What Does ‘RX’ Actually Stand For On A Lexus RX 350?

The Lexus RX 350 is a long-running SUV that has been a global best-seller for the Japanese brand. But have you ever wondered what the ‘RX’ actually stands for? According to Lexus, the RX name officially stands for ‘Radiant Crossover’.

The word ‘radiant’ was chosen to represent the brand’s ‘bright new future’ at the turn of the millennium, while the ‘X’ signifies the model’s positioning as a crossover between luxury sedans and genuine off-roaders. The numbers following the letters are not directly linked to engine displacement, but rather serve as a hint about what lies under the hood. For example, the RX 350 is powered by a turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill, while the hybrid RX 350h and plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ employ electrified 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrains.

The flagship RX 500h F Sport Performance uses a hybrid turbo 2.4-liter unit with a combined output of 366 horsepower. Recent spy shots suggest that Lexus is working on a GR version of the RX, which could feature the Morizo RR badge and produce up to 600 HP from a hybrid setup. The ‘Radiant Crossover’ moniker is part of a homogenous naming hierarchy across the entire Lexus portfolio, with other models including the LBX (Lexus Breakthrough Crossover), UX (Urban Crossover), NX (Nimble Crossover), and TX (Touring Crossover).