The RX models from Lexus have been around for a very long time, and the 2021 iteration is part of the fourth generation of the car introduced first in 2016. For 2021 it is mostly a carryover model with minor additions and changes inside and out. The Lexus RX 350 now gets Blind-spot monitoring and Rear cross-traffic alert as a standard feature along with the added functionality of wireless charging support. The engine under the hood is the same 3.5 L V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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Ratings
Pricing and Feature
8.0
Pricing and Features
7.0
Engine and Performance
8.0
Fuel Economy
6.5
Interior
7.9
Exterior
8.0
Safety
9.0
Competition
7.0
8.0
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.0
Overall Rating
The RX 350 is available in a single trim option in both FWD as well as AWD configurations. Pricing starts at $45,220 for the FWD variant and goes up to $46,620 for the AWD variant. Both variants are powered by the same engine and transmission combination. The 2021 Lexus RX 350 competes with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and the Cadillac XT5. Let’s explore how the Lexus holds up against the competition under various parameters including performance, efficiency, safety, and much more.
2021 Lexus RX 350 SUV front view
2021 Lexus RX 350 SUV rear view
8.0/10 Engine and Performance
6.5/10 Fuel Economy
7.9/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
2021 Lexus RX 350 Features
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 comes in a single trim option, which is available in both FWD as well as AWD configurations. The engine is a 3.5 L V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is the only powertrain combination available. The available packages include a Premium Package that costs $480 and adds Matte Walnut Or Matte Bamboo Interior Trim along with Lexus Memory System. Other main available package options include a Luxury Package which adds a lot more features on the inside as well as outside and is priced at a much higher $3,890.
Trims
RX 350
MSRP
$45,220 (FWD)
$46,620 (AWD)
Key Features
Dual-zone climate control with interior air filter
Power-adjustable front seats
Leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and shift knob
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
NuLuxe interior trim
18-in split-five-spoke alloy wheels
8-in Lexus Multimedia System* with color LCD multimedia display
Lexus nine-speaker Premium Audio System
We Recommend
Since there are no major trim choices, the 2021 Lexus RX 350 with the AWD drivetrain would be the best option. It comes with a lot of standard features on the inside along with a well-built cabin and beautiful-looking exterior. However, the Luxury package could be added to include and upgrade to even more features for the price of the higher RX 350 F Sport model. There are also a lot of optional features on offer to add comfort and further personalize your RX 350.
2021 Lexus RX 350 Engine and Performance
8.0/10
The RX 350 is powered by the same 3.5 L V6 engine putting out 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of maximum power and torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers the front wheels as standard while AWD is optional. The engine is impressive, delivering power throughout the rev band in a linear manner, and the transmission is buttery smooth in delivering slick shifts. The RX 350 doesn’t have the best or the most sporty engine, but still, it is a really capable one.
2021 Lexus RX 350 SUV engine bay
The RX 350 reaches a speed of 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The quarter-mile is crossed in 14.7 seconds, which is also not the best but a respectable time in the segment. The top speed of the RX 350 is limited to 131 mph, which is among the highest top speeds in the segment for the price paid. Overall, the RX 350 comes with a strong powertrain that is not the most responsive or engaging to drive, even though it is a V6.
Models
Lexus RX 350
BMW X3 xDrive30i
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
MSRP
$46,620
$45,000
$45,200
$45,995
Engine
3.5 L V6
2.0 L Inline-4
2.0 L Inline-4
2.0 L Inline-4
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
9-speed shiftable automatic
9-speed shiftable automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)
295 hp @ 6300 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
268 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm
258 ft-lbs. @ 1450 rpm
273 ft-lbs. @ 1800 rpm
258 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm
0-60 mph (sec)
6.8
6.2
5.4
7.6
Quarter Mile (sec)
14.7
14.9
14.2
16.0
Top Speed (mph)
131
126
131
130
Lexus is the only one with a V6 under the hood for the price paid. It competes with the base trims of the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC-Class along with the Cadillac XT5, all of which are powered by smaller Inline-4 engines. That means the Lexus is the most powerful among all of them. But the irony is that the lower-powered Merc, as well as the BMW, are faster than the RX 350, and among them, Mercedes is more than a whole second faster than the Lexus in attaining a speed of 60 mph. In conclusion, the Mercedes GLC is the best option to choose in terms of performance, followed by the Lexus, which beats the BMW in the quarter-mile run.
