2020 Lexus RX 350

The 2020 Lexus RX350 is a great luxury softroader, one that offers you the same level of luxury and sophistication as a typical luxury sedan. You get a good amount of space inside, but not much in terms of driver involvement. Overall, there isn’t much to complain about, but there isn’t much to be excited about either. So, should you put your money on this car or should you spend it on one of the German cars? Let's find out.

Lexus is the luxury wing of Toyota, just like Acura is for Honda. Much like Acura, Lexus is the best of what the Japanese have to offer in terms of sophistication and luxury. What you get with all the Lexus cars is a lot of space, practicality, and bulletproof Japanese reliability for the engine and electronics. The only complaint you can have with these cars is that they can be a little boring in terms of the infotainment system, which is not as engaging and updated as its rivals. 

There are two trims on offer with the 2020 Lexus RX 350; base RX 350 and RX 350 F Sport. 

Trims	RX350	RX350 F Sport
MSRP (FWD)	$43,670	$49,320
MSRP (AWD)	$45,070	$50,720
Key Features	Lexus Enform Connectivity	Same as RX350, with the following additions
	Captain's Chairs In Second-row Seats	F Sport package
	Panoramic View Monitor
	Head-up Display
	Three-row Seats
	LED Cornering Foglamps
	Rain-sensing Wipers
	Stability Control
	Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System

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. 

We recommend

You should get the F Sport if you can fit it into your budget. While you're at it, splash a little more and get the All-wheel-drive as well.

The 2020 Lexus RX is not the sports car in SUV clothing its design suggests, but it gets the job done. -The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 offers a capable V6 engine that churns out 295 horsepower. Although the power output is plenty, the engine itself isn't as exciting. You get the fine performance, but none of the drama associated with a V6. Put your foot hard down on the throttle, and the car quietly starts building up speed.

The F Sport trim offers a bit more flair, with synthesized engine noise reverbing in the cabin via the speakers. Horsepower figures remain the same, which is quite disappointing. Transmission duties are handled by 8-speed automatic transmission coupled with either a Front or an All-wheel drive system. To aid the sporty feel, the F Sport gets paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Models	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
MSRP	$44,595	$42,690	$41,995	$43,945	$41,695
Engine	Naturally Aspirated 3.5L V6	Naturally Aspirated 3.5L V6	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4
Transmission	8 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic	7 Speed manual	9 Speed Automatic
Horsepower	295 hp@ 6300rpm	310 hp@ 6700rpm	248 hp@ 5200rpm	248 hp@ 5000rpm	241 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque	268 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm	271 ft-lbs@ 5000rpm	258 ft-lbs@ 14500rpm	273 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm	273 ft-lbs@ 1300rpm

Most of the competition offers 2-liter Inline-4 mills, along with turbochargers for better power ratings. With a naturally aspirated V6, the Lexus SUV offers a much better response from the engine, although modern tech has reduced the gap between these two engine configurations.

Acceleration

While the Lexus RX 350 may look quite sporty, that isn't really the case here. The car isn't particularly fast but does well for itself. The 2020 Lexus RX 350 AWD takes under 7 seconds to go from 0-60 mph and just a tad bit more than 15 seconds to complete a quarter-mile drag race. The naturally aspirated V6 is capable enough to satisfy your daily acceleration needs, but there is no denying that with a little more tuning, the Lexus RX 350 could have clocked in better acceleration stats. 

Models	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec	6.6 sec	7.7 sec	5.9 sec	6.4 sec
Quarter mile	15.1 sec	15.2	16 sec	N/A	15.2 sec
Engine	Naturally Aspirated 3.5L V6	Naturally Aspirated 3.5L V6	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4	Intercooled Turbocharged 2.0L I4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.0	6.8	N/A	N/A

The Audi Q5 is the fastest accelerating car in the chosen pack followed by the Merc GLC and Caddilac XT5. 

Braking

The braking performance of the 2020 Lexus RX 350 is quite impressive, mainly due to the pair of 13.3-inch disc brakes in the front, and a pair of 12.9-inch the rear. The curb weight of the car is quite generous in numbers, well over 2 tons, but it is well masked and does not hinder the braking at all. However, the nosedive is more than what is generally observed in the segment. 

Model	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Brake Front (in.)	12.9	13.6	13	13.3	13.5
Brake Rear (in.)	13.3	12.4	13	13	12.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4222	3985	4034	4057	3891
60-0 MPH (ft.)	138	128	128	N/A	126

The RX 350 puts on a commendable performance in the 60-0 mph braking test and comes to a complete stop in just under 140 feet. While its rivals have shorter stopping distances, we would like to remind you that the Lexus is the heaviest car in the chosen pack. 

