Lexus is preparing an update for the RX — and at first glance, the changes look modest. Camouflage on the prototype covers mostly the bumpers, so the crossover's exterior seems set to stay nearly untouched. But don't jump to conclusions: the real revolution is happening inside. Japanese outlets agree on a new display, a reworked infotainment system and design cues borrowed from the fresh Lexus ES.
Officially, nobody has confirmed the facelift yet. But a test car has already been spotted at the Nürburgring — and a few details are visible. Up front: a wider lower bumper section and new side air intakes. At the back: noticeably less unpainted plastic. And here's the real intrigue — the signature spindle grille may be partly merged into the body itself, the same trick Lexus already tried on the new-generation ES.
The prototype's cabin couldn't be fully examined — the camouflage is doing its job. But expectations are already set: a roughly 14-inch central display, a new digital instrument cluster, reworked steering wheel controls and a far more modern interface. Good news for traditionalists: the physical climate control buttons look set to survive.
No surprises on the powertrain front, though. A radical overhaul of the lineup isn't on the table. The current US-spec RX still comes with a turbocharged gas engine, regular hybrids and the plug-in RX 450h+. For the 2026 model year, Lexus limited itself to trim-level tweaks and made wireless charging standard — which means the real facelift is coming later.
The updated RX could debut as a 2027 model. Estimates vary wildly across outlets — from late 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 — but Lexus itself hasn't named an exact date.
One number is worth remembering: the RX remains Lexus's best-selling model in 2026. And that changes everything. Radically breaking a winning formula simply isn't in the automaker's interest. The far more likely scenario: the same trusted mechanicals, wrapped in a more modern cabin and a less imposing face.
Tarantas.news previously reported that the Lexus NX beat the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 on reliability among 2021 crossovers.
