Overview & Reviews

The Lexus RX 350 is a vehicle that's comfortable in its own metal. And why wouldn't it be? This midsize luxury crossover SUV has long been a consumer favorite thanks to its plush ride, spacious interior, strong reliability record and appealing high-tech features. While the RX 350 doesn't promise much in the way of driving passion, its combination of comfort and convenience is hard to top in a five-passenger luxury crossover. It also commands lofty resale values due to that sterling Lexus reputation.

Offering either front- or all-wheel drive, the RX 350 dates back to 2007, when it was introduced as a continuation of the RX 330. It has received significant upgrades in cabin technology over the years, but a generous standard features list and excellent build quality are a given with any Lexus RX 350. Unless you need the versatility of a third-row seat, this Lexus is likely to be a compelling proposition.

User Reviews:

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  Over committed, under delivered - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Jim C - November 7 - 1:20 am

  Have only had the RX350 for 2 weeks. Ride is smooth, handling is good, overall a good car, but not great.. The packages are hokey. The hands free tail gate which is on almost every car has worked once. Try to use it and Im out there waving my hand over the sensor, looking like an idiot and then need to open it conventionally. This wouldnt bother me except they charge $200 for this worthless option and it is packaged in most cars. Another such option is the heated steering wheel. Cant even tell it is on. The Navigation system which ties to your phone (Scout GP) is worthless. It cant decipher what you are asking. Neither my wife or I have had any luck with it trying business names, addresses, anything. Havent tried the remote start via phone app yet, but it is disappointing that a car in this price range doesnt have one standard. If it does end up working, it t is free for one year, then $160 per year afterwards....Too expensive, will ultimately end up putting in an aftermarket starter. When we picked the car up, they wasted too much time trying to sell add on packages and spent very little time explaining the features. Wasted time rebooting the entire car because the hands free tail gate wouldnt work. Overall, much less than the stellar buying experience Lexus advertises. Lexus obviously has a loyal base and as such is stingy with discounting, but I would suggest giving similar cars a better look. Over priced for what is delivered.

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  Avoid the Navigational System - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By REBB - October 23 - 10:50 am

  The Lexus is a fair car but way overrated. The Navigational system does not allow the driver or passenger to make adjustments while the vehicle is in motion. Lexus refuses to acknowledge this design issue and stonewalls its customers...so much so that owners are talking about class action litigation. If you must buy this model year, shop around until you find one without the navi. The engine has high noise...sounds like a 1970s diesel. Lexus advises that it is due to their decision to go with a mechanical timing chain. I would rather have a quiet vehicle and pay the cost to replace. High wind noise at highway speeds. Buy an Acura, you will be much happier.

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  Not made in Japan & service costs vary greatly - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Peter - August 19 - 3:01 pm

  This 2013 RX350 is my 7th Lexus ( my 4th RX) and my first Lexus built in the USA rather than Japan. This RX has also been my the least reliable one. The car had a chronic and constant squeak audible at low speeds which after 4 trips to the dealer finally got diagnosed as a poorly fitted hood (poorly fitted at the factory). It was finally fixed at 20,000 miles. The squeak had gotten so annoying that I actually considered selling the car rather than listen to it. The electric self positioning steering column began to groan when it moved, starting at about 35,000 miles, and was replaced under warranty. The dealer had to keep my car for two weeks to make the repair. The service tech said the steering column would have eventually given out and that it is tied into the cars starter switch so failure would have rendered the car inoperable. It would have cost $2 500 to fix had it been out of warranty. Also the leather on the two front seat cushions wore poorly. Deep creases developed into cracks during two years and 50,000 miles of normal use, despite routine application of leather conditioner. The leather cover on the door armrest also came loose from its padding. After some discussion between the dealer and the factory rep, all of these upholstery items were replaced even though the car was a few miles beyond its warranty period. My previous Lexus experiences were trouble free, so I felt I bought good value despite the high purchase price. However, this car has required a lot of attention. Although this RX is a safe comfortable versatile SUV, it is not a great machine like all my other Lexuses. About service, I have learned that each Lexus dealer sets the cost it charges for service and these costs do vary greatly,. Desert Lexus in Cathedral City, CA charges more for service than any other dealer I have found in Southern CA. I will probably not buy an 8th Lexus.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By J. Liu - February 27 - 11:46 am

