Lexus RX 350 Review
Lexus RX 350 Review | The Lexus RX 350 ranks 3 out of 18 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 68 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The Lexus RX 350’s comfortable ride, upscale interior and above-average fuel economy keep it at the top of its class.
Test drivers say the Lexus RX is one of the most well-rounded luxury midsize SUVs you can buy. Its electronics are easy to use, its interior is well-made and it has plenty of power, but it still manages to get great fuel economy. Reviewers note that it’s obvious the RX was one of the first entries in the luxury crossover segment, as Lexus has had plenty of time to get things right.
Some consumers, and many auto writers, want an SUV that’s more fun to drive. If you’re trading in your sports car for a more practical family SUV, but still want to be able to have some canyon-carving fun, the RX probably isn’t for you. But as most reviewers note, most crossover buyers prioritize interior comfort and drama-free capability in rain or shine. For those shoppers, the Lexus RX 350 is one of the best choices you can make in this class. In fact, the Lexus RX 350 is such a good combination of luxury and value that it earned our 2012 Best Luxury Midsize SUV for the Money award.
Reviewers say the Acura MDX is the Lexus RX’s sportier rival. It’s much more fun to drive, and its engine makes more power. The MDX also offers a bit more cargo space and optional seating for up to seven. All these improvements come with a cost, though: The Acura isn’t as fuel-efficient as the Lexus, and it costs more, too. However, the Acura MDX remains a great choice for shoppers looking for some personality in their SUV’s driving dynamics.
If a sporty ride isn’t as important to you as good fuel economy, but you don’t want to shell out big bucks for the Lexus RX Hybrid, consider the Lincoln MKX. It’s one of the only SUVs that’s more fuel-efficient than the RX 350 in two-wheel drive trim, even with about 30 more horsepower than the gas-only RX 350. Plus, it’s better-equipped than the base Lexus RX. The MKX’s handling isn’t anything to write home about, and its big Lincoln grill may be a turn-off to some, but test drivers say it’s definitely worth taking a look at.
Performance
The Lexus RX 350 stands out for its smooth performance and especially good fuel economy. Though it has plenty of power for most drivers, reviewers say that it’s by no means fun to drive. For a sportier drive, consider the Acura MDX or BMW X5, but note that they cost thousands more than the Lexus.
The Lexus RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Most reviewers find the powertrain is superbly refined and has plenty of muscle for most drivers. However, that still doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable. It’s just that there aren’t any glaring problems and that it doesn’t have any trouble passing or merging onto the highway.
The Lexus RX achieves excellent fuel economy ratings for its class. According to the EPA, the front-wheel drive RX 350 nets 18/25 mpg city/highway, but all-wheel drive comes with a penalty of only 1 highway mpg.
The Lexus RX 350′s smooth ride receives plenty of praise. It’s no sports-car wannabe, and test drivers say it drives more like a luxury sedan. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that coddles you over rough roads, reviewers say it’s hard to find a better choice than the RX. The RX comes standard with two-wheel drive, but opting for all-wheel drive doesn’t add quite as much to the bottom line as it does on many of its competitors. Test drivers say the RX’s brakes feel strong, but that it has more body lean than some of its sportier rivals, thanks to its softly-spring suspension.
Interior and Exterior Features
As with most Lexus models, reviewers say the RX 350’s interior is a high-quality, classy place to spend time. It comes fairly well-equipped compared with others in its class, but in order to get its cool high-tech features, you’ll have to opt for expensive packages. Note that reviewers find its navigation system particularly easy to use, which is high praise because reviewers find most technology in luxury cars hard to use.
The Lexus RX 350 offers seating for five, and the standard driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable. The back seat reclines and slides, which is not usually a standard feature, but you’ll have to pay extra if you want leather upholstery or heated seats. Many SUVs in the RX 350’s class come standard with seat heaters, and many offer leather standard as well. Virtually all reviewers find both rows of seats extremely comfortable.
Test drivers appreciate the Lexus RX’s abundance of standard features, in addition to its classy atmosphere. It’s equipped to about the same level as most other luxury midsize SUVs, but reviewers say its navigation system is easier to work than most. Standard features include a nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone and audio integration, keyless entry with push-button start and dual-zone climate control with an air filter. Lexus offers a long list of packages, which include features like a navigation system, an upgraded sound system, a head-up display and dual-screen rear entertainment system, but these features are expensive.
The Lexus RX provides 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats or 80.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That’s fairly decent for the class, but it’s less than the RX 350′s chief competitor, the Acura MDX. The 2012 Lexus RX is conservative and classy looking, though it won’t stand out from a crowd the way some more daringly-styled rivals do. “If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the RX is up to its roof rails in compliments,”
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus RX a Top Safety Pick for its top scores of “Good” in frontal offset, side impact, roof strength and rear crash tests. In federal government tests, the RX earned four out of five stars in frontal crash and rollover tests, which, combined with a five-star side crash rating, earned it an overall score of four out of five.
The comes with advanced safety features that are common to its class, including active front headrests, Smart Stop throttle override technology, 10 airbags and a pre-collision crash mitigation system. Front and rear parking sensors, active cruise control and a rearview camera are all optional. Test drivers note that rearward visibility is about average for a crossover SUV.
