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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  Great Nav System, Xenon Headlights - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By ColoRetiree - October 30 - 7:23 pm

  Picked it up a month ago. Love the Nav system - very user friendly. The mouse and menu are great to control climate, radio, etc. Drove on a dark winding road in the mountains and the swiveling xenon headlights are fantastic. As other folks have pointed out, the chemical odor is nearly overwhelming when you first pick it up. Parked it in the garage with windows open for a week.

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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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  Very nice car except engine groan, trans hunts - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By John Bowling - October 9 - 4:45 pm

  My wifes car, but I drive when we are together; about 75% of total miles. I could get used to the engine groaning sound if it werent for the 8-speed transmission constantly grabbing a gear so high it cant maintain speed on a hill (louder groan) and shifting back down within four seconds, then repeating the sequence. It is the constant attempt to keep engine revs under 1,800 rpm for fuel economy that causes the groaning and very slight vibration. The engine is laboring, even under the light throttle of a gentle driver the revs are so low. Downshifting manually a gear or two completely eliminates it, making the engine very smooth and quiet. The transmission is also reluctant to downshift when speed drops on a hill with throttle still applied. When climbing a steep hill into our neighborhood, I must make a sharp turn. I feather the throttle to time my speed reduction to reach 6 or 7 mph as I reach the sharp corner, still climbing steeply. As I turn it gets steeper and I add throttle. The speed drops further because its still in third gear. The torque converter sounds like it is being abused. The car slows to about two mph, slower than I want to go before dropping to second, but if I add enough throttle to make it downshift when it should it would surge ahead too strongly for the turn. It never selects first, which is what is needed. I now shift manually every time I climb any hill to prevent these problems. When I do, the engine is quiet, smooth, sounds happy at 2,000-2,500 rpm and of course there is no hunting. The transmission programming must have been done on flat land with fuel economy paramount. Positive effects are my gentle driving and their crummy programming have produced 25.5 mpg combined over many tanks of gas, which is well above EPA estimates. Beating EPA estimates by 15% is typical for me, but I can do it without such substandard transmission performance. One last transmission observation; when cruising gently, then deciding to pass, upon adding a lot of throttle suddenly the car does nothing for almost two seconds as it thinks, revs, drops several gears (all at once, to its credit) and finally takes off. Planning is required. I expect they will get all this sorted out, but keep these points in mind before buying a 2017 if they would bother you. Otherwise a great car. Very quiet, smooth riding, nice seat and steering wheel memory setup, 10,000 mi oil changes, very high quality materials with the luxury pkg. Oh, lane keeping assist rarely works and no headlight system, standard or optional, turns with the steering wheel, even though it is badly needed for curvy back road driving and they incorrectly call both systems "adaptive." Neither adapts to anything. Cornering lights with optional LED headlights are very helpful when turning, but when driving a curvy road at night there are still big dark areas to either side of the high beams, which swiveling headlights would fix. My BMWs truly adaptive bi-xenons with cornering lights that meet the edges of the high beams are far superior. Adaptive Bi-xenon means both low and high beams swivel. Wonderful for curvy roads, which is all we,have around here. My tread depth gauge shows fast tire wear despite 98th percentile on gentleness. Power steering is easy at low speeds, as it should be. Overhead view with backup camera beside it can be selected to display automatically at 6 mph and below. It is terrific for parking. My wife loves this car. I would say I like it despite its flaws. There are a lot of good points.

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  RX 350 Worry Free Comfort - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Jennifer - October 3 - 10:15 am

  Ride, and low maintenance are great. Not much in fun to drive or connectedness to driving experience. Paint easy to scratch, navigation and Bluetooth not as intuitive as previously owner Audi.

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  6-month Update - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Lexus Loyalist - August 29 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had the car about 6 months now, and just completed a 3500-mile round-trip to the frozen north for the holidays. Driving 10 hours per day, the front seat left me feeling refreshed when I arrived at my destination. The XM radio entertained me, the climate control and seat heaters kept me comfortable, the nav found fuel stops for me, and all of the cars equipment performed perfectly. I prefer the new front seat armrest/console cover to the old bony sticks that folded down from the front seats. I averaged 22-23 mpg at 80 mph on hilly terrain--I think thats pretty good for a loaded SUV. Overall, a great, great car.

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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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  Maintenance - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Mary - August 3 - 4:56 am

  You are all in for a SHOCK! 30,000 mile checkup: $657.09 (Labor was to be $395.42, the rest was for air filters, wiper blades, brake fluid, and... $28.95 labor to check the air pressure of the tires). I told them I would just have the Oil filter and oil change (new 10,000 mile synthetic oil). The oil change cost $120.00 . They said they did not and do not check the fluid levels along with the oil change. The 35,000 mile check up (no oil change), just fluid checks inspect, clean battery cover,check air pressure, tighten nuts and bolts: over $400. 00 (because that labor costs $342.00 of the $400). I am looking for a Ford and/or a new mechanic.

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  Third Rx and improving - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob - July 30 - 9:50 am

  This Rx is the third Ive purchased since 1999. I must admit Lexus got me hooked. I particularly enjoy the sports tuned suspension with the low- profile tires and increased horsepower. The gas mileage is exceptionally well I routinely averaged 27 miles to the gallon on the highway. One experiment on Route 80 from Lake Erie to Jersey border with cruise control set at 65, I actually received 31 miles per gallon.

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  Lexus - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Marie Phillips - July 25 - 9:49 am

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  Luxury meets Reliability - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By G - July 23 - 12:58 am

  The 4th generation RX offering from Lexus is the best all around luxury SUV in the market. Ive driven all of them including the Mercedes GLC, BMW X5, Audi Q7, even the Highlander, Pilot, etc. etc. All of them. The RX strikes the right balance between ride comfort, power, fit and finish, beauty and technology. To get the same safety features on the RX, one would have to pay massive premiums on the Audi/BMW/Mercedes. Best bang for the buck and not only that, youre dealing with the most reliable brand out there.