Next-gen Lexus RX spied in Japan, launching in summer 2022 with electrified tech from RZ and NX

Towards the end of the video unveiling Lexus’ first dedicated EV, the 2023 Lexus RZ, the luxury carmaker announced that it will be revealing a new model in the summer of 2022. This was accompanied by a few shots of a camouflaged SUV doing some tests.

Lexus is, of course, keeping mum about what this new SUV is but it is likely to be the all-new fifth-generation Lexus RX. The RX is Lexus’ first crossover SUV and though it is no longer associated with the Toyota Harrier (that honour goes to the Lexus NX), the “Radiant Crossover” is still a popular model.

The outgoing fourth-gen AL20 has been on sale since 2016 and is due for a replacement. Aside from the ending of the RZ’s reveal, a camouflaged unit of the supposed next-gen RX was also spotted in the streets of Japan.

Also read: All-new Lexus RX to launch in 2022, current model to be updated for Japan in July

Lexus Enthusiast has shared a video that shows the fully wrapped SUV being driven around Japan and even though the wrap has hidden some details, the overall shape resembles one of the models that was unveiled when Toyota made its gigantic EV presentation in 2021.

Also read: Checkmate? Toyota to sell 3.5 million EVs by 2030, unveils 16 models, 14 more coming - world's largest EV player?

If the rendering were to become reality on the next-gen RX, it could be retaining the “floating roof” design which was a hallmark of the outgoing AL20. We can see glimpses of the sharper front design on the camouflaged RX too which is a similar approach to the all-new Lexus NX.

Also read: Malaysia-bound all-new 2022 Lexus NX to launch with 2.4 Turbo, 2.5 NA to come later

Speaking of the NX, Koji Sato, Lexus President and Chief Branding Officer has mentioned during the RZ’s reveal that the next all-new Lexus model will share the same plug-in hybrid powertrain aside from a new hybrid system with Direct4 technology. There is no mention of whether petrol-powered variants will be offered for now.

The outgoing RX is available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four (238 PS/350 Nm), a 3.5-litre V6 petrol (299 PS/363 Nm) or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-hybrid (313 PS combined). It sits on the Toyota K platform that is shared with the last-gen Toyota Highlander.

In Malaysia, only the 2.0-litre unit is offered for the current RX. Despite its age, we love the SUV and like almost every Lexus, is even more luxurious than its German counterparts. Maybe stick with the non-F Sport variants if you really fancy comfort.

Also read: Ratings: Lexus RX300 F Sport in Malaysia - Makes air suspension feel overrated