The 2018 Lexus RX lasts around 300,000 miles with only minor strut and paint issues. At $31,600 to $40,150, it’s expensive, but worth the high purchase price for the outstanding long-term reliability ratings.
Is the 2018 Lexus RX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a great year for the 2018 Lexus RX since it offers great reliability with a luxurious cabin, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, standard safety features, as well as the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very luxurious, the seats offer a lot of cushioning, although cargo space is a bit lower than some other SUVs.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems on the 2018 Lexus RX. Models from 2009 through 2021 are all great choices with no serious mechanical issues reported.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is good for a midsize SUV, although it’s not as quick as some of the other luxury SUVs on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Lexus RX is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, automatic braking, lane departure assist, as well as adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades available are a surround-view parking camera, along with front and rear parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 441 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $18 cheaper than average, at $199 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2018 Lexus RX is an excellent value since it depreciates slowly while also being more affordable than many other luxury SUVs.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus RX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Lexus RX offers an excellent mix of tranquility and luxury with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Lexus RX at 4.2/5, praising the smooth ride quality, but doesn’t like the small cargo area.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 RX a 4.2/5, enjoying the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like the lack of a third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Lexus RX Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Lexus RX include worn-out struts, excessive paint chips, as well as a dead battery. Overall, these problems are very minor compared to other luxury SUVs, leading to much lower repair costs as the Lexus RX ages.
Worn-out struts are the most common complaint from 2018 Lexus RX owners in the first 25,000 miles. When the Lexus RX is driven on rougher roads the suspension components wear out quicker. Replacing the struts is a straightforward process, costing around $450, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive paint chips, especially on the front bumper, have also been reported by some 2018 Lexus RX 350 owners in the first 30,000 miles. Across Lexus’ lineup they have larger front bumpers and grilles which are more prone to catching stones. The only way to fix the chips is to repaint the affected areas, costing around $1,000 per panel.
Dead batteries also show up on some 2018 Lexus RX models at around 20,000 miles. There are a lot of electronic accessories in the SUV, which sometimes drain the battery even when it’s off. Replacing the battery costs about $300, depending on local labor rates. If there’s any parasitic draw it can cost an additional $100 to diagnose.
There’s only one recall on the 2018 Lexus RX, which is better than many other luxury SUVs on the market. It covers the fuel pump, which is common across a lot of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Lexus will replace the fuel pump assembly for free in affected models.
How Long Will the 2018 Lexus RX Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Lexus RX can last over 300,000 miles, which is much longer than many other luxury SUVs including the BMW X5. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to other high-end SUVs according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $785 per year.
As a used 2018 Lexus RX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the engine oil cooler lines costing $250, tire pressure monitoring system costing $300, as well as the front lower control arm which costs around $1,000.
It is very reliable. It handles the road very well and I feel safe driving it. This is the primary vehicle which I drive with my children.
It has been very reliable. We haven't had any problems. We have only had to take it in for an oil change.
It is a very reliable vehicle we have not had any issues, drives great in all types of daily situations
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is fantastic in the 2018 Lexus RX, it includes a standard 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity. There’s a larger 12.3-inch display as an optional upgrade, as well as more powerful stereo systems.
Safety technology is great for a midsize luxury SUV since there’s a standard rearview camera, pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Optional advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, along with a head-up display.
Is the 2018 Lexus RX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Lexus RX is a great value since it offers a lot of luxury and reliability for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $40,838 to $45,947, making it more than a Lincoln MKX or Infiniti QX60. When new, the price range was $43,470 to $54,085. Depreciation is better than other luxury SUVs, only losing around 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus RX?
There are two main models of the 2018 Lexus RX offered, including the base and the F Sport. The base model is also available as the Lexus RX 350 L, which has a longer wheelbase. All models also have standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Simulated Leather Seats
- Automatic LED Headlights
- Power Liftgate
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- 40/20/40-Split Rear Seat
- Rearview Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Safety System+ Driver Aids
- 8-Inch Display
- Nine-Speaker Sound System
F Sport is a step up adding:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Sportier Exterior Styling
- Adaptive Suspension Dampers
- Paddle Shifters
- Unique Gauges
- Sport Tuned Suspension
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated and Ventilated Sport Seats
The RX 350 L has:
- Power-Folding Third Row Seats
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Optional Upgrades On Models All Include:
- Premium Package
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Wood Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Door Sunshades
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Heated Rear Seats
- Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Power Folding Seatbacks
- 3-Inch Display
- Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
- 12-Speaker Sound System
- 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Sound System
What Engines Come In the Lexus RX?
The engine found in the 2018 Lexus RX is a strong 3.5L V6 which makes 295 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking about 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH in the sport models.
What Colors Does the Lexus RX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus RX?
The 2018 Lexus RX is a very comfortable midsize SUV, offering seating for up to seven passengers depending on the model. Interior materials are extremely nice for the price of the Lexus RX, offering a lot of high-quality finishes and supportive cushions.
Passenger room is great in the first and second row of the Lexus RX with enough legroom for taller adults. The third row has limited legroom, making it best suited to younger children.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus RX Have?
Cargo room is lower than many other midsize SUVs, offering enough space for 2 suitcases behind the third row, 3-4 behind the second row, and around 12 suitcases with all of the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Lexus RX came out in 2016, and is going to be replaced by the fifth generation in 2023.
2015: Standard rearview camera, LED headlights, and 7-inch display screen.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, technology, and styling.
2017: F-Sport model available with front-wheel drive, more standard safety equipment.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Lexus Enform Connect smart apps added.
2020: Minor exterior styling changes, upgraded suspension, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto added.
2021: Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, wireless smartphone charging available.
How Does the Lexus RX Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Lexus RX is one of the best luxury SUVs on the market since it offers excellent reliability paired with an upscale interior for the money.
The Lexus NX is a slightly smaller SUV from Lexus which costs around $4,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Lexus NX, while the Lexus RX has some more upscale interior materials. We recommend the Lexus RX since the extra passenger room and power is worth the extra money.
The Acura MDX is another midsize competitor which is about $3,500 less. Passenger room is better in the Acura MDX, while the Lexus RX has a much more luxurious interior. We recommend the Lexus RX since it has a more upscale interior for the money, although both are very dependable choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Lexus RX?
Yes. Excellent. It drives smooth and is very comfortable I get compliments on it quite a bit. The interior is striking.
Yes it is fun to drive. Has been reliable. The technology/features are also comparable to other vehicle options in the same size class.
Yes it is excellent we enjoy driving it. My whole family fits comfortably. The gas mileage is awesome
