6 under the hood. While it isn't the most powerful, it does make a pretty decent 295 horsepower. It has also proven itself to be exceptionally dependable. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional across the board. Every model also comes equipped with a relatively smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
Getting up to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in the RX takes 6.9 seconds, which is reasonable even by today's standards. Beyond its acceleration, every other aspect of the Lexus feels relaxed. Steering is light and uncommunicative and handling is average. However, the ride quality in the RX is class leading, and it does a fantastic job of keeping noise out of the cabin.
The 2019 Lexus RX delivers traditional luxury at a mainstream priceWhile some will prefer the modern tech features that you get in the new RAV4, we think there are a lot of buyers out there that are after something a little more traditional and a bit more solid. You also don't have to make sacrifices as far as reliability or maintenance costs are concerned. More importantly, it won't cost you any extra, and you'll be able to find a pretty well-equipped RX for the same price as a new RAV4. For those that value comfort over tech-focused gimmicks, it offers some really strong value.