  Like many of the loyal Lexus owners. This is my 3rd RX 350. This is the first time Ive written any review on the RX 350. The previous were 2011 and 2015 version. They both were great. Although I did read all the negative comments, but, I still went for this 3rd RX 350, thinking, it cant be that bad. Well, after one week in this vehicle, I can now see and feel all the complaints in the previous reviews. Pros: Sportier Look, mean looking Grill, Excellent Interior Finish, I just had it one week, could not comment on the Reliability. But, the same Lexus quality, is apparent in this vehicle. Great Warranty and Service of the Lexus dealership. Cons: 1. Navagation and Audio control function logics SUCKS ! ITS COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT, and operation very illogical. Dont even think about making changes, delete, during driving. The difficulty in operating the navigation system, makes it very hazardous during driving. Id give this a 1 star .... Very poor. What happened here ? Why didnt the Lexus design engineers adopt to the simple, mature, and logical operation commands of the current GPS in the market place ? This is a major disappointment. Although I love the 12" display. But, the operation and controls simply way too cumbersome and poorly designed. 2. Audio control, complicated and difficult to set and navigate during driving. And not responsive at all. there seemingly a few seconds delay, previous Lexus version, the response was swift and quick. Very poor design. It makes the operation very frustrating, and takes the enjoyment out of music. 3. The little mouse pointer.....You have to be EXACTLY AND PRECISELY dead-on, and the pointer is so so so so sensitive, very difficult to land exactly on the target. Very bad design. Very distracting, especially during driving. Dont attempt to operate this during driving, very hazardous. My other car is a BMW, the control is so much easier and accurate to operate. Lexus, Lexus, whats gotten into you ! ? 4. The doors are very heavy to open and close, comparing to previous models. 5. The gear shifting in all my previous RX 350 are smooth as silk. Although there were noise, it was more like the exhaust noise. But, in the 2016 RX 350, the noise. Especially during start-up acceleration , the humming sound from the engine seems louder, but, the worst part, is the gear shift are a bit rough, and no longer smooth. The 2015 RX350 and my BMW 5 series, the gear shifts very quiet, and so smooth, its hardly noticeable. But, this 2016 RX 350, it is very noticeable. Well, after all this is said, this is still a good SUV to have. Im just a bit disappointed and a bit anxious to finish the current lease of my RX 350, and move on to the next one. Hopefully a much better car in the future.

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  Rattle, Rattle, Rattle - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Disappointed Driver - February 16 - 5:13 am

  After years of driving practical SUVs I was looking forward to my first "luxury" vehicle but this has fallen far from my expectations. The next day after buying my RX350, I noticed a glass distortion in the windshield. I also started hearing a rattle at the top of the driver side window. There was also an air leak on the driver door which made it sound like the door was not closed all the way. Ever since the new windshield was put in there has been a ticking sound at the front right side near the dashboard that the dealership has not been able to fix correctly. The rattle above the window still exists even after having been at dealership 4 times for all the repairs. I am VERY disappointed!

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  Poor redesign of rear entry/exit - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Nathan - September 21 - 3:40 pm

  In an effort to have floating roof line, the designers failed to notice the passenger comfort and safety as they exit the vehicle. Not so much getting in, but one gets out without paying attention to the roof line, you could most certainly get hit at the temple if you dont lean forward as you get out ...... Its disappointing to see this from Lexus, not to mention their interior is cluttered with too many types of cheap materials and finishes, which does not flow well. Gives a very clumsy finish. If not, I would have bought it. I liked the BMW X5 interior, but with all their reliability issues, Ive settled with Porsche Cayenne.

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  RX 350 stinks - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By CeCe - September 1 - 8:46 am

  I had an RX300 and LOVED it! Traded it for a new (at the time 2007) rx350 and its been a lemon from the start. Passenger seat broke twice..dealer wont fix again. Transmission slips (dealer said the car is "thinking" what gear it should be in) Tires wont align properly - 4 sets of tires in 2 years (Dealer said must be my driving), replaced battery, brakes (after 40k miles - seriously??. I NEVER had to do this on my RX300 nor the Volvo or BMW we have!! Electrical system is wacky - sometimes radio wont turn off unless you smack it. Most recently - back seatbelt wouldnt release my SMALL CHILD and had to call 911 for them to cut her out. I may have gotten a lemon - its true - but just be warned.

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  If only it was great - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By H. T. Joseph - May 18 - 3:12 am

  The car is quiet and smooth. Seats are comfortable. Storage space is adequate; not great, but okay. The exterior of the car is , in a word, ugly. Its hard to understand how Lexus could bring such an unattractive car to the market (although the NX is bad too). Even though I "need" a new RX sized vehicle now, I will wait for the 2017 model of the RX in hopes for some makeover or modification of the exterior. Im driving a 2010 RX450h now, my 6th Lexus, and I dont want to buy anything other than a Lexus. But I will if they dont "fix" the appearance.

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  Nav System + Cup Holder + Heated Seats - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By barry - May 5 - 5:46 pm

  NAV System volume is too low even on loudest setting. Dealer agrees but doesnt know how to fix it. The left side cup holder is useless. It is positioned too close to the drivers door so you cannot grab a cup unless you grab from the top. The heated seats do not get very warm. The 2007 electric heated seats were far superior to the hot air heated seats of the 2010. Overall, not very satisfied yet.

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  Who makes up these changes? - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By robertintpa - January 8 - 11:00 am

  I just dont understand how some of these changes make it out of engineering. Coming from 2005RX, the two buttons I press the most everyday are now 5 times smaller. The temperature buttons are like little pin size buttons compared to what was normal in RX. The stereo volume knob is 3 times smaller. Is bigger always better? The auto-close button on the hatch, smaller. Glovebox - smaller. I noticed in the 2005, the felt was "plusher" than in the 2010. The rack on the roof - GRAY on a black car? It should be the same color. Who makes these decisions? Joystick control on NAV systems is not as easy to use as just pressing your finger exactly what you want - especially the keyboard.