2017 Lexus RX 350 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.40/5 Average
68 Total Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 68.00
  • Lexus #2 - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    This is my second RX. I liked my first one so much that I always knew I would get another one when the time came. The best car I have ever owned. I have only had the new one a month but Im am very pleased with everything about it. I honestly cant think of one negative thing to say. It is way more car than I expected for the price.

  • Get what you pay for... and sometimes more - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    Given what we invested, we expected a great deal of of this vehicle. And now that weve gotten comfortable with the daily use of all the features, I can honestly say this vehicle has exceeded those expectations. Many vehicles have features that appear appealing on paper or when a sales associate describes them but turn out impractical or downright unuseful. I find myself taking advantage of nearly every feature built into this car. The safety and awareness features are perfectly designed to integrate effortlessly with normal driving habits. Ive been pleasantly surprised at how simple its been to take advantage of them. We chose an AWD model with the luxury package and Mark Levinson audio system - a set of options that added considerably to the cost. We vascillated over the decision, but Im now overjoyed with the additional features and amazing audio. We look forward to many years of reliability, safety, and comfort.

  • DISAPPOINTMENT IN FLAWED LEXUS - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    There is a KNOWN issue with my 2017 RX350. It sounds and feels like a transmission issue but have been told it is an issue with the exhaust system. They know and have know for A LONG time there is a problem and do not yet have a fix for it. I have been complaining for a year now. Initially, was told it was my imagination but since then was told it is a known issue. STILL WAITING. It is loud and sounds and feels like the engine is not wanting to shift to higher gears. This is my third Lexus as I had found them to be so reliable. Now not so sure. MPG for city is running about 14.5 mpg, should be MUCH higher.

  • Just plain ugly - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    I test drove this SUV among other (MB, BMW and even the Grand Cherokee) . No issues with it whatsoever save one very big problem. Its plain old ugly any way you cut it. The front end reminds me of a bass (fish), or a catfish. So why did I bother?, because my sister just bought a MB. She was always a Lexus SUV owner. After listening to her complaints about the new "look", I thought how bad can it be? Yep, that bad. No disrespect, but when I now see these out on the road, I want to ask the owner, "did you actually look at this beast before you bought it?". Each to its own though, one mans trash is another mans art. Just not for me. Lexus really screwed up on this one. To think theyre losing loyal owners to the "fish mouth" front end is disturbing.

  • A Bit Disappointed - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    Ive been driving German cars for a number of years, so Im definitely used to a different feel behind the wheel and I had different expectations when I leased the Lexus. The Lexus drivers seat does not fit my seat. I feel like Im always sitting on the left side bolster. I dont like the way the car corners/handles; does not give me the feeling its on rails. The throttle response is not acceptable to me. There are 8 forward gears and it seems like the car is always searching for the correct gear. This is particularly noticeable when on cruise control. I am continually lurching forward as the car shifts through the top gears, even on gradual and barely noticeable inclines; its uncomfortable and annoying. When stepping on the gas the car hesitates, again, as though searching for the correct gear or as if asking me if I know what Im doing. I believe the car is always trying to find the most economical performance and when I ask it to do something outside of its programmed economy matrix it talks back to me. Ive used the radar cruise control only twice, because thats enough of that. I also find the technology to be too much for this old brain to assimilate. My learning curve has been challenging: Ive had the car for a month and have yet to scratch the surface of, much less master, navigation commands, climate controls, even the radio, et al. I dont need or want this much incidental stuff. Perhaps Ill get used to the car over time. I hope so.

  • My Mistake - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    This car is a perfect example of a good model gone bad. The drive train in the 2017 is not smooth or powerful, resulting in a herky jerky performance and uneven power even when the throttle is steady. It also has a way too soft suspension that results in instability when going over bumps at higher speeds, such as on an interstate. The drive is comparable to a high mileage vehicle with weak shocks and struts. In addition, the bluetooth set up is both confusing and difficult to navigate. So if you want a new model that is both unattractive because of grill styling, drives like a pig, and is a step down in bluetooth, this is the vehicle for you. Ive owned Lexus vehicles for nearly two decades, and this is by far the worst vehicle that Ive owned.

  • Used to Own 2 MDXs Before - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    I used to own both 2011 & 2014 MDXs but switched recently to 2017 RX 350 (Luxury Package). MDX has good acceleration/passing and excellent cornering. Other than those, RH 350 is better in every aspect. 2014 MDX had serious quality control problems like constant rattling from the under, scary noise when accelerating, steering getting stuck/making scary noise when switching transmission from rear to drive, almost impossible to drive on foggy/wet days due to defective mirror defrost function, backup camera almost impossible to use on wet days because of the stupid location of camera, and on and on. I took it to a dealer but all they said was there was nothing wrong with the car!! I got sickened with their response and decided to switch to RX 350 and I think I made a good decision so far. I have yet to drive more but so far Im very satisfied with RX 350 in every aspect.

  • Over committed, under delivered - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    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.

  • Very nice car except engine groan, trans hunts - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    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.

  • Luxury meets Reliability - 2017 Lexus RX 350
    By -

    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.

Lexus RX 350 Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area