Listen, I am just a regular car nut with a short attention span and a long memory for weird grilles. It is 2026, and the new-car world has gone full hybrid, full screen, full why-does-this-crossover-look-angry mode. So naturally, I decided to hop into a time machine and revisit a 2020 Lexus RX350L. Why? Because the RX has been a smash hit since the late 1990s, and in 2019 alone Lexus moved 111,036 of them in the U.S. That is not a niche. That is a big kahuna. Back then, Lexus was also whispering about an all-new LQ flagship SUV. In 2026, that LQ still feels like the automotive version of a rain check, but the RX? The RX is still everywhere, like Starbucks or bad traffic.

The Test Subject: Fully Loaded and Not Cheap

My tester was a 2020 Lexus RX350L, and it was loaded to the gills. As-tested price? Over $63,000. That is a lot of cheddar for a family hauler, but you did get seven seats, an extended wheelbase, four-wheel-drive, and an opulent cabin. The regular RX started around $45,000, which is the smart-money move if you ask me. In 2026, a used RX350L is a different story. It is no longer a $63,000 flex. It is a certified used luxury bargain, and that makes its quirks way easier to swallow.

Looks: Love It, Hate It, or Just Stare at It

Lexus grilles are a hot-button topic. Some folks love the spindle shape, some folks want to call the authorities. I was in the second camp when the RX350L first arrived. The sharp front end and chrome wheels felt like too much to digest, like a fancy meal with one too many sauces. But after a few days, I started to see the good looks. It grew on me like a catchy pop song.

It also helped that Lexus sent it in Nori Green Pearl. That subtle yet sparkly green stood out instantly in Miami, where the streets are a sea of white, silver, and black crossovers. The rear is sharp too, with an extended roof spoiler that gives it a sportier vibe. Along the side, the glass slopes downward above the rear quarter panels, making it look like one giant window. The chrome accents on the rear bumper and tailgate add just enough sparkle. If they were gloss black, the whole design would have been a snooze.

Powertrain: Toyota's Swiss Army Knife

Eagle-eyed readers will notice this is the same engine and transmission combo I tested in the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD. That is no coincidence. This powerplant is one of the most important engines for Toyota and Lexus, which means it is probably one of the most simple and robust units on sale. It delivers power confidently and never feels underpowered. The transmission tuning lets you exploit the torque for quick moves in traffic. It is smooth, sure, but it can be slow to respond under wide-open throttle and slow to upshift, even in the sportiest setting. In 2026, this naturally aspirated V6 feels old-school. No turbos, no hybrid math, just displacement and an eight-speed doing its thing.

Driving: Cushy, Floaty, and Proud of It

The rest of the driving experience is extremely comfortable, albeit a bit floaty while cruising at higher speeds. Around town, you barely notice it. On the highway, it is more obvious. The suspension smooths bumps considerably, leaving you relaxed even on long commutes. This is not a sports car. It is a rolling sofa with all-wheel drive. If you want sharp handling, go buy something German. If you want to arrive fresh as a daisy, the RX350L has your back.

The L Word: Third Row and 4.3 Inches of Extra

The L at the end of the name means this RX is 4.3 inches longer than a standard RX, thanks to an extended wheelbase. The payoff is a third row, making it a seven-seat luxury SUV. The third row gets a separate climate zone with controls and adjustable air vents, which is a nice touch. But let us be real: those back seats are small. You will be seating children back there, or maybe very forgiving adults for a short trip. Thankfully, Lexus includes switches near the rear tailgate, so the seats can be individually raised or lowered automatically. No wrestling required.

Cabin and Tech: Old-School Lux Meets a Big Screen

Given that the RX is one of the best-selling SUVs of all time, its cabin is beautifully appointed. My tester had a two-tone interior that seemed to change color depending on the light. Officially it was brown, but in one photo it looked eerily close to black, and in another it looked like coffee brown. The brown and beige combo works well to break up the monotony and creates a very luxurious feeling across the whole interior.

On the tech front, the 2020 RX focuses on next-gen multimedia with a wonderfully wide and vibrant 12.3-inch display. You can operate it by touch or via the trackpad behind the shifter. Apple CarPlay is present and works excellently because it stretches the full width of the screen. Lexus infotainment can look a bit dated and be cumbersome to use, but the inclusion of other operating systems helps a ton. The beauty here is that the standard RX for $45,000 offers plenty of the same refinements. You can skip the higher trim levels and still experience the best of the RX.

2026 Reality Check: Would I Still Buy One?

It is 2026, and the RX has moved on. The lineup is now hybrid-heavy, with models like the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h F Sport Performance. The three-row torch has largely passed to the Lexus TX, and the LQ flagship still feels like vaporware. So where does that leave the 2020 RX350L? Honestly, it is a solid used buy if you value reliability, comfort, and a bit of old-school luxury. Just do not expect razor-sharp steering or a third row that fits your basketball team.

Final Word

Back in 2020, the RX350L was a $63,000 flex. In 2026, it is a used-car hack for people who want luxury without drama. It is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it is the comfy couch in the garage. If you find a Nori Green Pearl one with low miles, grab it before someone else does. It is not fast, not flashy in a 2026 sense, but it is a lovable bougie barge. And sometimes that is exactly the vibe. 🚙💤