New luxury SUVs are still all the rage, but there’s just one problem: they’re way too expensive. Not everybody can afford to take out a second mortgage on a new Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz. However, if you’re smart with your money, the used market has far better alternatives with the same luxury features and powerful engines for half the price. That said, we want to focus on one luxury SUV that not only has an interior that you won’t want to leave, but it’s reliable and affordable, too. The Lexus RX is one of the brand’s most popular models. It’s currently in its fifth generation with a variety of trims and powertrains.
Base Trim Engine
3.5L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
295 hp
Base Trim Torque
267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Taking a step back reveals the fourth generation is just as nice, still looks modern, and feels nice inside. The entire fourth generation is a valid choice for those browsing the used luxury SUV market, but a budget of $35,000 brings us to the 2021 model year. That year marks the halfway point between its facelift and the start of the fifth-gen model. It depreciated enough to be mostly affordable, but it’s new enough to feel modern inside and out. Here’s everything you need to know about this cheap, luxurious family-hauler.
All specs are sourced directly from the manufacturer. Used car prices vary depending on a variety of factors.
Welcome Home to Your Lexus RX
2020 Lexus RX Silver Side ViewLexus
Lexus RX Generations
Generation
1st Gen
2nd Gen
3rd Gen
4th Gen
5th Gen
Model Years
1999–2003
2004–2009
2010–2015
2016–2022
2023–Today
The Lexus RX once changed the way America views SUVs. The genre was primarily rugged, utilitarian people-movers; there were high-end versions of these SUVs, and plenty with luxurious interiors, but most were built on truck platforms with body-on-frame construction. Honda’s luxury brand made a big move by building the RX on a car platform. This made it more comfortable to drive around town and more fuel efficient.
Since its debut in 1999, the model has undergone five generations and tons of changes. It’s still a unibody SUV, but the current model features small, turbocharged engines and hybrid options.
For this article, we’d like to focus on the fourth generation. The 4th-gen RX went on sale for the 2016 model year, and had a single facelift for the 2020 model year before ending after the 2022 model year.
Related
10 Used Luxury SUVs That Won’t Be A Maintenance Nightmare
These Are The Best Used SUVs For Reliability From $9,000 to $90,000
4th-Gen Lexus RX Current Values
2020 Lexus RX front fender in red with a crowd of peopleLexus
The fourth-generation Lexus RX is about as recent as we can get without breaking our $35,000 budget. Even the 2022 models are keeping just enough value to push it over the edge. However, the 2016–2021 model years are fair game, and usually reasonably priced. The graph above signifies recent sales and value data for the base model of the 2021 model year with front-wheel drive. It doesn’t necessarily represent exactly what you’re going to pay for one, since used prices vary. Used cars may be more or less expensive depending on factors like the number of previous owners, how many miles are on the odometer, its mechanical and cosmetic conditions, and more.
2021 is the Model Year to Buy
2020-2022 Lexus RX Overhead Rear 3/4 angel in black while drivingLexus
The older model years are almost always going to be worth less money, since depreciation continues to eat away at every car for years after its sold. Keeping that in mind, we can see how the earlier fourth-gen RXs are far more affordable. In fact, Kelley Blue Book’s data shows a base model 2016 RX (the first model year of this generation) is worth about $20,600. If you prefer a newer car with fewer miles, then our go-to is the 2021 model year. It’s as new as you can get while still staying under $35,000. Only the base model with FWD has an average value under 435k, though. You may have to search for older examples for higher trims or more options,
2021 Lexus RX Powertrains and Specs
Front quarter view of a 2021 Lexus RX in blueLexus
2021 Lexus RX Specs Overview
Powertrains
3.5-Liter V6
3.5-Liter V6 Hybrid
Transmissions
8-Speed Automatic
eCVT
Drivetrains
FWD or AWD
Total Horsepower
295 hp
308 hp
Torque
267 lb-ft
247–259 lb-ft (excluding hybrid motors)
The 2021 Lexus RX is our favorite option if you’re okay with settling for a base trim. The whole generation has the same powertrains, though: a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated gas V6, or a hybrid variant of the same engine. Those with a gas-only powertrain had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid options were equipped with an electronically-controlled CVT. Either way, buyers could choose between front- or all-wheel drive. While the difference isn’t huge, the hybrid model is more powerful with 308 horsepower, while the gas-only model has 295 hp.
