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Lexus RX 350 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 ranks 2 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

For 2010, Lexus has redesigned its RX 350 crossover, making this the SUV's third generation. The new model doesn't represent a radical change -- instead, Lexus has refined one of its best-selling vehicles by adding a few needed elements to keep it fresh and modern.

Reviewers say the RX 350 continues to offer one of the best combinations of powerful performance and interior luxury in its class. Changes for 2010 include a sleeker exterior, more spacious interior, a new six-speed transmission and double wishbone rear suspension, and five more horsepower for the V6 engine. "The RX is comfortable and especially stylish inside, with good cargo capacity and Lexus dealer's reputation for superior customer service," says BusinessWeek. "Crossover shoppers could do a lot worse." Test drivers especially like the added horsepower and six-speed transmission, which make for stronger acceleration.

Overall, the RX 350 is an even more refined car than before -- and, at several thousand dollars less than its competitors, it's one that might be worth it for loyal buyers of Toyota's luxury brand. In fact, the RX 350's good value makes it our 2010 Best Luxury Midsize Crossover for the Money.

Still, anyone interested in the RX 350 should also consider the Cadillac SRX. It's one of the only models priced lower than the Lexus, and the 2010 model's redesign has put it nearly on par with Lexus for refinement and quality. The only catch is that, while the two-wheel-drive model's fuel efficiency matches the RX 350's, the all-wheel-drive SRX gets slightly worse gas mileage than the Lexus..

The RX 350 comes in front- or all-wheel drive. It's also available as a hybrid, the RX 450h, which is reviewed separately. Though its gas mileage is substantially higher than the RX 350's, the hybrid also costs nearly $5,000 more -- so it would take many years to offset its price premium in fuel savings.

• "The new model is easy to drive, has a refined cabin and is available with a host of high-tech features. I like the RX, and I continue to after driving this new model as it's well-suited to the needs of the U.S. luxury-crossover buyer." -- Cars.com
• "Although several of its features are leading-edge in many ways, thrill seekers, fans of innovative design and driving enthusiasts should probably look elsewhere." -- MSN
• "It's a hugely competent car for people who don't care about driving. Lexus continues to distill the RX down to the ultimately perfect luxury crossover, great if you're into that kind of thing, but we are not." -- Jalopnik
• "For people seeking refinement in a vehicle that boasts all the trappings of fine living with none of the crass exhibitionism of huge bling-mobiles, the RX holds considerable attraction." -- Popular Mechanics
• While it's unlikely the neighbors will be able to detect that the 2010 RX is all-new or that it's crammed with about as much tech as the International Space Station, don't worry -- once behind the wheel, you'll easily discern that the new model is the most impressive RX yet." -- Truck Trend
• "There are certainly more entertaining, attractive and powerful ways to transport five people and their weekend getaway gear, but that's never been what the RX is about. Simply put, it's about the destination, not the drive. And because of that, the RX will continue to define the segment without ruffling the feathers of public's consciousness." -- Autoblog
• "Remember the old adage, ‘if it ain't broke, don't fix it?' Well, the old Lexus RX certainly wasn't broke, hell, it was the benchmark standard for the classification, but the new version is so much better, the competition is gonna have to really hustle, just to attempt to keep up." -- The Auto Channel

 

RX-350 Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

The RX 350's extremely smooth ride, powerful engine and excellent fuel economy earn it high praise for performance. "Delivering a comfortable driving experience is critical in the luxury crossover segment, and the RX is successful on this front," says Cars.com. "Available with either regular or Sport suspension tuning, the 2010 RX has a new double-wishbone rear suspension that Lexus says improves handling performance." Some reviewers note that the RX 350 isn't much of a driver's SUV -- but then again, that's not what it's built to be. Read More

RX-350 Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350's sculpted, curvy exterior is updated only slightly for this year. It continues to be well liked by the critics and scores well within its class, bested only by the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. "There were some serious lines added to the new RX models, as well as a sports suspension package, to help Lexus try to lure more male buyers," says the Detroit News. "The new look sharpens the crossover, while allowing it to keep its iconic profile." Read More

RX-350 Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 earns praise for its comfortable seating, clean dash layout, and overall quality. "Inside, the redesigned RX impresses with its intelligent use of space, cleanly elegant design and sharp controls," says Road and Track. "Passenger room is generous, with seat and telescoping steering column travels accommodating the largest of drivers. Every expected amenity is provided and then some, plus two notably well-executed new options." One of those new options is a navigation system with Remote Touch, a surprisingly easy-to-use controller that's similar to a computer mouse. The second option is a heads-up display that projects navigation directions, audio information and vehicle speed on the windshield. Read More

RX-350 Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 performs admirably in government crash tests and insurance industry tests. The RX comes with many advanced safety systems, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Read More

RX-350 Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The RX 350 comes with a basic warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles. Read More