2019 Lexus RX 350

Which RX 350 does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

The 2019 Lexus RX 350 is certainly one of the most appealing options for a well-rounded luxury crossover SUV. The Lexus RX we cover in this review is the simple, two-row non-hybrid model, but there are three other versions of the RX (reviewed separately): the three-row RX 350L, the hybrid RX 450h and the three-row hybrid RX 450hL. The RX's appeal owes partly to that wide variety of configurations but also to its long list of standard features, such as adaptive cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery. There are lots of high-end options to choose from, too, such as a 12.3-inch center display screen, a 15-speaker stereo and a panoramic sunroof.

Comfort also plays a large role in the RX's appeal. The front seats are great for long-distance drives, and highway noise is nearly nonexistent. Combine all of this with a modern, well-built cabin, appealing value and Lexus' reputation for reliability, and you've got a car with a lot of curb appeal.

The RX certainly isn't perfect, though. The optional infotainment interface can be frustrating and difficult to use, which is definitely a distraction on the open road. And while the RX 350 is spacious, you'll have trouble fitting larger items into the cargo area because of the slanted rear roofline. Overall, though, none of these drawbacks would keep us away from the 2019 RX 350. We certainly recommend you take one for a test drive.

2019 Lexus RX 350 models

The 2019 Lexus RX 350 is a five-passenger luxury crossover available in base and F Sport versions. They both come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

The base is equipped with 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights (with automatic high beams), rear privacy glass, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat and a rear cargo cover.

Also standard is a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, Safety Connect emergency communications, a suite of driver safety aids (the Safety System+ package, including lane departure warning and intervention, as well as forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic emergency braking), Bluetooth, an 8-inch display screen, a smartphone-integrated navigation system and a nine-speaker sound system.

The Premium package is available on non-F Sport models and adds auto-dimming side mirrors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, driver-seat memory functions, leather upholstery, wood trim and a rear armrest storage compartment. The Luxury package (also only available on base models) includes the Premium package items and adds 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, rear door sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery, and four-way lumbar adjustment for the front seats.

The F Sport includes the Premium package contents, sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, enhanced engine sound, transmission paddle shifters, unique gauges, heated and ventilated sport seats, leather upholstery and unique interior trim. The F Sport is also available with all-wheel drive.

Options are generally grouped into packages with the RX, but there are a few stand-alone items, too, and availability can depend on the trim level and region in which you live.

The Navigation package adds a navigation system, the Remote Touch tech interface, a larger 12.3-inch display, voice controls, the Lexus Enform App Suite and a 12-speaker sound system.

Other options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automated braking, a panoramic-view backup camera, either a regular or a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding second-row seats, a towing package (with an upgraded cooling system), front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded LED headlights (with 18 individual LED accent lights), a color head-up display, a heated steering wheel and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Trim tested

Driving

Outright performance isn't the name of the RX 350's game, even when it is equipped with the F Sport package. But when it comes to merging on a highway or overtaking slower traffic, the smooth and powerful V6 engine gets the job done. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 7.9 seconds, which isn't as quick as most competitors but is still plenty adequate. More aggressive drivers will want to opt for the all-wheel drive for its superior traction.

Body roll is lessened with the F Sport package, but handling isn't really improved. The tires are the main letdown, but the Lexus can still confidently handle a twisty road. The brakes provide easy and smooth stopping power. And though the transmission is a little too eager to shift to a higher gear, it does its work almost transparently.

Comfort

Comfort is paramount in a Lexus, and the RX 350 is generally excellent. The RX 350 can definitely take the edge off a long commute thanks to well-insulated windows, impressively comfortable seats covered in supple leather, and an effective and easy-to-use climate control system.

The only real negative, and it could be a deal-breaker, comes from the optional F Sport package, which, in the attempt to achieve sportier handling characteristics, throws any semblance of a relaxing ride right out the window. Moderately chewed-up roads will bounce and jitter occupants about in a very un-Lexus-like manner, and larger potholes can cause be jarring. We'd recommend steering clear of this package.

Interior

Even though the base of the windshield looks to be pretty far away, the dashboard and all major controls fall easily to hand. The buttons are on the large side, clearly labeled and easy to press, and most everything you touch feels well engineered and well considered. All passengers will appreciate the large square door openings, and there's plenty of room for tall people in the front and the back. Even the panoramic sunroof doesn't take away much headroom.

But Lexus' use of the joystick for infotainment controls frustrates us to no end. Even with improved feedback and weighting, it demands too much concentration to use as fluidly as the ones in a BMW or a Mercedes.

Utility

Thanks to its two-row configuration, there's always a good amount of storage — 18.4 cubic feet — in the trunk of the RX 350. That's not as big as some other midsize SUVs, but it's decent. And with 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, this luxury SUV has flexibility to carry an assortment of goods. It's even rated to tow 3,500 pounds, which, though far from class-leading, is still enough for a small trailer with a motorcycle or two.

Passengers get a fair amount of well-thought-out storage for personal items, even including a cupholder whose depth can be adjusted for taller mugs. Child seats will also have ample room for attachment thanks to the large door openings and plenty of rear legroom.

Technology

Opting for the Mark Levinson sound system can go a long way to alleviating the frustrations with the RX 350's infotainment system. The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is chief among them. The navigation system, though quick-acting, is looking a bit dated. And despite good resolution, it can be hard to read because of somewhat cluttered graphics. The joystick control is a bit of a nuisance.

Thanks to the abundance of well-labeled buttons, the somewhat formal and command-heavy voice control system is often sidestepped. Driver aids are well calibrated, and we didn't have any false alarms or overreactions, though we would like the adaptive cruise control to be a bit more responsive to traffic flow.