With its RX range of SUVs, Lexus has made a serious attempt in making its presence felt in a segment that is usually dominated by German luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes. It is not only an able competitor to the German cars but also a great vehicle on its own. The RX 350 is a luxurious 5-seater midsize SUV, which has a great list of standard features and powered by the well-tuned 3.5-liter V6 engine that belts out 295 horsepower. Safety equipment is also impressive, with every bit of modern features on board.
F-Sport variant does not offer additional horsepower
Lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
What's New?
Smartphone connectivity via Lexus Enform App
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$43820
bodystyle
4dr SUV
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
FWD
engine type
displacement
211 cu.in.
horsepower
295 hp @ 6300 rpm
torque
267 lbs.-ft @ 4700 rpm
transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear double wishbone suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
64.4/64
dimensions
wheelbase
109.8 in.
length
192.5 in.
width
74.6 in.
height
67.7 in.
curb weight
4222 lbs.
ground clearance
8.2 in.
capacity
passenger volume
39.7 cu ft.
cargo volume
56.3 cu ft.
towing capacity
3500 lbs.
payload capacity
1444 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
7.1 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
20/23/28 mpg
highway range
518.4 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
6 yr. / 70000 mi.
powertrain warranty
72 months. / 70000
corrosion warranty
6 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
4 yr. / Unlimited
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Caviar
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Front view
2020 Lexus RX 350 rear view
7.0/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
4.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
6.0/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
2020 Lexus RX 350 Features
7.0/10
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Engine and Performance
7.0/10
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Engine
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Acceleration
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Wheel
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Fuel Economy
4.0/10
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Interior
8.0/10
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Seating
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Infotainment Display
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.
2020 Lexus RX 350 Cargo Space
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.
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
2020 Lexus RX 350 Safety
9.0/10
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
2020 Lexus RX 350 Competition
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.
2020 Cadillac XT5
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.
BMW X3
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.
2020 Audi Q5
2020 Lexus RX 350 Final Verdict
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.