Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, offers prospective buyers an SUV with many virtues. It's costly but exudes refinement and class.
Though $4 gas is now common at least one market segment has hardly been affected. It’s the luxury SUV class, a place where buyers are more interested in opulence than fuel efficiency or price. At the pack’s apex is the Lexus RX 350, a well designed but expensive vehicle. More horsepower and a tweak here and there would be welcome.
Interior Design and Ratings
The power leather front captain’s chairs with height control are surprisingly firm. Between them is an enormous console with writer-tested cupholders and a power point. Overhead lies Homelink, the Lexus version of General Motor’s OnStar. Looking forward from the driver’s seat one discovers mostly analog instrumentation and an LCD trip computer. The dash is trimmed in genuine wood: the leather and wood steering wheel is sporty but rock-hard. The wheel’s center boasts trendy auxiliary controls but there’s a downside. During the week-long test period the driver constantly, inadvertently changed radio stations due to the auxiliary controls’ location.
Turning to the rear, the three-across split bench offers adequate legroom. With it folded into the floor there’s more room than a minivan. A tonneau cover keeps prying eyes out of the rear compartment. First aid and tool kits along with a full-size spare are included in this vehicle’s $38,150 base price. The rear hatch is power-operated.
Under the Hood
The RX 350 utilizes a smooth and quiet 3.5 liter, 270 HP V6. It incorporates variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder. Using an accelerometer zero to 60 acceleration was measured at 7.3 seconds. There’s plenty of low-end torque but highway passing was hampered by wind resistance (more horsepower is needed) and the five-speed automatic transmission’s reluctance to “kick down.” A useful item is its “Snow Mode,” a feature allowing second gear starts for more control under slippery conditions. Fuel economy was observed at 16 city and 20 highway (EPA 18/23), excellent for a 3,870 pound high profile vehicle. Lexus lists tow capacity at 3,500 pounds with the $160 Towing Package.
Safety Features and More
Front, side, front and rear side curtain plus driver’s knee airbags are built in. Antilock 4-wheel power disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronically Controlled Braking, Stability Control and a tire pressure warning system are standard. Automatic climate control with a pollen filtration system, speed-sensitive power rack and pinion steering, electric windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, tilt/telescope steering, various anti-theft systems, keyfob entry and a roof rack are universal in this front driver’s class.
Handling and Ride
The RX 350 never loses composure. Potholes, speed bumps and other road irregularities are negotiated without fanfare. Though the 4-wheel independent suspension is biased toward comfort rather than aggressive driving the RX 350 handles well. Corners are negotiated with minimal lean for an SUV; nimbleness shows in its 37-foot turning circle. The tires were slippery all-season radials.
Turning to ride, you’ll find it European in style. Though the body is stiff only a hint filters through on large bumps. Otherwise it’s soft but nowhere near the ‘50’s “boulevard” type.
Other Considerations
The test vehicle was equipped with the $6,190 Luxury Value Package. It includes a Mark Levinson AM/FM/CD/Cassette sound system that’s mediocre, a moonroof, voice activated controls and more.
Quality control was excellent.
Overall the RX 350 rates at this genre’s top. Though expensive due to features other builders’ make standard – and needing transmission recalibration along with more horsepower - it’s well worth a test drive.
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