Importing a Lexus RX from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Lexus RX is a premium mid-size crossover that combines Toyota reliability with luxury comfort — which is exactly why it is one of the most in-demand SUVs in Georgia and appears in large numbers on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The key thing to know for customs: from the 1st to the 4th generation the RX used a large 3.5L V6 (~3456 cc), which is expensive to clear because of its big displacement — so on the RX, alongside age, engine size is a major lever. The 5th generation (2023+) dropped the V6 entirely and switched to a small 2.4L turbo. Below are the generations, model years and what to watch for.

Generations and model years

3rd generation (AL10), 2010–2015

A 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE, ~270–275 hp), a 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive or AWD. The RX450h hybrid was also offered. The 2013 facelift brought the signature Lexus spindle grille and the F Sport trim. All are now over 6 years old → higher excise, plus the V6's large displacement.

4th generation (AL20), 2016–2022

An all-new, bold design. A 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, 295 hp) with an 8-speed automatic, plus the RX450h hybrid (~308 hp combined). From 2018 the RX350L / RX450hL three-row, 7-seat version was added. The 2020 facelift added a touchscreen and Android Auto.

5th generation (AL30), 2023+

For the first time in RX history the V6 is gone. Engines: a 2.4L turbo (275 hp), the RX350h hybrid (2.5L, 246 hp), the sporty RX500h F Sport Performance (2.4L turbo-hybrid, 366 hp) and the RX450h+ PHEV. A small engine + recent age = the cheapest to clear (though the priciest at auction).

Lexus RX year by year — 2010 to 2024

Below, each year is covered separately — what changed and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026. Remember: 2019 and older is over 6 years old (higher, triple excise), 2020 turns 6 exactly (borderline), and 2021 and newer gets the lower excise. On the older generations the V6's large displacement adds to this.

Lexus RX 2010

Start of the 3rd generation (AL10) — a 3.5L V6, 270 hp, 6-speed automatic. In 2026 it is well over 6 years old, so a higher excise plus the V6's large displacement. On the other hand it is the cheapest RX at auction. Importing a Lexus RX 2010 from the USA makes sense only as a budget pick.

Lexus RX 2011

A carryover year — a reliable 3.5 V6. The RX450h hybrid is also available (low consumption). Over 6 years old → higher excise.

Lexus RX 2012

A minor update. Still the pre-facelift design. Reliable and comfortable, but over 6 years old in 2026.

Lexus RX 2013

An important year: the facelift — the signature Lexus spindle grille arrived and the F Sport trim was added. Importing a Lexus RX 2013 from the USA is a good budget choice, though it is over 6 years old and the V6 is expensive to clear.

Lexus RX 2014

A post-facelift carryover year — refined infotainment. A reliable V6. Over 6 years old → higher excise.

Lexus RX 2015

The last year of the 3rd generation (AL10). Well equipped and reliable. Over 6 years old in 2026, with the large-displacement V6.

Lexus RX 2016

The all-new 4th generation (AL20) — bold design, a 3.5L V6 with 295 hp and an 8-speed automatic, plus the RX450h hybrid. A big jump in quality. Over 6 years old → higher excise.

Lexus RX 2017

A carryover year — the reliable 2GR-FKS V6 and rich equipment. Over 6 years old. Expensive to clear because of the V6.

Lexus RX 2018

The RX350L / RX450hL three-row, 7-seat version was added (for families). Importing a Lexus RX 2018 from the USA is a good choice if you need 7 seats — though in 2026 it is over 6 years old.

Lexus RX 2019

A carryover, well-equipped year. In 2026 it is 7 years old → the higher (triple) excise, plus the V6's large displacement.

Lexus RX 2020

The facelift: a touchscreen was added (previously a touchpad only), along with Android Auto and chassis refinements. In 2026 it turns 6 → the excise is borderline (confirm with the calculator). The V6 is still large-displacement.

