The Lexus RX has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500 lbs. This means that the RX is capable enough to tow a small camping trailer as mostly all of them fall under 3500 lbs.
Towing with the RX
A Towing prep package for the RX installs a heavy-duty radiator and engine and transmission oil coolers. This would help immensely during towing as towing is a very taxing activity for the engine and transmission.
Typically, the vehicle would overheat if towing was sustained for a long time; however, with the installation of the prep package, the vehicle is now very resistant to overheating. If your car is new, it would require a break-in period which would last 500 miles before you can do any towing.
Towing during the break-in period could prove detrimental to the well-being of the vehicle’s engine or transmission. After the 500 miles break-in period, the manufacturers recommend keeping the operating speed under 50 mph for the next 500 miles and avoiding full-throttle starts. The vehicle comes with Trailer Sway Control which would keep the trailer from swaying by detecting it through sensors mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle would then take appropriate measures to cut down on the swaying.
As towing is very strenuous on the engine, transmission and other load-bearing components, the vehicle would undergo frequent maintenance if towing is done regularly with the vehicle. It would be wise to check and retighten the bolts of the towing ball and bracket every 600 miles of trailering to prevent any accidents from occurring.
Lexus RX Engine
The Lexus RX has only one engine throughout all its trims which is the 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6. This engine belongs to Toyota’s GR engine family, consisting of gasoline, open-deck, and six-cylinder engines. The engine generates 295 hp and a torque of 268 lb-ft at 4700 rpm. The hybrid version of the RX can generate 308 hp with 248 lb-ft of torque.
The Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus, which is the luxury division of Toyota. Currently, in its fourth generation, the Lexus RX was introduced to the public in 1998. The name “RX” stands for Radiant Crossover. In some markets, the vehicle has been marketed as “Recreational Cross Country.” The RX has a front-wheel-drive system that can be upgraded to an all-wheel-drive. The RX is also available as a Hybrid vehicle
In conclusion, the Lexus RX is a very good companion for towing as it has maximum braked towing capacity of 3500 lbs. Lexus caters towards towers by offering a towing package that installs a heavy-duty radiator alongside engine and transmission-oil coolers which helps prevent overheating of the vehicle whilst towing.
Another feature that helps in towing is the trailer sway control which automatically activates upon irregular motion by the trailer while it’s being towed. All in all, the Lexus RX is very suitable for towing a small camper or popup.