Ride and Handling

Lexus RX 350 is a laid back luxurious car. Its primary job description is to ensure a smooth and comfy ride and it excels in it. The cabin is pretty silent, except when you don't want it to be. The suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections. However, the same cannot be said about the handling of this Japanese luxury SUV. The body roll isn't well contained, and spirited cornering is sure to unsettle your nerves more than the car. The steering has next to no feedback, and even in Sport and Sport+ modes, things don't get much better. Still, due to the light steering, leisure driving is this car's forte.

Even though the engine is a big V6, the RX 350 turns out to be quite an fuel-efficient car. It isn't the tree-hugger that the 450h version is, but it is still quite impressive. Under regular city conditions, the RX 350 will get you 20 miles for a gallon of gas. the figure goes up to 27 miles when cruising on the highway. The combined fuel economy figure of the Lexus RX 350 is 23 MPG, which is decent, but not the best in the segment. 

Model	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
MPG (city)	20	19	23	22	22
MPG (highway)	27	26	30	27	27
MPG (combined)	23	22	26	24	24
Range (miles) (city/highway)	384/518	369/504	396/516	407/500	383/470
Tank Capacity (gal)	19.2	19.4	17.2	18.5	17.4

The Bimmer leads the pack in terms of fuel-economy with figures of 23 mpg, 30 mpg and 26 mpg for city, highway and combined respectively. 

Lexus has chosen fine materials for the RX's interior, including soft leather, textured metallic or wood trims, and soft-touch plastics. -Car and Driver

Seating and Comfort

The Lexus RX 350 has a brilliantly insulated cabin, which shields out the road and wind noise. The quiet cabin is nicely complemented by great fit and finish. Seats are well cushioned and comfy, both in the front and rear, and the space inside is extremely generous. Coupled with easy ingress and egress, the RX SUV races ahead in terms of seating and comfort. The suspension only accentuates the premium feel and comfort of this luxury SUV.

The F Sport variant has synthetic engine sound pumped into the cabin, which tries to elevate the sporty feel, but doesn't fit in well with the lethargic handling. It ends up feeling like a poorly executed after effect that. The base trim gets faux leather, and you get the option of real one in the higher trims.

Model	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/57.8/44.1	38.4/58.3/41.2	41.1/57.6/40.3	41.7/57.7/41.0	37.8/57.3/40.8
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.1/57.6/38.0	36.0/56.2/39.5	39.1/56.0/36.4	39.3/56.5/37.8	38.5/56.5/37.3

The high seats make for a very commanding driving position and a good view of the road. There are also enough adjustments to find the perfect seating position aided by the available memory settings. The front seats are also heated and ventilated for added comfort and convenience. 

Infotainment

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 offers a slightly-difficult-to-learn infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display as standard. You have the option to upgrade to a better, wider 12.3-inch display too, which is much easier on the eyes as well. You also get Voice Command, Lexus Enform Remote Smartphone integration, Traffic and weather service via HD Radio, Siri Eyes free system, Scout GPS link navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, HomeLink System, SmartAccess key and Bluetooth for connectivity. However, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is bound to leave a sour taste in your mouth. 

Optional equipment includes:

• Full-color heads-up display
• Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System
• Remote touch
• Lexus Enform location assist

Cargo

Cargo capacity is pretty great, with 18.4 cubic feet. Fold the rear passenger seats though, and you will be greeted by an amazing capacity of 56.3 cubic feet. You can carry pretty much everything in the trunk, and if your family loves weekend excursions, you can also pack enough luggage for everyone.

Model	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	18.4	30.0	28.7	25.1	19.4

However, all other rivals offer a larger cargo capacity than the Lexus RX 350, with the Caddie leading the pack with a default cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet and followed closely by the Bimmer with 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Interior Features

• Nu Luxe interior trim
• Power adjustable steering column
• Leather-trimmed steering and shift knob
• 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
• Dual-zone auto climate control
• Drive mode select

 

 

Lexus has moved away from its plain early styling and switched to shapes that are daring, dynamic and routinely complemented by a bold spindle-shaped grille. While no one will call the 2020 Lexus RX classically beautiful, it is chiseled and distinctive.-Kelly Blue Book

Design and Dimensions

The 2020 model carries the same dimensions as the 2018 Lexus RX 350 and is a mid-size SUV. It is well under 200 inches in length, and almost 75 inches wide. The wheelbase is also quite compact, just under 110 inches. The weight, however, is a bit too much. The base model (FWD) is 4222 pounds, and the others weigh in at a slightly higher 4387 pounds.

