2020 Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is no doubt the best-selling car by the Lexus. This SUV is packed with comfort, luxury and the features for its price.

The Lexus RX 350 is the cheapest of the RX series and is intelligently priced between 40 to 50 grand, placing it in the competition of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. When you talk about the power of this car, it falls somewhat in-between its competition. Lexus doesn't advertise it as a performance SUV rather than a luxury SUV. And it sure is one aggressive looking luxury SUV. The RX 350 is available in the regular and the F Sport variant, both of which are further available in the FWD and AWD options.

The Lexus RX350 is offered in two trims, the RX350, and the RX350 F Sport. Both trims are powered by the same V6 unit and available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The base trim gets a list of impressive features and the F Sport only adds on it. 

Model	Base	Premium	Luxury
MSRP (FWD)	$44,150	$44,950	$48,360
MSRP (AWD)	$45,550	$46,350	$49,760
Key Features	Lexus Enform Connectivity	Lexus Memory System for steering whee	Heated wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel
	Captain's Chairs In Second-row Seats	Power-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors	LED ambient illumination and LED-illuminated door sills
	Panoramic View Monitor	Matte Walnut or Matte Bamboo wood interior trim	Semi-aniline leather interior trim
	Head-up Display		Manual rear side-door sunshades
	LED Cornering Foglamps
	Rain-sensing Wipers
	Stability Control
	Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System

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Since the RX 350 base is the way to go. However, don't let this regulation pull your hopes down as the RX 350's trim is packed with all the bells and whistles you'd want in a ride of this spec. 

The Lexus comes powered with a 3.5L V6 DOHC 24V VVT engine which is mated to an 8-speed Automatic transmission. The Lexus doesn’t get the best in class performance figures with the power of 295 hp and torque of 267 lb.-ft. 

But do not think that you are going to take your luxury SUV by Lexus on the race track to compete against other cars so those numbers should not matter to you. But do not think that you are going to take your luxury SUV by Lexus on the race track to compete against other cars so those numbers should not matter to you.

Models	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
MSRP	$44,150	$41,995	$43,945	$41,695
Engine	3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Transmission	8 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic	7 Speed Manual	9 Speed Automatic
Horsepower	295 hp	248 hp	248 hp	241 hp
Torque	268 lb.-ft.	258 lb.-ft.	273 lb.-ft.	273 lb.-ft.

Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic transmission coupled with either a Front or an All-wheel drive system. To aid with the sporty feel, the F Sport gets paddle shifters behind the wheel as well.

Acceleration

The Lexus takes 6.8 s to cross the 0-60 mph mark which is the worst considering its rivals. It takes 15.1 seconds to cover a quarter-mile clocking at 92.7mph. The Lexus isn’t the fastest among its rivals but is surely the cleanest among its rivals as its emission figures are just 7.7 tons/yr. of CO2.

The solitary car that stays tardy than the Lexus is the BMW X3 with a claimed a time of 7.7 seconds. Down on the road, the RX appears lively to drive. You won't consider the heft of the RX as much as you would have suspected.

Models	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
0-60 MPH	6.8 secs	7.7 secs	5.9 secs	6.4 secs
Quarter Mile	15.1 secs	16 secs	15.7	15.2 secs
Engine	3.5L V6	2.0L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4

The RX350 needs 6.8 seconds in order to attain the 60 MPH mark, which is pretty slow in face of the Audi Q5’s 5.9 seconds and the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s 6.4 seconds.

Braking Performance

The SUV gets 13.3 In. discs in the front and 12.9 In. discs at the rear and a curb weight of 4222lbs. which helps it achieve a stopping distance of 123ft from 60 mph to 0. Audi with its all-wheel-drive system gets the best stopping distance of 119 ft.

The ride is the biggest set of wheels in the section with a curb weight of 4222 lbs., which unquestionably has involvement in the ride’s braking execution. 