How well does the 2021 Lexus RX 350 Drive and Handle?
The RX 350 handles pretty well but is definitely not meant for a proper enthusiastic driving experience as it doesn’t like to be pushed hard to the edges. Where the RX shines is in terms of comfort and ride quality. The travel experience in this luxury crossover is just phenomenal, and the suspension just soaks and eliminates all the undulations in the road effortlessly. The RX 350 is a machine meant for luxury cruising on the highway, which it does very smoothly.
The F Sport variant of the SUV, compared to the RX 350, makes the ride a lot stiffer, while not helping to improve the handling and driving dynamics much. So sticking to the regular RX 350 would be the best option when handling and ride comfort is taken into consideration. AWD can be opted for if you need more traction and stability over the FWD variant. Overall the RX 350 is a well-handling machine in normal driving condition but fails to impress when pushed to its limits.
How efficient is the braking performance of the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a good set of brakes, consisting of 12.9-inch rotors in the front and 13.3-inch ones in the rear. The car has a higher weight compared to the competition, and still, the brakes function effectively to bring the vehicle to a stop at a distance of 123 ft. from 60 mph, which is a respectable distance. The brakes provide a good response while panic braking and are progressive and responsive while normal usage also.
Model
Lexus RX 350
BMW X3 xDrive30i
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
Brake Rotors Front
12.9
13.0
13.5
13.6
Brake Rotors Rear
13.3
13.0
12.6
12.4
Curb Weight
4,387
4,147
3,977
4,127
Braking Distance 60-0 (ft.)
123
124
115
N/A
The Mercedes GLC is the best in terms of braking. It stops at a distance of just 115ft. which is superb. Lexus follows the Merc and then comes the BMW. The GLC has a major weight advantage over its rivals as it is the lightest, which contributes to a better braking capability. BMW, even while being much lighter than the Lexus, only happens to be a very close competitor to the Lexus. Overall the Lexus RX 350 is a good performer in terms of braking.
2021 Lexus RX 350 Fuel Economy
6.5/10
This is where the higher-revving, more powerful V6 engine takes a toll. The 2021 Lexus RX 350 scoops out a fuel economy that is on the lower side considering the segment. The RX 350 delivers a fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. With the relatively larger fuel tank, although not the largest, it can go up to a distance of 422 miles on combined road and traffic conditions. These efficiency figures are not the best, but they are not disappointing either.
Models
Lexus RX 350
BMW X3 xDrive30i
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
MPG (City)
19
23
21
21
MPG (Highway)
26
29
28
27
MPG (Combined)
22
25
23
23
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
19.2
17.2
17.4
22.0
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)
365/499/422
396/499/430
365/487/398
462/594/483
The BMW X3 delivers the best numbers in terms of fuel economy, followed by the Merc and the Caddy. The Lexus, as we stated above, remains even lower than all of the competition, but still, the difference is of a slight margin. The Cadillac XT5 has the largest fuel capacity, hence combined with the good efficiency figures, it provides the best range of 483 miles combined.
2021 Lexus RX 350 Interior
7.9/10
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 features a luxurious interior with high-quality elements and materials spread all around the cabin. The interior as standard features a NuLuxe interior trim in the RX base trim, while the optional trim themes include Matte Bamboo wood, Open-Pore Brown Walnut, and Gray Sapele Wood with Aluminum. There are also multiple colors and material combinations available with the RX 350’s interior consisting of materials including semi-aniline leather in Parchment, Birch, Glazen Caramel, and many other color themes.
