Lexus is powered by style and luxury
That easy-to-open hatch will be appreciated when it’s time to use the 652.1L of storage the RX 350L offers when the third row is folded down, a 25-per-cent improvement from standard RX models and a generous amount of space.
But it still isn’t enough to outdo its greatest rival, the Acura MDX.
In the Acura, 424.7 L is available behind the third row while 1,087.3 L can be used when the third row is folded. And keep in mind that the MDX and RX 350L are separated by less than 25 mm in overall length. So, if every inch of space is important to your family, there might be better choices than the RX 350L.
But if a luxurious drive is what you’re after, few can compete with this Lexus crossover. Drive, serene That little bit of extra heft and length isn’t nearly enough to upset the quiet calm that Lexus engineers have worked hard to achieve in the RX.
Isolation from the outside is the name of the game, and with effortless steering, a soft suspension that doesn’t feel sloppy and the hush of the RX’s cabin, the outside world seems a little calmer from behind the wheel.
Power is delivered from either a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 in the standard 350L model or it can be paired with a hybrid setup in the RX450hL.
Without electrification, the engine makes 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, while the 450hL has a total system output of 308 hp when the three electric motors are added.
Both of the powertrains embrace smooth operation as their mantra with subtle differences.
The eight-speed automatic transmission found in the gaspowered model fires off quick upshifts and nearly imperceptible downshifts, exactly the combo that works to keep the RX feeling powerful without having to rev too high.
In the RX450hL, the “shifts” are actually imperceptible, as the hybrid model uses an eCVT to handle the ratio changes. Torque from the electric motors handles the low end and gets the hybrid model moving with authority, while an optional Sport mode really opens that power tap. Under hard acceleration, some annoying drone sound comes through to the cabin, but it’s barely enough to care. Extra power is appreciated, especially when it also brings better fuel economy. The government rates the AWD 2018 RX 350L at 13.1 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the highway and 11.1 combined, while the hybrid model significantly steps up those numbers to 8.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 8.25 combined. Insides Despite the cramped third row, the inside of the RX is an especially pleasant place, thanks to a fluid design that runs nicely from the dash into the doors and continues down the centre console.
Upgrades include a 12.3-inch split-screen multimedia display, which is controlled by the Remote Touch interface. The mouselike touchpad takes a little getting used to, as it is different than what any other automaker uses, but it’s easy enough to learn. Trimmed with the Luxury Package, the leather is supple while the analog clock in the centre of the dash and the vertical lines running through the real wood finish add a touch of class, like a pocket watch and pinstriped suit.
Luxury is in the details, and one that we really like is the height-adjustable cupholder, which can be adjusted based on the height of your drink.
Heated and ventilated front seats are available to keep the front passengers comfortable, while tri-zone climate control even allows the kids in the back to choose their own temperature.
The Lexus Safety System Plus is standard on the RX L and includes things like pre-collision detection, lane-keep assist, intelligent high beams and adaptive cruise control that will allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop and get started again without disengaging.
Pricing for the Lexus RX 350L starts at $68,095 while the hybrid RX450hL will start at $79,645. The verdict It’s simple: If you’re looking for the most commodious threerow luxury crossover, the Lexus RX L is not your best choice. But if every last inch isn’t a factor and you’re in the market for a powerful, luxurious crossover with lots of style, the Lexus RX L will serve you well.