Lexus RX350 Reviews

The Lexus RX arrives in plenty of trim and engine combinations, so exactly how much yours will cost is largely up to you.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Lexus RX350 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Lexus RX has been a huge success for the upmarket Japanese marque since its launch in Australia in April 2003. More a high riding station wagon than a 4WD it has mild to medium off-road ability in its AWD versions, though very few owners ever take advantage of it. The introduction of the fourth generation RX series in

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Lexus RX with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the Lexus RX SUV with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its international launch.

With the RX 350 F-Sport, Lexus is going after car buyers seeking a prestige family car with a bit more space -- but also sportier characteristics than average. This Lexus delivers in terms of luxury but it’s not over the top like some of its pricier rivals.VALUEThe entry level RX350 Luxury - from $77,400 - kicks off the range with the F-Sport as tested starting from $85,400. The top of the range Sports Luxury starts from $93,900.The standard features list is impressive and includes features like live traffic enabled satellite-navigation, reversing camera with guide assist, electric adjustable leather seats, power rear tailgate, digital audio, 12-speaker audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels and daytime running lights.TECHNOLOGYThe RX 350 kicks things up a notch from the 4-cylinder RX 270 with the smooth V6 petrol engine pumping out a very useful 204kW of power and 346 Nm of torque. Thanks to multi point injection power figures are decent and performance is respectable for an SUV weighing more than two tonnes. The 0-100kmh dash can be done in 8 seconds according to Lexus -- and it probably feels a little quicker off the mark than those figures suggest.Fuel consumption is quoted at 10.8L/100km for the combined cycle but in predominantly city traffic you can expect to chew through about 15L /100.The smooth transmission is a highlight. It’s well-matched with the engine and doesn’t sound noisy or trashy when accelerating. Sound insulation in the cabin obviously helps and it’s one of the things Lexus is renowned for.DESIGNThe revamped RX range shares the signature face of the rest of the Lexus fleet.  With its spindle grille and more aggressive F-Sport front bumper design, mesh grille and distinctive F Sport badge this RX350 stands out. The daytime running lights also help to make the front end look sporty.The interior looks good and is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for cargo and passengers. The dash design is shared with the new generation Lexus GS range while the remote touch system is easy to navigate. The F sport also scores sports pedals and steering wheel to underscore its sporty aims.SAFETYThere are ten airbags, including side airbags on the rear outer seats, as standard. Additional safety features include stability control and traction control, hill-start assist control, anti-lock braking and associated technology such as electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.Also notable is the Lexus active cruise control system employed in the RX range. It’s works with the a radar system detecting other vehicles up ahead and adjusting speed accordingly. It makes for smoother more relaxed freeway driving.DRIVINGThe engine responds well to the pedal and has plenty of urge for the in-gear acceleration needed for overtaking between 80-110kmh – particularly considering the size and weight of the car.This Lexus is equally at home taking the family around the city as well as relaxed travelling on freeways but don’t expect it to tow a heavy load or handle offroad terrain – it might be 4WD bit it just wasn’t designed for serious offroading.While it does handle better than the entry level RX - and the engine and transmission are a smooth combination - fuel consumption can be a bit disappointing in city driving but it makes up for that with its performance considering the size of the vehicle.VERDICTThe Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a car that will appeal for those looking for sportier family transportation, a quality interior and better performance and handling than your average SUV. As with other Lexus cars one of the reasons to consider it over some of its rivals is the fact that most of the optional extras are included as standard.Lexus RX 350 F-SportPrice: from $85,400 Warranty: 4 years/100,000km, roadside assistService Interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 10.8L/100km; 95RON; 254g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 2085kgSpare: Space-saverThirst: 10.4L/100km; 98RON; CO2 248g/km 