2021 Cadillac XT5 cockpit area
The seats inside the RX 350 are extremely comfortable and would never tire you or any other occupants during long drives. The seats are heated, ventilated, and leather-trimmed with possible adjustments. The RX 350 also offers a spacious second row which has the best shoulder room and legroom on offer for accommodating rear seat passengers comfortably. But this added rear row space depletes the cargo area, and the RX 350 only has a cargo capacity of 16.0 cu-ft.
2021 Cadillac XT5 front seats
Models
Lexus RX 350
BMW X3 xDrive30i
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
39.4/57.8/44.1
41.1/57.6/40.3
37.8/57.3/40.8
39.7/58.3/41.2
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
39.1/57.6/38.0
38.5/56.0/36.4
38.5/56.5/37.3
38.4/56.3/39.0
Cargo Capacity
16.0
28.7
19.4
30.0
The Lexus RX 350 is definitely the most spacious of all and also offers the best overall space in the second row. The interior quality as well as fit and finish are also on par with the luxurious rivals. The cabin does look a bit outdated compared to the more refreshed look and feel of the X3’s and GLC’s cabin, but overall, it is premium. Cargo capacity is where the Lexus loses out to its opponents as it comes with a lower space for loading luggage compared to all of the competition offering a lot more space. The following are the standout interior features of the 2021 Lexus RX 350:
Heated and ventilated front seats with power-folding, 60/40-split, heated second-row outboard seats
Heated wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel
Lexus Memory System for power driver's seat, outside rearview mirrors, and steering wheel
Leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and shift knob
40/20/40-split folding, reclining second-row seat
Dual-zone climate control with interior air filter
Power-adjustable front seats
How intuitive is the 2021 Lexus RX 350’s infotainment unit?
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 features an 8-inch Lexus Multimedia System with color LCD multimedia display which could be upgraded to a bigger 12.3-inch unit. The infotainment unit is responsive and looks good, but it is not the most intuitive and easy-to-use one compared to the other more updated ones equipped inside the rivals. The standard audio system is a Lexus nine-speaker premium audio system, while available options include a 12-speaker Premium Sound System including subwoofer and a much more premium 15-speaker premium surround sound audio unit from Mark Levinson outputting 835-watts.
2021 Cadillac XT5 infotainment screen
The following are the major infotainment features:
8-in Lexus Multimedia System with color LCD multimedia display
12.3-in touchscreen display available
Lexus nine-speaker Premium Audio System
Available 12-speaker Premium Sound System including subwoofer
The RX 350 is one of the most beautiful-looking machines in the segment which will surely turn some heads even though it is not an exotic supercar. The design is elegant and smooth, with the sleek curves and sharp lines contributing to making it look extremely plush. The rear end, however, is not as good-looking as the front position as it looks a bit empty and plain with a peculiar structure. The RX 350 is available in 9 color options of various shades and finishes. A power moonroof and aluminum roof rails can also be equipped to the RX 350 if opted for the Premium Package.
2021 Lexus RX 350 SUV
The standard wheels in the RX 350 are 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels, whereas 20-in split-five-spoke alloy wheels with Dark Silver and machined finish and 20-in split-10-spoke alloy wheels are available options along with some others. The optional premium Triple-Beam LED auto-leveling headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillamps further boost the exterior beauty of the RX 350. The Lexus RX 350 is definitely one of the best-looking luxury crossovers in the segment.
