By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 15, 2006Vehicle Overview
As before, a new engine means a slight name change for the Lexus RX sport utility vehicle for 2007. What was the RX 330 is now the RX 350, thanks to a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Other changes include enhanced entertainment options and what Lexus claims is smoother shifting.
Lexus' sport ute has roll-sensing side curtain airbags, and the available high-intensity-discharge headlights have an Adaptive Front Lighting System that automatically swivels the lights several degrees for better cornering visibility. An eight-way power passenger seat is standard, and the optional navigation system has Bluetooth wireless capability.
A hybrid version of the RX — dubbed the RX 400h — is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section.
Exterior
Revised badging to reflect the new name is the biggest difference onlookers will notice about the 2007 RX 350. The headlights stretch back into the hood, and fog lamps are integrated into the bumper. The pronounced wheel wells enhance the RX 350's rugged stance.
A hexagonal rear window and an integrated spoiler are installed. Three-pod LED taillamps sit behind clear lenses. Standard wheels are 17 inches in diameter, and 18-inch wheels are optional.
A multipanel moonroof is optional. An available air suspension features automatic leveling and four ride-height settings.
Interior
The interior gets a few tweaks for 2007. There's a standard six-disc CD changer, an optional rear-seat entertainment system with a larger, 9-inch screen and an optional Mark Levinson audio system. The optional navigation system has been upgraded, and now has voice activation and a rearview camera. Lexus also says it's added extra sound insulation in the instrument panel, door panels and floor mats, plus an acoustic glass windshield.
Up to five can fit inside the RX 350, and cargo volume with the rear seats folded totals 84.7 cubic feet. The folding backseat is split in a 40/20/40 configuration. A power rear liftgate is standard. Except for models with the Performance Package, a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel is installed.
Options include laser-based adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a backseat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system that includes a rearview camera. The passenger seat incorporates power-adjustable lumbar support, and XM or Sirius Satellite Radio are optional.
Under the Hood
The 2007 RX 350 gets a 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 270 horsepower and 251 pounds-feet of torque. That's up from the previous engine's 230 hp and 242 pounds-feet of torque. Further, Lexus says it has adjusted the shift logic control to make for smoother shifts from the five-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission has not been tested.
Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants, a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags are standard. All models have Vehicle Stability Control and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | September 15, 2006 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | August 15, 2006 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Sara Lacey | Mother Proof | November 9, 2006 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | September 28, 2006 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | April 19, 2006 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | March 22, 2006 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Lexus RX 350
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