4th-Gen Lexus RX Reliability
2020 Lexus RX Black/Red Interior Front SeatsLexus
Lexus is the most reliable brand in the country according to recent data, so it’s no surprise to see the RX SUV’s exceptional reliability. Most generations are solid, with great powertrains that shouldn’t cause any problems as long as they’re taken care of. We placed the fourth generation in the middle of the pack in terms of the most reliable generations. J.D. Power gave the 2020 model year a 91 out of 100 for quality and reliability, and other model years aren’t far behind.
Lexus RX Customer Complaints and Recalls
2020 Lexus RX interior view of the center stackLexus
No car is perfect, though. Lexus might have a legendary reputation to uphold, but even the luxurious RX has its faults. According to reports made to the NHTSA and Car Complaints, owners found braking issues, oil leaks from the timing cover gasket, and its low-pressure fuel pump may fail. As far as braking issues go, the NHTSA issued a recall for a damaged o-ring in the brake actuator that affected 16,656 units. There was also a low-pressure fuel pump recall that affected 1,525,742 units across the majority of Toyota’s and Lexus’ lineup from 2017 to 2020.
Related
The Most Reliable Lexus SUV On Sale Today
Every Lexus SUV is reliable, but which one wins by a nose?
2021 Lexus RX Luxurious Interior Amenities
2020-2022 Lexus RX Interior view of the front cabinLexus
Not only is the RX stylish on the outside and reliable underneath, it’s comfortable and luxurious inside. This isn’t the brand’s flagship model — it’s a two-row SUV that competes with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Therefore, the RX needs a classy cabin to keep up. Some of this model’s standard features include automatic dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9-speaker premium audio system, and more. The 2021 model year was also available with some great options, like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, parking assist, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and more.
Other Used Luxury SUVs for Under $35k
2020 Cadillac Escalade
2020 Cadillac Escalade front 3/4 angle in blackCadillac
2020 Cadillac Escalade Specs Overview
Base Model Current Value
$31,200
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD or 4WD
Horsepower
420 hp
Torque
460 lb-ft
Even though we prefer the Lexus RX, we know there are some buyers who need something larger. In that case, it doesn’t get much better than the Cadillac Escalade. These full-size body-on-frame SUVs are perfect for anyone who needs an abundance of interior space and comfort features. The 2020 model year is the last year of its fourth generation. It’s old enough to have depreciated under $35k (base model), but still feels modern inside. Some luxury features include a 16-speaker Bose sound system, a hands-free liftgate, surround vision, and more.
$141,030
View full listing
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Sport
Jim Coleman Cadillac Bethesda,
10400 A Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD
203
miles away
$140,430
View full listing
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Sport
Jim Coleman Cadillac Bethesda,
10400 A Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD
203
miles away
$133,840
Great price
$2,772 below average
View full listing
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Sport
Jim Coleman Cadillac Bethesda,
10400 A Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD
203
miles away
$22,696
View full listing
2016 Honda CR-V
AWD EX-L
Harrisonburg Honda,
2885 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA
305
miles away
$31,980
View full listing
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
LTZ
Leith GMC Wendell,
5320 Rolesville Rd, Eagle Rock, NC
415
miles away
See more on
$8,277
Great price
$4,104 below average
View full listing
2016 Dodge Durango
SXT
Leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Wendell,
5310 Rolesville Rd, Wendell, NC
415
miles away
$17,495
Great price
$3,955 below average
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Luxury
101 Motors LLC,
456 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ
9
miles away
$18,850
Great price
$3,825 below average
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade
Premium
AUTO HAUS OF IRVINGTON,
1052 Clinton Ave # 1056, Irvington, NJ
12
miles away
$15,944
Great price
$7,214 below average
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade
Luxury
Modern Cars NJ LLC,
565 Chancellor Ave, Irvington, NJ
12
miles away
$27,995
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade
Luxury
Yonker Auto Land Corp,
284 Mclean Ave, Yonkers, NY
16
miles away
$18,995
Great price
$2,455 below average
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Premium
Prestige Auto Avenel,
1020 US Highway 1, Avenel, NJ
16
miles away
$24,895
View full listing
2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Premium
Stallion Auto Group,
764 20th Ave, Paterson, NJ
16
miles away
2020 BMW X5
2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Driving Front 3/4 angle in whiteBMW
2020 BMW X5 Specs Overview
Base Model Current Value
$25,500
Powertrain
3.0-Liter Turbo Inline-6
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD or AWD
Horsepower
335 hp
Torque
330 lb-ft
The 2020 BMW X5 is another option for those on a $35k budget, since KBB’s data shows both RWD and AWD models available within our price range. Both drivetrains are connected to a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes 335 horsepower. The most powerful version uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but those are still too expensive for this article. That said, even the more basic versions are worth checking out. They can have a heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, lane departure warning, and more.
