Lexus RX 2021: Crafted Edition adds exclusive ownership perks program

Fancy a plush Lexus RX large SUV sitting in your driveway with a slew of other expensive metal ready to loan whenever you want? It’s a deal that Lexus is opening up to the masses with its new Crafted Edition models.

The 2021 Lexus RX Crafted Edition has been unveiled with some handsome styling and equipment upgrades – but the real perks arrive after you’re swapped the cash for the keys.

Similar to the UX small SUV and NX midsize SUV who have both received the Crafted Edition treatment, the RX focuses its physical changes on darkening the aesthetics.

Lexus Crafted Edition 2021 trio — Lexus has unveiled Crafted Edition versions of the NX (left) UX (centre) and RX (right) models

This includes black accents on the large front grille and mirror caps, with a set of 20-inch alloy wheels sporting a unique design contrasting the darker appearance.

The RX Crafted Edition also includes a moonroof and courtesy lamps to illuminate the ground while also carrying over features from the base model such as keyless entry, a power tailgate and a 12.3-inch touch-display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Lexus is offering the RX Crafted Edition with a choice of two petrol engine options but only in the five-seater configuration, with the seven-seater RX L variants missing out on a special edition

The three SUVs pack similar visual upgrades but the most valueable perk is the exclusive vehicle swapping service

The RX 300 Crafted Edition uses an unchanged two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 175kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which sends power through a six-speed torque converter transmission to the front wheels only.

If you want all-wheel-drive you have to upgrade to the RX 350 Crafted Edition, which uses an unchanged 3.5-litre V6 making 221kW/370Nm that is coupled to an eight-speed torque converter transmission.

However the biggest inclusion of the RX Crafted Edition is not fitted to the vehicle but the upgrade from the standard Encore Owner Benefits program to Encore Platinum.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible in Khaki Metal green — The Encore Platinum program will allow you to swap out your RX for an LC 500 for a weekend away

The Encore Platinum program gives buyers the ability to rent out a selection of exclusive Lexus cars up to four times during the three-year program, for a period of up to eight days.

Some of the cars on offer include the V8-powered RC F two-door muscle car for a bit of weekend fun or you can move a size up to the RX L seven-seater SUV for the extra room when you need it – it all depends on what you want to do.

Lexus RX Crafted Edition 2021 front — Lexus RX Crafted Edition is available with a choice of two powertrain options

Lexus also includes eight valet vouchers in the Encore Premium program which you can use at select Chadstone and Westfield shopping centres.

On top of this, LX Crafted Edition buyers still receive the benefits of the standard Lexus Encore program such as capped price servicing, a free loan car during servicing and invites to exclusive events.

The Encore Premium program is not normally offered to RX owners but is standard for more expensive metal such as the LC, LS, LX, RC F and GS F models.