Kids / 14 July, 2022 / Ellie Thompson
There is a huge demand for seven-seater cars among growing families today, with the SUV being the preferred choice of vehicle. First introduced in 2018, the Lexus RX-L Takumi is the fourth generation of their iconic RX. By 2020 there were further improvements to the design to exceed customer expectations, so it’s no surprise that the Takumi has remained a trusted option for many parents.
We were excited to cram the kids and the grandparents into the back of the RX-L Takumi to check out its family-friendly credentials. Can this vehicle really cater comfortably to seven, or families with more than three kids?
As hybrid family cars go, the Takumi is a great choice, offering an easy and relaxed drive that runs on silent electric kicking into petrol when needed.
A quiet but powerful car with more than 300PS, the ride is smooth with a strong pull, so you can really shift yourself when you need to. The display indicates when the car is charging, and driving economically and it lets you know when you’re using power and burning through fuel.
If you’re wondering how a self-charging hybrid works, you’re not alone. In laymen’s terms, a self-charging hybrid has a petrol engine and an electric motor. They drive just like a conventional automatic car, but they cleverly let the tech do the work to select the best power source on your behalf to optimise driving performance.
Lexus hybrids always use the electric motor to drive the vehicle, whilst the petrol engine supplies power to the electric motors when needed and supports a generator to charge the hybrid battery.
The car is full of fabulous tech to take the hassle out of driving. The RX comes equipped with the latest version of Lexus Safety System+. This integrated safety package delivers higher levels of active safety and driver assistance. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control makes motorway driving reassuringly safer than ever, as you can programme the car to keep a set distance away from the car in front. There’s also Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam technology to keep you and your family safer than ever on the roads.
The 12.3-inch multimedia display with touchscreen functionality is super-easy to use. There’s smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can hook up your phone to crank out your favourite audio. Takumi’s Mark Levinson Premium Surround System comprises 15 speakers throughout the car providing an excellent sound whatever you’re listening to – even if it is Peppa Pig.
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It’s a large car, but it’s by no means a tank to drive. With seven seats, it’s predictably longer than your average SUV and overhangs in your standard parking space, but as so many cars do these days, this isn’t an issue. In fact, parking is made easy with brilliant cameras, sensors and guide lines to idiot-proof those tricky manoeuvres you’d usually hate to make.
When it comes to driver and front seat passenger comfort, the Lexus RX-L is a dream.
The Takumi’s ergonomically designed seats offer plenty of room. The car’s leather upholstery throughout is hardwearing and offers a truly luxurious feel, with no compromise on functionality. The middle row of seats will accommodate adults and children with ease. Once you’ve got your Isofix car seats installed you render the middle seat obsolete, which is pretty standard, but worth noting when you’re shopping for a seven-seater family car.
The back row seats come equipped with air conditioning controls and cupholders and offer a great deal of room once you’re seated. Ideal for older kids when used in conjunction with the car’s seat belts as there is no Isofix in the back, so it’s not a space for little ones, however much my 3 year old insisted.
Mum and I clambered into the back for a trip down to Thruxton from Surrey and found it a perfectly adequate space, although the rearmost seats are very low to the ground, so it can be tough on old knees after an hour or so. For little legs and flexible joints, the Takumi’s back row is a great option for occasional use or indeed, regular short journeys.
If you’re planning on using the RX-L for a family of four, then the good news is you’re going to love the boot space. The third row of seats folds down into the floor via an electric button to make way for a huge boot space with a square and easy loading bay, so you’re all set to pack the kitchen sink into the back and set off on adventures.
The Lexus RX-L Takumi is a brilliant option for a safe and spacious family car, ready to accompany you on any journey. To find out more, head to Lexus.
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