2019 Lexus RX 350 Review

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.

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.