Lexus RX 350 Review

Lexus RX 350 Review Scorecard Overall: 8.7 Critics' Rating: 8.7 Performance: 7.8 Interior: 8.4 Safety: 8.5 Reliability: N/A How we calculate scores Research analyzed for this review Pros & Cons Excellent interior build quality Roomy back seats Cloud-like ride Plentiful cargo space Dreary handling Frustrating Remote Touch controller Notable for 2015 Rearview camera and 7-inch touch-screen display now standard Standard audio system goes from nine speakers to 12 Research Other Years 2014 Lexus RX 350 2013 Lexus RX 350 2012 Lexus RX 350 2011 Lexus RX 350 2010 Lexus RX 350 2009 Lexus RX 350 2008 Lexus RX 350 The 2015 Lexus RX 350 ranks 2 out of 18 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, as well as reliability and safety data. The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is ranked: #2 in Luxury Midsize SUVs #2 in Luxury SUVs with 2 Rows #2 in Luxury Crossover SUVs Though it isn’t very entertaining to drive, critics say the 2015 Lexus RX 350 is an extremely comfortable SUV with a serene ride, spacious rear seats and generous cargo room. The 2015 Lexus RX 350 comes with a V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, and test drivers report that the RX 350 delivers enough power for confident highway passing, and that the engine is quiet at speed. The 2015 Lexus RX 350 gets up to an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway, which is about average for the class. Reviewers agree that the RX 350’s extremely comfortable ride is a strong suit. However, they also say the RX 350 has numb steering and dull handling. While some critics think the 2015 Lexus RX 350’s rivals have more luxurious interiors overall, most are very impressed with its quality materials and tight construction. They say the front seat offers a comfortable driving position and the rear seats have good head- and legroom for taller passengers. Cargo space is also generous for the class. Standard features in the 2015 RX 350 include a power liftgate, sliding and reclining rear seats, push-button start, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, a 12-speaker audio system, satellite radio, a USB port and Bluetooth. Available features include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a moonroof, parallel parking assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and navigation with Lexus’ Remote Touch system. Test drivers agree that the Remote Touch system’s controller doesn’t respond to user inputs very accurately, and that it can be distracting to use while driving. "The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is an appealing choice for a luxury crossover SUV, particularly if a smooth ride and luxurious interior are priorities." -- Edmunds "If you desire a 5-passenger luxury SUV in the $40,000-$50,000 range that has comfortable and quiet driving manners, an excellent reputation for reliability, and the space to accommodate loads of shopping bags or sporting gear, it's hard to go wrong in a Lexus RX." -- Kelley Blue Book "The positives are what you'd want in a luxury car: It's soft, quiet and really eats up the miles on the highway." -- Cars.com "Truth be told, we find the current RX a tad boring, even with the ostensibly edgy F Sport package installed. But for this luxury crossover's legions of fans, the 2014 model should continue to satisfy." -- AutoTrader (2014)