$24,200
Great price
$2,375 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
sDrive40i
Hanna Imports,
2407 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC
421
miles away
$33,522
Great price
$6,591 below average
View full listing
2021 BMW X5
xDrive45e
Land Rover Raleigh,
4001 Capital Hills Dr, Raleigh, NC
415
miles away
$39,950
Great price
$859 below average
View full listing
2023 BMW X5
sDrive40i
Maserati of Raleigh,
5601 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC
416
miles away
$38,145
Great price
$2,664 below average
View full listing
2023 BMW X5
sDrive40i
Auto Park Chrysler Jeep Cary,
400 Autopark Blvd, Apex, NC
431
miles away
$51,522
View full listing
2024 BMW X5
xDrive40i
Land Rover Raleigh,
4001 Capital Hills Dr, Raleigh, NC
415
miles away
See more on
$51,522
View full listing
2024 BMW X5
xDrive40i
Land Rover Raleigh,
4001 Capital Hills Dr, Raleigh, NC
415
miles away
$25,995
Great price
$1,666 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
xDrive40i
Mount Eden Motors Inc.,
28 W Mount Eden Ave, Bronx, NY
10
miles away
$23,304
Great price
$4,357 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
xDrive40i
Fast And Furious Auto Sales LLC,
607 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ
11
miles away
$27,999
Great price
$-338 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
xDrive40i
Gateway Car Dealer Inc,
15035 Hillside Ave, Jamaica, NY
11
miles away
$31,995
Great price
$3,967 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
M50i
Yonker Auto Land Corp,
284 Mclean Ave, Yonkers, NY
16
miles away
$23,995
Great price
$4,890 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
xDrive50i
Prestige Auto Avenel,
1020 US Highway 1, Avenel, NJ
16
miles away
$28,300
Great price
$7,662 below average
View full listing
2020 BMW X5
M50i
G MOTORS OF OLD BRIDGE LLC,
1225 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, NJ
27
miles away
Buyers Have Options, but we Choose the RX
2021 Lexus RX F Sport front 3/4 angle in blueLexus
When looking for a luxury SUV for under $35,000, it’s easy to get caught up in all the choices available. There are tons of used luxury SUVs at this price point, so how do you know what to choose? We broke it down into a few categories that ultimately culminated in one option: the Lexus RX. Those that fall under the $35k price range aren’t too old yet, so they still feel modern. Examples in good condition and those that have been taken care of should last for many years to come, too. If size isn’t an issue, then consider the Cadillac Escalade, and if you don’t care about reliability, then the BMW X5 is always around.
Related
The Japanese Luxury SUV That Outsold Every BMW Model In America
If you’re looking for a new luxury SUV, then this Japanese challenger is so good it managed to completely embarrass the commanding BMW brand in 2025.
Sources: Lexus, Cadillac, BMW, Kelley Blue Book, NHTSA, Car Complaints