Lexus RX 2021

A carryover year — the touchscreen and rich equipment. In 2026 it is under 6 years old → a lower age-based excise, though the 3.5 V6's displacement still raises the customs.

Lexus RX 2022

The last year of the 4th generation (AL20) — the end of the V6 RX. Under 6 years old → a lower age-based excise. If you want a classic V6 at a relatively recent age, this is the pick.

Lexus RX 2023

The all-new 5th generation (AL30) — the V6 is gone for the first time. Engines: a 2.4L turbo (275 hp), the RX350h hybrid (2.5L) and the RX500h F Sport Performance (2.4L turbo-hybrid, 366 hp). Importing a Lexus RX 2023 from the USA is the most customs-friendly — a small engine + recent age = a low excise (though the priciest at auction).

Lexus RX 2024

A carryover, newest year — the RX450h+ PHEV is also available. In 2026 it is well under 6 years old → the lowest age-based excise. The newest RX you will find at auction.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

On the RX two things decide the customs: age and engine size. The smaller the engine and the newer the car, the lower the excise:

• 3.5L V6 (~3456 cc): the main engine of the 2010–2022 RX — reliable and pleasant, but the most expensive to clear because of its large displacement.
• 2.4L turbo (~2393 cc, 2023+): the new 5th generation — a small displacement = a lower excise, plus a recent age.
• RX450h / RX350h hybrid: the most economical. ⚠️ A hybrid still pays excise (not 0%) — 0% applies only to a full electric car, and the RX was never sold as an electric in the US (that is a separate model — the Lexus RZ).
• AWD: available on practically every generation — recommended for the mountains and winter.

What to check before bidding

• Hybrid battery health (SOH): on the RX450h be sure to check the high-voltage battery health — a replacement is expensive.
• Exact engine displacement (cc): this is what sets the excise — confirm whether it is the V6, the 2.4 turbo or a hybrid.
• Sticky cabin surfaces: some 2010–2015 RX cars develop a sticky dashboard/cabin surface in hot climates — check visually.
• Damage history and frame: most RXs come with a salvage title — check the damage type and the body.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

• 3.5 V6 (2GR): generally very reliable; check the water pump and oil-cooler lines on higher-mileage cars.
• RX450h hybrid: high-voltage battery wear at high mileage — check the SOH and the inverter.
• Infotainment: the 2016–2019 Remote Touch control feels awkward to many, and Android Auto is only from 2020.
• General: test the A/C, the power windows, run-flat tyre wear and the suspension.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 3.5 V6 uses about 12–13 L/100 km in town and up to 9 on the highway. The 2.4L turbo a little less — ~10 L. The RX450h/RX350h hybrid is the most economical — 6–8 L/100 km in the city. On mileage: at auction 100,000–180,000 km (60,000–110,000 miles) is a good balance; a well-maintained Lexus V6 will run 300,000+ km, so the service history is decisive.

Lexus RX or a rival — Highlander, MDX, X5

The RX's advantage is Toyota reliability, quiet comfort and strong resale value. The Toyota Highlander is just as reliable and cheaper, but less luxuriously trimmed (it is a platform relative of the RX). The Acura MDX is similarly premium; the BMW X5 / Audi Q5 are more dynamic, but parts and upkeep are expensive. If you want maximum reliability and calm luxury, the RX; if you want driver emotion, the German options.

Why the RX is popular in Georgia

The RX pairs a premium image with Toyota reliability — a luxury car without the German headaches. Parts are available, AWD is useful in the mountains, and it holds its value well on the used market. The 2018+ RX350L 7-seat version is handy for families. The one thing to keep in mind — the old V6 is expensive to clear, so for a budget either a hybrid or the new 2.4 turbo is the better choice.

Customs and price

Customs on the RX depend on two things: age and engine size. The old 3.5 V6 (2010–2022) is doubly expensive — an over-6-year age plus a large displacement. The new 5th generation (2023+) is the cheapest to clear — a small 2.4 turbo plus a recent age. A hybrid pays a reduced excise, but not 0%. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.