LEXUS RX (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,235 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3456cc Hybrid
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 8 years old, 97% of LEXUS RXs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,235 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 46,447 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,447
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 LEXUS RX has 46,447 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2018 sits between the two at 97%.
LEXUS RX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 LEXUS RX
The 2018 LEXUS RX is a premium performance with a 3456cc hybrid engine. 3,235 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 46,447 miles at 8 years old, LEXUS RX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 LEXUS RX Fuel Costs
The 3456cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2018 LEXUS RX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LEXUS RX Reliability Trend
Newer LEXUS RXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 LEXUS RX
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 LEXUS RX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 8 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 LEXUS RX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS RX(2018) | 97% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| MERCEDES S-CLASS(2016) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097+£55 |
| BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO(2020) | 91% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| LEXUS GS(2016) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097+£55 |
| BMW 7 SERIES(2020) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
MERCEDES S-CLASS
2016 · 3498cc Hybrid
BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO
2020 · 2998cc Hybrid
LEXUS GS
2016 · 3456cc Hybrid
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