...and what to watch for when you are buying it.Lexus cars are about comfort and refinement and the Lexus RX SUV leans very much in that direction and well away from the rugged off-road nature of its big brother the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX Series.The Lexus RX350 has significantly less ground clearance than the typical crossover. Which gives it road holding almost on par with that of a sedan or station wagon. While the Lexus RX350 does have all-wheel drive and can travel on dirt roads, forest trails and the like, taking it to the beach could leave it beached on its belly.Interior room is good for two adults and three junior travellers, but three adults in the back seats starts to stretch their friendship. It goes without saying that the choice of materials and the quality of fit and finish of cabin is immaculate in all models, and has been taken to even higher levels over the years. Boot space is reasonable considering the steep slope of the rear window, but most SUVs of this size give you more versatility when it comes to carrying boxy items. The rear seat has a handy 40/20/40 split to give you loading options.Australian buyers weren’t offered the chance to buy the first-generation Lexus RX300 as it was only sold in the USA. The second generation went on sale in this country in April 2003 as the RX330 (the numbers refer to the engine size in decilitres in most models, more about that later) and was a hit pretty well from the start.The third generation Lexus was introduced in February 2009 and, with a moderate facelift and the introduction of several new variants remains on sale today. The gen-three was virtually all-new, being longer and wider in the body than its predecessors and sitting on a longer wheelbase and wider track. The new model was designed to provide more interior space and even higher levels of interior comfort than before. It truly is a luxury wagon and the great majority of buyers use it that way.The twin-cam petrol engine V6 has a capacity of 3.0 litres in the 330 and 3.5 litres in the RX350. The third generation cars have noticeably lower fuel consumption without any loss of performance. The petrol engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission until the arrival of the all-new 2009 model saw it lifted to six-speed unit, which partly explains its lower fuel use.An interesting model is the petrol-electric hybrid RX. Sold since October 2006, it uses a 3.3-litre engine and an electric motor in combination. The hybrid’s model name breaks with convention by being tagged RX400h, that’s because Lexus reckons it has the performance that would be offered by a 4.0-litre petrol engine.A mid-life upgrade in July 2012 saw the introduction of an RX 2WD, four-cylinder model badged RX 270. Until then all RXs used 4WD and a V6 engine. The lighter weight of the 2WD model (which drives through the front wheels) means there is less loss in performance than you might expect. Naturally, it’s still a rarity on the used market but if you never plan any unsealed road driving its lower price may make it worth a wait.Lexus dealers are mainly in metropolitan areas of capital cities and major regional and country locations. Should you need work done in other areas some top Toyota mechanics have been trained in Lexus work. Service and repair costs are about average for an SUV in this upmarket class and we have heard of no real complaints about cost or availability of routine spare parts. Insurance charges don’t seem to vary significantly between major companies, but it may be worth shopping around.WHAT TO LOOK FORVery high build quality means that troubles are rare, but these are relatively complex machines and we highly recommend a professional inspection after you've completed yours to the best of your ability. If you find body damage indicating off-road use, a rarity, it’s most likely to be on the bumper corners, under the sill panels and in the form of scratches on the doors. Unless the price is right we suggest going for another RX instead.Look for a smoking exhaust on a high-mileage engine. It will be at its worst when the engine is worked hard. Check the automatic transmission is all but unnoticed in its actions unless you’re accelerating hard. Look over the interior and boot carefully because the RX is popular in the Mums’ taxi cohort.CAR BUYING TIPFaded paint on any vehicle, particularly those with strong colours, is likely to indicate it hasn’t been garaged very often. This can be hard on the interior as well as the body. 

