Get your hands on this Rolls-Royce-smooth, reliable SUV for $15K
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can juggle daily life, road trips, and a bit of ego-boosting comfort, a luxury SUV is usually the way to go. Big cabin, ample cargo space, and the kind of comfortable ride that makes you feel at least adjacent to royalty.
The problem ? Brand-new luxury SUVs cost real money, and the fancy engines and materials can make used SUVs seem like a wallet trap.
That’s why this Japanese luxury SUV is such a gem: It offers comfort, reliability and everyday fun for less than the cheapest new car sold in America.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from Lexus and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz, Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal.
The Surprisingly Reliable SUV You’ve Overlooked
This SUV is quietly becoming one of the most reliable and underrated on the market.
The RX marks Lexus’ entry into the crossover game
In the late 1990s, Lexus was on a roll. The LS 400 turned heads in 1989, and the LX SUV followed in 1995, proving the brand could handle sedans and big off-roaders alike.
Around 1997, a new opportunity began to take off: the crossover SUV. Smaller than traditional SUVs but more practical than a regular sedan, these vehicles offered higher ride heights and additional cargo space without appearing bulky.
Lexus jumped on the trend by building the RX on the LS platform and introducing it to the world in 1998. It was the brand’s first step into a segment that would soon define luxury SUVs.
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The RX sets the standard for luxury crossovers
The RX stood out because it was one of the first luxury crossovers, a formula no one had tried before. Buyers loved it and it quickly became a must-have for Lexus.
It’s still going strong today, with the reliable fifth-generation RX hitting the market in 2022.
For used car buyers, the third-generation RX sold in the United States between 2010 and 2015 is often the sweet spot.
Third-gen RX is a bargain in 2025
The third-generation RX cost around $50,000 when new in the early 2010s, but depreciation has made it much more affordable today.
Kelley Blue Book puts later facelifted models – updated in 2012 – at just under $15,000. The RX350, RX350 F Sport, and RX450h trims are all priced pretty close to each other.
Pre-facelift models, which feature only the latest styling, can cost well under $10,000. Don’t expect to find one with less than 100,000 miles at this price.
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Comfortable, stylish and built to last.
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2010-2015 Lexus RX Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Engines |
3.5-liter NA V6 / 3.5-liter NA V6 with hybrid |
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Transmission |
Four-speed automatic/single-speed eCVT |
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Power |
270-295 hp |
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Couple |
248 to 335 lb-ft |
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0 to 60 mph |
7.8 to 7.4 seconds |
The cheapest RX with less than 100,000 miles Auto Storm was a gray 2010 RX350, priced at $12,650 with just over 97,000 miles. Offered via TrueCarThis one-owner example has been described as ‘well-maintained’, making it a smart used buy.
If you’re looking for a newer model, plan to pay upwards of $15,000 for a model with fewer than 100,000 miles.
Still, this is a Lexus: well-maintained examples with more than 100,000 miles can keep going for years. Just make sure he’s received the proper TLC throughout his life.
The RX makes long journeys effortless
For the price, few luxury SUVs perform as well as the RX450. Its double wishbone suspension keeps the ride smooth and supple without ever feeling like it’s floating, while the leather and wood interior makes every journey feel premium.
Lexus also focused on quietness, designing the RX350 to minimize harshness and vibration inside the cabin.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and a nine-speaker premium audio system. Look for extras on used models like heated and ventilated seats, satellite navigation and a power tailgate.
You can choose between two powertrains
Choosing an engine for the RX is simple. The RX350 and RX450h both use naturally aspirated V6 engines, but the RX450h adds a single electric motor for more power and efficiency.
The RX350 alone produces 270 horsepower, while the RX450h’s combined output is 295 horsepower.
Both models are available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your budget and what’s available on the market.
The RX350 and RX450h also differ in transmissions. The RX350 gets a six-speed automatic, while the RX450h uses a single-speed e-CVT.
Despite the added electric boost, the FWD RX450h reaches 60 mph just a tenth of a second slower than the RX350: 7.8 versus 7.7 seconds.
Switch to all-wheel drive and the RX450h makes better use of its power, hitting 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the RX350 AWD does it in 7.8 seconds.
The RX450h goes further on less gas
If you want to save gas, the RX450h is the obvious choice. Its 30 MPG average blows out the RX350’s roughly 20 MPG, whether front- or all-wheel drive.
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The RX is built to last
In addition to being comfortable and luxurious, the Lexus RX is a reliable daily driver thanks to its Toyota DNA.
With a big V6 SUV like this, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars a year on maintenance, even if the purchase price is good.
Fortunately, Lexus has done it again with the RX, delivering uncompromising reliability.
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Reliability and value of the 2010 to 2015 Lexus RX |
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|---|---|
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Annual maintenance cost |
$502 to $522 |
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KBB Reliability Score |
4.8/5 stars |
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Most common problems |
|
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Average usage value |
$9,112 to $18,325 |
Repairer estimates annual maintenance costs at approximately $522 for the RX350 and $502 for the RX450h.
These SUVs rarely suffer from recurring problems. Only 38 complaints were filed for the 2012 RX with the NHTSAmostly minor electronic oddities.
Even these are rare (only six gears), making the RX a solid, low-maintenance choice.
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Lexus leads the pack when it comes to reliability, making many of its models a great choice for buying used.
Repairer notes that the RX350’s oil line can fail over time, which could cause significant engine damage if it happens while driving.
Line replacement is essential, so check any maintenance history to see if this maintenance has been carried out before purchasing.
Even with that in mind, the RX remains a reliable luxury crossover. Who said you have to spend a fortune to enjoy the high life?
