Lexus RX 350 Review

2010 Lexus RX 350 SUV

The Lexus RX 350 is a vehicle that's comfortable in its own metal. And why wouldn't it be? Ever since its debut more than a decade ago, it has been a plush-riding, well-built midsize luxury crossover SUV that also boasts a strong reliability record and offers a number of user-friendly high-tech features. Evidently, those qualities strike a chord with a lot of people, as the RX series has been at the top of the luxury SUV sales charts for years.

Those who find driving to be a passion and not just a necessity should know that the Lexus RX 350 is more a well-cushioned cruiser than a corner clipper. If you're looking for thrills on twisty roads in your SUV, you'd be better suited by a few RX rivals that trade practical aspects such as passenger and cargo space for a sportier drive. But for the great majority of luxury SUV consumers, who just want as trouble-free and comfortable an experience as possible when dealing with commuting, shuttling the kids around, shopping and taking weekend road trips to see the relatives, the RX 350 -- new or used -- is hard to top.

Current Lexus RX 350

The current-generation RX 350 debuted for the 2010 model year and comes with a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Although its dimensions are virtually identical to the previous-generation RX 350's, the fitment of more standard safety and luxury equipment has increased weight by more than 400 pounds. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive is offered.

Standard features are typically plentiful, with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, 10-way power front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a nine-speaker stereo included. Available features (many grouped in packages) include a power liftgate, a blind-spot detection system, leather upholstery, heated/cooled front seats, a navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system and a back-up camera.

As before, the Lexus RX 350 is strictly a five-passenger SUV; no third-row seat is offered. Inside the comfortable cabin, a multifunction mouselike controller is included if you opt for the nav system -- its intuitive and easy-to-operate nature makes it one of the best control interfaces found in a luxury vehicle.

In reviews, we found the latest RX 350, despite the added weight, a bit more athletic in feel compared to the outgoing version thanks primarily to retuned steering and suspension systems along with the six-speed gearbox. Still, the traditional RX 350 qualities of a smooth ride and a serene cabin are retained. It's a solid pick for a five-passenger, midsize luxury crossover.

Used Lexus RX 350 Models

Introduced for the 2007 model year and running to 2009, the previous-generation Lexus RX 350 luxury SUV was essentially the same as the 2004-'06 RX 330 but with the addition of a slightly larger, considerably more powerful engine and more sound insulation. The 350's 3.5-liter V6 made 270 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque and came paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Again, buyers could still choose either front- or all-wheel drive.

As is tradition with the RX series, there were plenty of luxury features on these models, such as one-touch windows all around, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power seats and a power liftgate. Options included leather seating, a moonroof, a navigation system, a DVD entertainment system, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera and adaptive headlights. Safety was a strength as well, with stability control, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag all standard. Crash test scores are excellent.

The Lexus RX 350 pretty much drove like a quicker version of the RX 330, itself already sprightly enough. It coddled occupants with a soft, quiet ride along with confident composure in the turns, especially if equipped with the optional air suspension that tightened up the handling.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.