2007 Lexus RX 350 Review

Lexus RX 350 – Review: It seats five, while many of its competitors seat seven. It rumbles around corners when its friends zip and dart. It looks like an egg and is in need of a new style. Yet still, the Lexus RX sells more than any other luxury ute. Go figure – and while you’re at it, explain how Toyota gets that leather so darn soft and supple, and how they make that ride so smooth and quiet. Tell us how they build the greatest luxury commuter car on the market. Amazing.

What We Drove

We drove a Lexus RX 350 with an all-wheel-drive configuration, nav and backup camera. Our tester’s base MSRP was $38,800, but the $715 destination, the $2,050 for the premium package and the $6,190 for the navigation/Mark Levinson stereo put the actual total bill at $47,755. This model receives a shot of power and a new name for 2007, 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 – and many of its competitors are doing better performance-type 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.

Front Comfort

Excellent, though some drivers would like more seat support. Another minus is that the arm rest is not adjustable, which limits its usefulness. Doors are well done, however, though a bit tall for elbows on the top of the beltline. Driver’s seats are ten-way with lumbar, so you can find your comfy driving position. Side bolstering is a little flat, so when the boat rocks, there is a tendency to slide a bit. All things considered, the quality of the leather material makes up for a lot when it comes to these seats. Leg room, meanwhile, is really ample, head room excellent – an exceedingly comfortable car to drive.

Rear Comfort

One of the more comfortable rear seats around, there’s plenty of leg room and a nicely divided bench. The arm rest on the door is nicely placed and padded, though the beltline feels a little close for the shoulders. Head room is ample, but foot room seems a bit compromised by the low placement of the front seats. Map pockets up front are hard, and snap into place. All in all, two grown adults can sit in back in complete comfort, no problem.

Interior Noise

Shhhhh. Silence is a Lexus hallmark. That said, there’s more wind noise than I expected on highways at higher speed, even though otherwise the vehicle is whisper quiet. There’s virtually no tire noise, no engine noise, no vibration or rattles – just you, the road and your dreamy tunes.

Build Quality

Nicely executed, but we did notice some variations in the hood line from front to back, and gap tolerances in the liftgate was slightly off kilter. For most automakers, a plus grade. For Toyota, and on its premium brand, is it cause for concern? Be sure to check for yourself when you test drive.

Materials Quality

Excellent. Leather is baby soft, everything is lined and damped, and there are soft touch materials everywhere. It’s a luxury car, and from the looks of it, Lexus is not resting on its reputation. From the inside of the car, you get what you pay for: The best leather and the thoughtful touches of an award-winning interior design team. It all makes for a pleasing drive home from the office.