2008 Lexus RX 350 Review

PROS
Generous passenger and cargo room, Delightful ride quality, Fuel-efficient engine

CONS
Recalcitrant transmission, Limited rear visibility, Pricy options list

There was a time when the Lexus RX was the only game in town. Sure, there were other luxury utility vehicles, but none offered its unique blend of on-road ride comfort, versatility, and affordability.

Today, the midsize luxury SUV market is among the most popular with no less than 17 unique entries from 14 different automakers. Most midsize luxury SUVs seat five passengers and are powered by a V6 engine. Some have seven-passenger seating and optional V8 engines. All offer some sort of all-wheel-drive system. Key competitors to the RX include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz M, Volkswagen Touareg 2, and Volvo XC90.

RX seats five passengers and is offered with front- or all-wheel-drive. The RX 350 gets a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. It mates to a five-speed automatic transmission. The gas/electric RX 400h teams a 3.3-liter V6 with battery-powered electric motors for a total of 268 horsepower. It utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission. Towing capacity on both models is 3500 pounds.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and dual front, front-side, curtain-side, and driver knee airbags. The curtain airbags have a sensor that will trigger deployment in the event of a roll over. Park assist is not offered but a rear-view camera is optional as part of a navigation-system option package.

RX 350 models come with dual-zone automatic climate control, wood and leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, center console, adjustable split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, power liftgate, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, and rear spoiler.

RX 400h models add tilt-telescopic steering wheel and replace the wood interior trim bits with aluminum. Key options include leather upholstery, navigation system, heated front seats, steering-linked HID headlamps, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, and rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system. A multi-panel sunroof is optional only on the RX 350.

Prices start at $37,400 for the 350 and $41,180 for the 400h. All-wheel-drive adds an extra $1400. All models have a destination charge of $675 and are manufactured in Canada.

Get Up and Go
For years, the RX has been one of the most energetic V6-powered luxury SUVs. It remains so today. The 3.5-liter V6 will push the RX 350 from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. That's fast by SUV standards and even faster than some luxury sedans. The engine is smooth and offers excellent passing response. Its five-speed automatic upshifts smoothly, but hesitates annoyingly before downshifting.

The RX 400h combines a slightly less powerful V6 with two electric motors and a battery pack to offer acceleration similar to the 350--though the power delivery isn't as smooth and seamless. At slow speeds the hybrid powertrain can run in electric-only mode. Once speeds increase, the gas and electric engines work together to provide power. The battery is charged when cruising and decelerating.

The all-wheel drive system on the RX is not intended for severe off-road use and does not have a low range. It come standard with a limited-slip center differential, which helps automatically apportion power front to rear on slippery roads.

RX350 with all-wheel drive is EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Because of its electric-only mode, the AWD hybrid model carries ratings of ratings of 26 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Both models require premium-grade gasoline.

The RX 350 is more fuel-efficient than most of its luxury SUV competitors. Most are EPA rated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. In routine driving, the 350 should average about 18 mpg, if your commute includes lots of expressway you could average as high as 23 mpg. Compared to conventionally powered SUVs, the RX 400h is a fuel sipper, though perhaps not as fuel efficient as you might expect from a hybrid vehicle. It has EPA ratings of 26 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Both vehicles require premium-grade fuel.

On the Road
What made the original RX so impressive when it was introduced in 1999 was the fact that is had the shape of a utility vehicle and the heart of a luxury sedan. In other words, it rode like a car but was versatile enough to handle trips to Menards when necessary.

That flexibility hasn't changed one bit. The suspension is supple enough to blunt large impacts and filter small ones. It's also firm enough to reduce unwanted secondary body motions that sometimes induce a queasy feeling in unsuspecting passengers. If you're looking for a smooth riding midsize SUV, look no further.

On the flip side, the absorbent suspension is not well suited to tackling twisty roads. Body lean and brake dive are fairly severe and the steering doesn't feel as linear or direct as it should. While the brakes seem to have ample stopping power, the pedal has a mushy feeling that certainly doesn't impart confidence.

Cabin noise levels are among the lowest of any SUV. Wind noise and tire thrum are well muted and the engines never intrude on conversation--even in hard acceleration. Rear-seat passengers will note a trifle more road noise, but that's not unusual among SUVs.

Behind the Wheel
The RX cabin sports fine materials and a clean design. Gauges are easy to read and nicely recessed into the dashtop for easy daytime viewing. Most other controls are arranged in the center stack. Audio and climate systems are easy to adjust and logically arranged. The available navigation display tends to wash out in direct sunlight and its location is a long stretch for most drivers.

The front seats are well padded and nicely shaped. They offer a good balance between comfort and support. Head and leg room are ample and the tilt-telescope steering wheel makes it easy for adults of any size to find a relaxed driving position. Step-in height is higher than in some new "crossover" utility vehicles but not so steep as to be off putting. Thick rear roof pillars will make shorter drivers opt for the rear-view camera, it's a shame that it can't be optioned as a separate item.

Rear-seat room is abundant and the seat slides fore and aft to increase cargo space if necessary. The cushion is designed for two-adult seating and adding a third passenger squeezes everyone. Seat backs recline for additional comfort. The center armrest is nicely padded and has two cup holders and a storage compartment.

Cargo space is generous by sedan standards and on par with other luxury SUVs. That means more than enough room for a week's worth of groceries. The rear seats fold nearly flat in one simple motion to expand cargo area. Interior storage is ample, highlighted by a deep center-console bin and pop out door map pockets. A standard 115-volt power outlet behind the front seats is a nice touch.

Bottom Line
The RX isn't the value it once was, not because the price is going up, but because there is so much competition in the midsize luxury SUV marketplace. Regardless, the RX is still an amazing vehicle. It's roomy, comfortable, fuel efficient, and luxurious.

Lexus has de-contented the RX over the years to keep it affordable, so buyers need to beware when selecting options. Still, for a little less than $42,000 you get an exceptional and versatile vehicle with a good warranty, exceptional reliability and fantastic resale value. The RX is still a winner after all these years.