2007 Lexus RX 350: Review Preview

Automakers are abuzz these days about the gobs of horsepower they’re conferring upon ordinary cars. Case in point: Lexus’ best-selling RX 350 SUV has a new 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks out 270 hp — a 21% gain over the 3.3-liter V-6 in last year’s RX 330.

I’ve had the Lexus in my possession for a few days now. To see if it’s the right Rx for a persistent case of lead foot, check back next week for a full review. Right now, here’s my short take.

So far, I’ve found the RX 350 to be a perfectly agreeable — if not particularly sporty — SUV. It has all the earmarks of a Lexus: a pliable suspension, numb steering and a high-quality interior.

Don’t expect the RX 350 to feel much quicker than the RX 330. Torque is up just 5% to 251 pounds-feet, and it hits its stride at 4,700 rpm, more than a grand higher than the RX 330’s torque peak. The result is strong midrange punch — noticeably stronger than the RX 330 — but equally sedate performance starting out. If you’re deciding between a 2007 RX 350 and a 2006 RX 330, don’t let a salesperson talk horsepower; under most situations, these two SUVs feel exactly the same.

Still, there are a few good reasons to spring for the ’07 model. If you’re opting for the navigation system, the newest version offers much better graphics — it displays 32,000 colors, compared with the old system’s 256. The standard stereo adds a six-CD changer. Despite the increase in power, gas mileage sees a slight improvement.

I’ll take more time to dissect the interior and exterior next week, but senior reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder says the RX looks like a rat. I can see the similarities — a long snout and large, er, posterior. It’s not particularly off-putting, especially compared to SUVs like the Subaru B9 Tribeca. But then again, the Tribeca makes anything look good.