Models
Lexus RX 350
BMW X3 xDrive30i
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
Curb Weight (lbs)
4,387
4,147
3,977
4,127
Length (inches)
192.5
185.9
183.3
189.6
Width (inches)
74.6
74.4
74.8
74.9
Height (inches)
67.7
66.0
64.7
66.1
Ground Clearance (inches)
8.2
8.0
5.0
7.8
Wheelbase (inches)
109.5
112.8
113.1
112.5
The Lexus is one of the best-looking vehicles in the segment offering a beautiful-looking shiny exterior in the RX 350 trim and a more sporty look in the F-Sport trim. However, the Mercedes GLC-Class is the absolute best in terms of exterior beauty. The Lexus is the longest and highest and also comes with the best ground clearance, which also results in the most space on the inside. The following are the RX 350’s standout exterior features:
Optional Premium Triple-Beam LED auto-leveling headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillamps
The Lexus RX 350 comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which consists of a set of high-tech safety features including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Road Sign Assist along with many other safety features. The 2021 RX 350 has also been crash-tested and rated by both NHTSA as well as IIHS and gets impressive safety ratings from both agencies. It received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, while it has been awarded the 'Top Safety Pick' position by IIHS. All of this brings us to the conclusion that the RX 350 is a safe vehicle. The following are some of the standout safety features:
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lexus Enform Safety Connect.
Lexus Enform Service Connect
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
2021 Lexus RX 350 Competition
7.0/10
2021 Lexus RX 350 vs 2021 BMW X3
The BMW X3 is the more sporty and better handling one among these two. It also provides a better fuel economy even while being the faster and better performing one. The Lexus has its positives, including more space on the inside and especially a more comfortable and spacious second row. Overall if space is your main concern, then opt for the Lexus, but if you want a sporty and more engaging vehicle, then go for the BMW.
2021 BMW X3
2021 Lexus RX 350 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is definitely the better option than the Lexus. The Merc comes with stronger performance and a more updated interior. The infotainment unit is also a more updated unit and is more intuitive to use and interact with. The Lexus only has the extra space on offer to hold up against the Merc. But overall, the Mercedes is the better choice among both.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2021 Lexus RX 350 vs 2021 Cadillac XT5
The RX 350 beats the Cadillac XT5 under most parameters. The RX 350 is definitely the more spacious option, but in this case, it is also more powerful and faster. The RX 350 also has a more updated and fresher-looking interior and cabin. From the outside also, the Lexus is the better-looking option, and it also offers a better reliability record over the Caddy, making it the better choice.
2021 Cadillac XT5
2021 Lexus RX 350 Final Verdict
The Lexus RX 350 is a great option in this segment of luxury crossover SUVs. For the price paid, it offers a spacious and luxurious interior along with comfortable seats and superb ride quality. It is a great choice for families that prefer comfort over sportiness and would fare well in daily drives as well as highway cruises. However, for a more engaging driving experience, there are much better options on offer in the segment. This Lexus is all about a smooth and comfortable travel experience covered in luxury.
Tech-loaded and powerful The Lexus RX 350 is the best example of excellent craftsmanship and it drives like an authentic SUV. I previously owned a Chevy Equinox and traded it last month with this superior one. It has sufficient space in the cabins and the dual-tone interiors look luxurious. The powertrain combination of a 3.5L V6 engine and a refined 8-speed auto transmission renders quick acceleration with a decent fuel economy of 20+mpg. I think it is too soon for a detailed review and I'll be writing on the same page a...
Pros - Attractive cabin, top quality materials, comfortable ride, advanced safety features, strong engine and good fuel economy
Cons - Sluggish infotainment system, and subpar cargo space.
comfortable and powerful SUV The combination of luxury and comfort is awesome in my 2018 Lexus RX. The handsome cabin and upscaled interior material makes my drive rich and comfortable. Whenever I take my RX out in the office, I feel like the richest person in my organization because of its exterior looks. Although the entertainment system and cargo space can be improved, the performance of the vehicle will beat every negative aspect of my RX. In short I love my RX because of its overall driving experience and ride qualit...
Cons - Trunk a bit tiny for its size. Slightly underpowered.
Dont expect too much power This is a very different looking vehicle and I mean it in a good way. The Lexus design team have done an amazing job and its not just the exterior. The design runs in to the cabin too and is made using great quality materials. Talking about the drive, I wouldn’t call it very powerful car but its definitely fun to drive as the handling is very energetic and keep me excited when driving the car. Didn’t really know what to expect but all that confusion and blankness was relaxed down by the pe...