NEW - The rise of the SUV has been remarkable. It's not that long ago that families were given little choice in what they drove, it basically came down to a large sedan or an even larger station wagon.Today there is an amazing choice with every carmaker jumping on the SUV bandwagon. The SUV craze started with an idea that you could have a station wagon that would be handy around town, but come into its own when the black top ran out. That idea soon faded, but the appeal of the SUV has boomed. Instead of beating around the bush, the vast majority of SUVs stay within the city limits, and that's just fine with their owners.They never really wanted to see the Outback anyway. What they did want was a wagon that afforded them a view of the road they got with an off-roader, and the safety they perceived they had with a large wagon. Enter the SUV. Today's SUV, such as the Lexus RX350, come with all the bells and whistles. There's nothing you can't have with them.The RX350 was a heavily revamped version of the RX launched back in 2003, and was conceived to rival the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-  Benz ML350, and the Audi Q7. It begins with a reasonably attractive wagon with slick lines and smooth shapes, with the choice of three levels of equipment starting with the Prestige and climbing through the Sports to the ultimate Sports Luxury.The 3.5-litre V6 engine was improved and now put out 204 kW and 346 Nm, and was linked to a new six-speed auto with sequential shifting. Overall the RX350 used a little less fuel, a good thing because it used the more expensive Premium Unleaded.Final drive was an on-demand all-wheel drive system, which means it was a front-driver most of the time, until it felt the front wheels slipping when drive was dispatched rearward to correct the situation. While all that's comforting SUVs are more about comfort and convenience, and the level of clever gear they pack is as important to buyers as anything else.Comfort is well taken care of with power seats, a folding rear seat, and a power tailgate takes care of the convenience. As for equipment there isn't much that the RX350 doesn't have, if there's anything at all. On the road the RX350 drives much like a car, it handles well, rides comfortably and boasts plenty of zip when the right pedal is depressed.NOWWith the RX350 being launched just three years ago the earliest will be showing around 50,000 km on the odometer, which makes it an ideal choice for those buyers who are happy to buy second hand and avoid the depreciation that comes with a new car. Those early RX350s will be coming off lease around now, which adds to the attraction of buying now.We have had virtually no reports from owners with any complaints about the car, which suggests they are a contented lot. That's good news for those about to step into RX ownership. Look for a service record, which shouldn't be an issue on such a new car.Also make the usual visual checks of the bodywork looking for any signs of a crunch that might detract from a car's appeal. Be aware that the RX350 requires Premium unleaded petrol, which will bump up running costs.SMITHY SAYSWell built, solid SUV with all the bells and whistles. Should be on your shopping list.Lexus RX350 2009-2010Price new: from $82,990Engine: 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto AWDEconomy: 10.8 L/100 km, CO2 254 g/kmBody: 5-door Variants: Prestige, Sport, Sport LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP

Lexus swamps the cabin with technology - but makes it easy to understand. The problem with modern electronics is that the onion layers of technology can bring tears to your eyes.It's brilliant stuff and you'll feel justified in forking our lots of money for a car that has more thinking power than a university Arts freshman, but it can leave you crying in frustration.Understanding the complexity of a high-end car's features, and being able to master it, is proven a burden on the very people who fall into the “lots of money” category.That's where a 15-year-old grandchild - or a car that makes all the mumbo-jumbo so easy to figure out - comes in handy. With the Lexus, you don't need grandkids.VALUELexus - apparently a corruption of Luxury Exports to the US - aims itself at more long-standing prestige rivals and though there's similarity in concept, no competitor ladens models with so much eye-watering gadgets.On a value-for-money scale, Lexus wins. The features list is enormous and you don't have to fork out for the $93,900 Sports Luxury version here. Rather, look at the $77,400 Luxury model.If you have no need for driving exhilaration and intend only to stay within the city limits, even the four-cylinder RX270 - same stuff, different drivetrain, less money - makes sense.The intensity of the Sports Luxury tested here runs from Mark Levison 15-speaker surround sound, Head-Up display and virtual-camera navigation, to voice-command functions, a traffic management service and pre-collision technology.DESIGNThe basic 2011 wagon remains beneath restyled sheet metal and a bolder, spindle-shaped family grille. It's the grille that defines the 2012 model but look closer and there's new headlight with daytime running lamps. Inside is a cleaner look, some new trim, a redesigned centre console and a steering wheel that bears some relationship to the one in Lexus' neat LFA sports car.Whoopee. The central touch controller - virtually a computer mouse for left-handed drivers - is improved and though there's a lot of information beneath its button, it's logical and easy to use. The leather and wood-trimmed RX350 is generous in cabin space and the 40/20/40 split rear seat and electric tailgate are handy inclusions.TECHNOLOGYElectronics win the day here. The voice control means hands-free access to the phone, navigation and audio. Bluetooth has audio streaming and automatic phonebook transfer. There's live traffic alerts and congestion avoidance advice, USB back-up and transfer, hard-disc drive navigation and cockpit-view mapping that artificially positions the camera above and behind the vehicle.Mechanically, the body is stiffer (simply, 24 more spot welds) while the engine remains the Toyota-Lexus 3.5-litre V6 with 204kW/346Nm. The engine has quieter mounts and an electrically-operated induction system that alters the tube length to maximise torque. The drive system is part-time all-wheel drive, picking up the rear wheels when needed by engaging an electro-magnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. An AWD-Lock button maximises grip up to 40km/h.SAFETYLots of news here. The RX350 gets features including the radar cruise function within a pre-collision system, 10 airbags, the Lexus VDIM umbrella that comprises electronic stability and traction control, brake assist, co-operative steering and brakeforce distribution.The Sports Luxury adds the latest-generation head-up display (a digital speedo projected onto the windscreen), side monitor (to detect passing cars) and clearance and parking sensors. There's also a reverse camera with an overlaid guide, adaptive front lighting that turns into corners, and hill-assist.The spare tyre is a space-saver.DRIVINGI fear the words “electric-assist steering” as much as lying awake at night worrying about the bed bugs biting. But Lexus has played the game well. The steering feel is a bit gooey and vague at low speeds but feels almost positive when cruising.It's no Porsche but it's sensibly weighted for the Lexus type of owner. Power is adequate with the hallmark being on smoothness and quietness rather than acceleration. That said, pressed hard and the 2-plus tonne RX350 can surprise.Its handling is fine and though I'd like more feel in the steering, again it suits its market. SUVs and corners have rarely been best friends and the RX350 doesn't break the creed. Comfort is excellent and will beat many sedans hands down. Its features and its comfort make it an enjoyable wagon. But it's big and can be awkward to park.VERDICTBetter than before but though technically a smart car, begs the question that is it all too much for most buyers?Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury Price: $93,900 Warranty: 4 years/100,000km, roadside assistResale: 56 per centService Interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 10.8L/100km; 95RON; 254g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 2085kgSpare: Space-saver

