2009 Lexus RX spy photos
June 25, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
The current Lexus RX range has been around since 2003 and it’s beginning to show its age. Australia was first introduced to the RX range with the arrival of the RX330 which was followed by the RX350 in 2006. The RX400h currently tops the range. However, Lexus is working on a new RX.
Our sources say the RX will be undergoing a major update for the 2009 model year, with production beginning on the revamped RX in late December this year, with cars expected mid-late 2009.
The “new” RX will measure in a fraction larger. It will still offer a 3.5-litre V6 (203kW & 341Nm), but we’re expecting a new 6-speed transmission to go along with the V6.
The current hybrid car only has 155kW and 288Nm of torque, however insiders say a new 400-horsepower (298kW) hybrid powerplant is expected in the RX by 2010 or 2011.
From the photos it seems that the new RX still looks like one we know now, but no doubt it will be modernised to keep up with current styling trends.
Print it: 
Behold….. It looks similar to the current model.
I think Car manufacturers these days tend to just tweak the shape of current models because:
A) purely to save costs or
B) If a shape is good already, why not work on it and will lead to A)
i’ve read from other forum it will be a 7 seater, not 5. I love lexus. Only if i can afford it.
Hey Maxxj31
I’m not so sure.
Going by the shape I doubt you’ll be able to fit an extra row of seats in there due to the slanted tailgate.
I have the same issue with my RX330 where large boxes etc. need to be pushed into the car more because of the slanted glass restricting.
If you look at the shape of the Ford Territory for instance, you can see that there is a very minimal slant on the tailgate, it’s virtually vertical.
This model is also said to be losing Lexus’ well known touch screen based navigation for a system similar to that of a ‘touch pad’ style iDrive. This is backed up by the fact that from these shots, the dash no longer has that hump in the center where the center speaker normally is (also making up part of the very minimal ‘visor’ that covers the screen) as it has been said that the screen now sits deep in the dash, close to that of the COMAND system found in the Mercedes S-Class.
What I’d like in this model – More power, which going by general trends in and around Lexus, chances are it’ll get a V8, think RX460. Some tricked up air/neumatic suspension of sorts in AUSTRALIAN models (we never got it here in the RX330 or RX350). The 19 speaker Mark Levinson sound system found in the LS and LX as the current 11 speaker is looking pretty dated considering you can get the 14 speaker ML in the IS250.
Other than that, if this thing is pure luxo like the current models, then i’m all for it.
new RX will bring forward more common lexus features, smart key system, active cruise control
I believe the RX350 will have the tweaked 3.5L V6 similar to the IS350 with power upped to the american spec ~226kw?
The hybrid will be the RX450h due in may 2009, powered by similar setup to GS450h 3.5L V6 hybrid ~246kw
I hope it will be 7 seater…
If you want a 7 seat Lexus buy the LX570.
Lexus will be introducing some new models to Australia over the next few months with the IS-F in October followed by the new RX. Be even better if the IS350 and the IS220d (diesel) were introduced aswell. Lexus has a good lineup these days but unfortunately not all of them are available in Australia.
Neal, agree.
An IS350 would be nice, it’s essentially an IS250 with a LOT of grunt behind it (we’re talking 5 seconds flat to 100). This is something that is missed in the IS250, just some better straightline performance.
Apparently with some bit and pieces from the F-Sport range it actually rides and handles a lot better.
I’ve always thought the RX looked really awkward, I think it must be that tailgate. Seven seats would make sense, I know Lexus have the LX, but its too big and too thirsty for most and plus it is just a rebadged Landcruiser.
Buy a Kluger Grande (same platform, motor and features (sans the Mark Levinson option) and save $30k.
And you get 7 seats….
I don’t like the current RX’s headlights and grill. There just ugly!
^Other than that the rest of the car looks good!
love it…
can’t wait!
RX2009 model shape now released on Lexas site. Hope the marketing guys distance the RX-2009 further than they have with the Kluger vs RX350 on extra’s
Finn