2013 Lexus RX 350 Reviews, Pictures and Prices

in Luxury Midsize SUVs

Based on analysis of 47 reviews and test drives.

Avg. Paid:$38,253 - $46,877

MSRP: $39,660 - $47,350

Invoice: $37,083 - $44,274

MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy

Lexus RX 350 Review

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Lexus RX 350 U.S. News Best Cars 8.7
Critics' Rating:	8.6
Performance:	7.8
Interior:	8.2
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 ranks 1 out of 19 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 is ranked:

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 is a good combination of comfort and luxury, but some rivals come standard with more features, and test drivers dislike its new F Sport trim.

The new-for-2013 F Sport trim was intended to counteract the RX’s reputation for capable but boring performance and inject some sport into the SUV. However, nearly every reviewers says that shoppers shouldn’t consider the F Sport. They say that its sport-tuned suspension makes the ride overly harsh. Perhaps most importantly, though, the F Sport package doesn’t actually improve the RX’s performance. “Our track testing showed its handling, braking and acceleration to be worse than the regular RX,” reports Edmunds. “We would avoid it.” However, shoppers who are considering either of the other trims can expect the same quiet ride, smooth handling and good fuel economy that the Lexus RX is known for. The RX 350 also has an above-average reliability score for the class.

The Lexus RX 350 is the 2013 Best Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV for the Money because it has the best combination of ownership costs and positive reviews in its class. The Lexus RX 350 is also the 2013 Best Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families because it has the best combination of quality, size and family-friendly features in its class.

For 2013, the Lexus RX gains some new standard features, including a power liftgate, and test drivers say the RX’s interior remains impressively well-made. Though its navigation controls aren’t as confusing as competition like MyLincoln Touch, BMW’s iDrive or Mercedes’ COMAND, they can still take a while to get familiar with. Plus, some rivals come standard with features like leather upholstery and heated seats that this five-seat Lexus can’t match. Still, most writers agree that the RX’s interior is a great place to spend time.

"If you want the feel of a luxury sedan yet desire the cargo capacity and ride height of a mid-size SUV, the Lexus RX is an excellent choice. RX ownership is further enhanced by the Lexus reputation for quality and its lofty resale value.” -- Kelley Blue Book
"Despite its nearsightedness, the sportiest of Lexus' light utilities still figures to be the answer to countless prayers. We suspect it will sell very well, especially to the thousands of men who accompany their wives into Lexus showrooms in pursuit of a new crossover.” -- Autoblog

Other SUVs to Consider

If you need three rows of seats, consider the highly-ranked, seven-seat Acura MDX. Test drivers write that it’s one of the best-performing three-row SUVs on the market, and its reliability rating is above-average as well. Plus, the MDX comes standard with a lot of features packed into an attractive, comfortable cabin. Many reviewers use the MDX as the benchmark for the class, a result of its combination of performance, luxury and value.

The Infiniti FX has an interior that's smaller than the Lexus RX’s, but reviewers love its handling. It’s one of the few crossovers in its class to offer a V8 engine, and it has a strong reliability score for the class. It also comes with lots of standard interior tech features, and has exterior styling that stands out from the crowd.

Compare the RX, MDX and FX »

Details: 2013 Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is available in three trims: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and the new-for-2013 F Sport trim, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. All trims come with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. Standard features include push-button start, a power rear liftgate and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, while options include navigation, two different upgraded sound systems and a blind spot monitor. The Lexus RX is also available as a hybrid, which is reviewed separately.

See the full 2013 Lexus RX 350 specs »

Review Last Updated: 4/19/13