Model	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Brake Front (in.)	12.9	13	13.3	13.5
Brake Rear (in.)	13.3	13	13	12.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4222	4034	4057	3891
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	128	116	126

All of the rivals except the Audi have somewhat similar braking distance and there is not much of a difference. 

Ride and Handling

The driving experience on this big Lexus car is kind of a mixed experience. The steering on this car is accurate but not quick. The wheels tighten up at speeds but there is not much feedback from the vehicle. The F Sport trim does add an adaptive variable air suspension so the ride is much relaxed.

The seats in the F Sport trim are the comfortable sports seat so you are going to have a relaxed long trip in your RX 350. The RX is relatively fun all on the outside but there is a let-down when you get on the driver's seat.

Even if the Lexus doesn’t get better performance figures, nor better acceleration or better brakes, the Lexus excels in Fuel economy. The Lexus gets a Fuel economy of 20mpg in the city which increases to about 27 while on the highway, the combined MPG obtained is 23.

Model	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
MPG (City)	20	23	22	22
MPG (Highway)	27	30	27	27
MPG (Combined)	23	26	24	24

If you throw the Lexus into its rivals, you'll notice that the Lexus, owing to its naturally-aspirated power plant appears last in the MPG  marathon. Don't be disheartened though as this gap isn't a lot and it won't be a deal-breaker for many. In terms of economy, it is the X3 that takes highest recognition, knocking the Lexus by nearly 3 MPG. The Audi and the Merc are on the identical side in this respect and both deliver 1 MPG more than the Lexus.

The Lexus RX 350 comes with 5 seating like any regular SUV. The RX 350 has got much space for all the 4 sitting in the car along with the driver. The car is big enough for a 6 ft. tall person to sit comfortably even on the rear seats with good enough legroom for everyone sitting in this crossover.

Lexus gets a Passenger Volume of 121.36 ft.-cube which is the best in its class. The seats are spacious and offer good support. The high ride height affords good outward visibility and controls fall easily.

Also, since this is a Lexus, the build quality, fit and finish is one of the best in industry. The material quality is equally good with plenty of soft surfaces. However, the base trim only gets suede leather and you have to upgrade for the real leather seats.

Model	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.4/57.8/44.1	41.1/57.6/40.3	41.7/57.7/41.0	37.8/57.3/40.8
Rear(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.1/57.6/38.0	39.1/56.0/36.4	39.3/56.5/37.8	38.5/56.5/37.3

Interior Features

• Heated and Ventilated Sports Seats
• Lexus Display
• Simulated Leather Upholstery
• Dual-Zone automatic climate control
• Transmission Paddle Shifters
• Bluetooth
• Smartphone-integrated navigation system
• Illuminated Ignition Switch
• Panic Button

Infotainment System

One of the numerous changes that the Lexus RX350 offers is the revived infotainment panel. The ride eventually abandons its conservative remote touch interface infotainment system and employs an 8-inch touchscreen focal infotainment system. The screen size can be upgraded to an optional 12.3-inch. 

The revived infotainment system advances the interface within the car and the driver with lightning-quick, with crisp graphics, and on-point feedback.

Infotainment

• 8-Inch screen
• Radio w/Seek-scan, AM/FM/CD
• Pause live AM/FM Radio
• HD Radio
• Traffic and Weather data provided via HD Radio
• Radio Data System
• Cache Radio
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone
• MP3 Player
• Voice Activation
• 9 Speaker Premium Audio System
• Smartphone-integrated Navigation System

Cargo Capacity

The SUV does not impress with the available cargo space with all seats up – just 18.4 cubic feet. That’s the lowest among the cars compared here. On folding the rear seat, boot space does increases to about 56.3 ft.-cube. The BMW X3 gets the best boot space behind its rear seat of 28.7 ft.-cube.

Cargo should not be any problem with this big SUV. You can stuff this SUV with enough of your belongings with you on a long trip and can still fit 5 people in it. 