Lexus has won a place alongside the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the minds of prestige car buyers who believe it to be a worthy alternative to the European establishment.The RX was an important plank in the Lexus platform given the growing popularity of crossover wagons in this country. It began with the five-seater RX330 in 2003, and stepped up with the RX350 in 2006.The changes made to the RX in 2006 made it better placed to attack the Mercedes-Benz ML and the BMW X5, regarded as its main rivals. For starters the V6 engine was increased in capacity from 3.3 to 3.5 litres, the outcome being 18 percent more power and four percent more torque. In a nutshell, that means more get up and go when needed, and better towing performance.Backing up to the V6 was a five-speed auto with touch-change manual shifting feeding into the permanent all-wheel drive system. Underneath it had full independent suspension and disc brakes all round. Even in base form the RX350 had a swag of standard gear, pretty much everything could want or expect in a car of its standing.Inside there was leather trim, heated front seats, auto climate controlled air-con, cruise, power windows and mirrors, a six-speaker CD sound system, and blue-tooth phone connection. Outside it had alloy wheels, fog lights, roof racks, and a rear spoiler.The RX350 is not the vehicle you'd choose if you wanted to go bush in a big way, but it is the sort of wagon you'd be happy to drive around town and on the odd excursion beyond the city limits.Its uprated engine gave it noticeably better performance without sacrificing any of the smoothness for which it had been renowned.Some thought the suspension too soft and less responsive than its rivals, but its ride was comfortable and it handled well enough.IN THE SHOPReliability in service is largely determined by the initial design work and the build precision, and in those areas Toyota has excelled. There's no question that the RX350 is well designed and put together, and as a result, little appears to go wrong with them. The most important thing is to ensure any prospective purchase has been serviced correctly, so check for a service record. Make the usual visual checks for crash repairs and walk away if it's suspected a car has been in a crash.IN A CRASHANCAP doesn't have a rating for the RX350, but its almost identical predecessor was rated at four stars out of five. There was a comprehensive array of safety gear in the RX350. It began with front, head and side airbags, and continued with ABS braking, and electronic stability and traction control systems.UNDER THE PUMPBig, heavy, all-wheel drive; they're not the ingredients to deliver fuel economy. Toyota claimed the RX350 would do 10.8 L/100 km, meanwhile CarsGuide's road tester returned 11.1 L/100 km.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $74,800 to $84,100Engine: 3.5-litre V6; 203 kW/342 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 10.8 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: Sports, LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTA great choice when you want a wagon that looks down on its neighbours.