
Sport Utility
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5 Seats
|
21 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 1 trims
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Overview
The Good
- Overall refinement
- Seat comfort
- Optional Pre-Collision System
- Optional dual-screen entertainment system
The Bad
- Road noise
- Leather seats not standard
- Joystick-operated navigation system
What to Know
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10 airbags
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FWD or AWD
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Optional wide-view side monitor
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Optional head-up display
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RX now takes regular gas
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2012 Lexus RX 350 Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
Lexus’ popular five-seat RX crossover shares a lot of components with the Toyota Venza crossover. All-wheel drive is optional. Rivals include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKX.
The RX comes as a gas-powered RX 350 or gas-electric hybrid RX 450h. The latter model is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012
The RX 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine is now rated for regular gas, and a new Appearance Package features 19-inch seven-spoke wheels and darker headlight housings.
Exterior
The RX 350 has a downright wagonlike stance. In back are frosted taillight effects. Exterior features include:
- Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 19-inch wheels
- Water-repellant front door glass
- Automatic on/off headlights
Interior
The RX’s interior has swooping panels and futuristic controls. Chief among them is Lexus’ Remote Touch system, which uses a knob to navigate menus with a mouselike cursor on the dashboard screen. Other features include voice-recognition software that Lexus says will pick up conversational prompts rather than formal, specific commands.
High-tech options include a head-up display with LED lighting that’s purportedly bright enough to read even on a sunny day. Interior features include:
- Cloth seats are standard; leather is optional
- Real wood interior trim
- 10-way power front seats
Under the Hood
A 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 is standard; it works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towi...
Vehicle Overview
Lexus’ popular five-seat RX crossover shares a lot of components with the Toyota Venza crossover. All-wheel drive is optional. Rivals include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKX.
The RX comes as a gas-powered RX 350 or gas-electric hybrid RX 450h. The latter model is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012
The RX 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine is now rated for regular gas, and a new Appearance Package features 19-inch seven-spoke wheels and darker headlight housings.
Exterior
The RX 350 has a downright wagonlike stance. In back are frosted taillight effects. Exterior features include:
- Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 19-inch wheels
- Water-repellant front door glass
- Automatic on/off headlights
Interior
The RX’s interior has swooping panels and futuristic controls. Chief among them is Lexus’ Remote Touch system, which uses a knob to navigate menus with a mouselike cursor on the dashboard screen. Other features include voice-recognition software that Lexus says will pick up conversational prompts rather than formal, specific commands.
High-tech options include a head-up display with LED lighting that’s purportedly bright enough to read even on a sunny day. Interior features include:
- Cloth seats are standard; leather is optional
- Real wood interior trim
- 10-way power front seats
Under the Hood
A 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 is standard; it works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, a rating the MKX can match and the MDX and Enclave can beat. Mechanical features include:
- Standard front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Automatic transmission features clutchless-manual mode
Safety
Ten standard airbags include four in front — the two required chest airbags plus two knee airbags — as well as seat-mounted side-impact airbags for both rows of seats. Head-protecting side curtain airbags cover both rows, too.
Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which better integrates the electronic stability system with various other systems, is optional. So is a radar-based Pre-Collision System that can cinch the seat belts and prime the brakes for maximum response should it detect an imminent impact. An optional side-mirror-mounted camera system gives drivers a wide view of the adjacent lane. Additional standard safety features include:
- Active front head restraints
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Traction control
- Electronic stability system
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Solid
Solid ride. Classic Toyota/Lexus styling & “less is more” design. Super comfortable, rides very smooth/quiet. Modern but without feeling cluttered or junky. Performs great in ice & snow. Read full review
A very reliable and fun to drive SUV.
We Bought our RX used and we couldn't be any happier than we are with the Lexus. Very comfortable, peppy, and gets great gas mileage. Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Lexus
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
48 months / 50,000 miles
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Powertrain
72 months / 70,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
48 months / unlimited distance