Model	Lexus RX 350	Cadillac XT5	BMW X3 sDrive 30i	Audi Q5 2.0T	Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Curb weight (lbs.)	4222	3985	4034	4057	3891
Length(in)	192.5	189.5	185.9	183.6	183.3
Width(in)	74.6	75.0	74.4	74.5	74.4
Height(in)	67.7	66.0	66.0	65.3	64.5
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	7.8	8.0	8.2	5.0
Wheelbase (in)	109.8	112.5	112.8	111.0	113.1
Track width (in) F/R	64.4/64	64.4/64.4	63.8/64.4	63.6/63.3	63.9/63.7

Lexuses used to be the most conservative styled, and if you are a Jeremy Clarkson fan, utterly boring cars as well. Gone are those days, and now Lexus cars have more shapes and curves than a children's coloring book. The design philosophy of the 2020 RX 350 is extremely daring and, sadly, polarizing. You either like it, or downright hate it, but you can never ignore it. The hourglass front grill and the sharp side profile is an eyeball magnet, and if you love attention, this one will bring you a lot.

External Features

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

The all-new Lexus RX 350 is a pretty safe car. It performed well in both the crash tests, conducted by IIHS and NHTSA. In the IIHS crash tests, it received a good rating in most of the categories while in the NHTSA crash tests, it received an overall rating of 5 stars.

2020 Lexus RX also gets a slew of safety features in its arsenal. Standard features include the following:

• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• 10 Airbags
• Smart/Stop Technology
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Rigid Body with crumple zones
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Brake assist and electronic brake force distribution
• Rain sensing wipers

Lexus RX350 vs Cadillac XT5

If you're looking for a brilliant luxury vehicle, then these two should definitely be on the top of your list. Both these models bring to the table a lot of safety equipment and other features and offer an ample amount of power and torque. The fuel-economy numbers for both of these cars aren't too bad either.

In the XT5, however, the front, as well as rear-seat passengers get heated seats, as opposed to only the front in the RX350. The Cadillac XT5 is also better in terms of storage space. However, the Lexus takes the cake in terms of interior space, offering a better room in the rear seats.

Lexus RX350 vs BMW X3

While some would argue that a BMW X5 is the organic competitor to the RX350, it would be better suited against the longer RX350L. Also, The X3 is closer to RX350 in terms of pricing, which is a very important consumer criterion.

Interior space is comparable in both the cars, and while the BMW gets better performance and snob-value, you'd be better off with the Lexus if you mostly keep within city limits. Also, the Lexus offers plusher seats, although the Bimmer gets more upmarket quality interiors. If you prefer comfort over sportiness, the X3 is not the car for you.

Lexus RX350 vs Audi Q5

Just like with the BMW X3 discussed previously, the Audi Q5 isn't the closest competitor to the Lexus RX350. There is a considerable size difference between the two. Still, both these SUVs offer nearly similar interior space and are priced very closely. Even with the size disadvantage, the Q5 has larger trunk space. If you want an All-wheel drive SUV, Audi's Quattro system is far superior to anything else in the market. Also, the Audi is very subtle yet handsome, while the Lexus looks like it's trying too hard to be stylish. 

 

With a brilliant combination of performance and luxury, the 2020 Lexus RX SUV is a lovely passenger car. What the car misses in terms of handling and driver involvement, you gain in terms of ride comfort. Your family will love the car, especially the interior space. The good fuel-economy figures also make this car a great daily driver. Hence, if you do not want to take the usual road that leads to one of the German car dealerships, 2020 Lexus RX 350 is a great alternative and you should give this car a serious look. 

FAQs

Does the 2020 Lexus RX 350 come with AWD configuration?

Yes, this Lexus is available in both FWD and AWD configuration for both trims.

Should I consider the RX 450h over the RX 350?

If you have a few extra grand to spare and care about the environment, you should buy the RX 450h. The RX 350 has a decent fuel economy too.

What is the cost of ownership of the 2020 Lexus RX 350?

The estimated cost of ownership for the FWD base trim of the RX 350 over the next 5 years will be around $63500.

Will I get a good resale value on the Lexus RX 350?

All Japanese cars are known to fetch good resale deals. This Lexus is no different and you can expect a good resale value when you decide to sell it.