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Introduction
Why We Drove It
As one of the leaders in the crossover luxury segment – indeed, the one that started it all – the Lexus RX 350 received a shot of power and a new name for the 2007 model year, making it more competitive with its classmates and more fun to drive. It’s got that same old look, though, and it still lollygags around corners like a bathtub – and many of its competitors are doing much better things. As with all cars, these crossovers are constantly changing, and while this RX is an above average player that will provide many year and miles of satisfaction, we look forward to the Toyota/Lexus answer to cars like the new Acura MDX in a few years.
Performance:
With a new 3.5-liter V6 comes more power: 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers power either to all four wheels – as in our tester – or to the fronts. That delivery is exquisitely smooth, though geared for fuel economy. In other words, it’ll dump you into the next gear before the engine really needs it, resulting in less performance but less gas slurping.
Handling
There’s a little too much body roll. This is a luxury SUV, mind you, not a performance luxury machine, so aggressive driving isn’t really a strong suit. The fact is though, it’s not as bad a handler as BMW fans would have you believe. It’s compliant, yes, and soft in the corners with plenty of squealing and crying. Yet it’s fast and light, with responsive – but numb – steering. Driver and passengers are isolated from the harsh world outside, swaddled in comfortable leather and protected by a suspension that absorbs virtually all road imperfections. You still feel the road, it’s just that it feels like carnival taffy.
Visibility
With the backup camera, not an issue at all. Without it, seeing out the back window was a little tough, and the C-pillars are pretty thick from the driver’s viewpoint.
Fun to Drive
Skip this section, BMW fans, for you’ll likely not appreciate the fact that the Lexus RX 350 is fun to drive, thanks to a boost in horsepower and torque. It’s the same old quiet and comfortable Lexus, but this time it’s got a new attitude: a little meaner, a little 5 o’clock shadow, a little rough around the edges. Sure, it will still rock your baby to sleep. But then it’ll get up and party like a frat boy.
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