Model	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	18.4	28.7	25.1	19.4

Although if you compare it to other SUVs, you can see the number is lesser than what others have. The storage space is more than 10 ft.³ lesser than what the X3 has. Maybe Lexus consumed that much space to make their RX 350 a Luxury crossover. 

The Lexus has a Length of 192.5 inches, the width of 74.6 inches and height of 67.7 inches so it’s not the most maneuverable around town but it’s not intimidatingly big either. The ground clearance of 8.2inches ensures rough roads can be tackled effortlessly.

Lexuses used to be the most conventional, and if you are a Jeremy Clarkson devotee, completely dull cars as well. Gone are those days, and now Lexus cars have more extended shapes and arches than graffiti on the wall. The design outlook of the 2020 RX 350 is notably daring and, sadly, polarizing.

Model	Lexus RX350	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4222	4034	4057	3891
Length (in.)	192.5	185.9	183.6	183.3
Width (in.)	74.6	74.4	74.5	74.4
Height (in.)	67.7	66.0	65.3	64.5
Ground Clearance (in.)	8.2	8.0	8.2	5.0
Wheelbase (in.)	109.8	112.8	111.0	113.1
Track Width (in.) F/R	64.4/64	63.8/64.4	63.3/63.3	63.9/63.7

Exterior Features

• Bi-LED headlamps
• LED DRLs and foglamps
• Rain sensing wipers
• Power adjustable and heated outside mirrors
• Power rear door
• Keyless entry

The Lexus has many safety bits on offer. Like the new addition of Lexus Enform safety connect. The RX boasts a full suite of 10-airbags. It also gets some smarter safety bits like the Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic braking, vehicle proximity notification, Smart stop technology.

• Lexus Enform safety connect
• 10-airbag system
• Panoramic view monitor
• Smart stop technology
• LED cornering fog lamps
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Intuitive parking assist
• Blindspot monitor with rear cross-traffic braking
• Vehicle stability control
• Vehicle proximity notification system
• Vehicle dynamics integrated management (vdim)

Lexus RX 350 vs. BMW X3 sDrive 30i

Priced at $41,995 the BMW X3 is one of the more affordable buying options in this listing. The ride is outfitted with a 2.0l I4 and provides a punchy 248 hp along with 258 lb.-ft. Of torque, which collectively can push this ride from 0-60 MPH in 7.7 seconds, which appears to be the slowest in the line-up. Still, the ride offers the best-in-class fuel economy with a combined figure of 26 MPG. 

Lexus RX 350 vs. Audi Q5 2.0T

The Audi Q5 2.0T is the seconds most pricey option of the menu. Amidst a sticker price of $43,945 the Q5 lands directly after the RX350. The ride is also complemented by a 2.0L I4 which churns out 248 hp bundled with 273 lb.-ft. Of torque. The Q5 is the quickest to sprint from 0-60 MPH needing just 5.9 seconds. Also, the Audi is very elusive yet handsome, while the Lexus seems like it's attempting to be tough.

Lexus RX 350 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is the most cost-effective choice to go for. Beginning at a base price of $41,695, the brand proposes the luxury mid-size SUV quotient at the lowest cost. The ride, just like every other Lexus contestant is fitted with a 2.0L I4 which can assemble an easy 241 hp, along with 273 lb.-ft. Of torque. Though the pony mill for this ride may look a bit weak, it can dash from 0-60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds, which is the second-fastest figure in the section. 

 

Lexus RX 350 is no doubt the best-selling car by the Lexus. This SUV is packed with comfort, luxury and the features for its price. Do not forget that this car the bits from the company's mesmerizing sports car, LFA, like the steering wheel and the gauge cluster. It does lack behind the competitors when it comes to the engine but it does not perform poorly.

Again, you are not going to take it to take this SUV to the racing tournament but the touring. And it seems like a perfect car for going on trips. It is packed with all the necessary features and all the comfort you need.