2019 Lexus RX 350

The 2019 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?

Lexus is the luxury wing of Toyota, just like Acura is of Honda. Also, like Acura, Lexus is the best of what the Japanese have to offer. What you get is a lot of space and practicality, and bulletproof Japanese reliability for the engine and electronics. The only complaint you can have with this is that these cars can be a little boring, which is quite true.

Trims and feature

There are one two trims on offer here; base RX 350 and F Sport RX 350.

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

We recommend

You should get the F Sport is you can fit it into your budget. While you're at it, get the All-wheel-drive as well.

The 2019 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 2019 Lexus RX 350 offers a lovely V6 engine, which churns out 295 horsepower. Although the power output is plenty, the engine itself isn't as exciting. You get 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 speed.

The F Sport trim offers a bit more flair, with synthesized engine noise playing in the cabin via the speakers, BMW style. 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 with the sporty feel, the F Sport gets paddle shifters behind the wheel as well.

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	3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Gas	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Transmission	8 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic	7 Speed manual	9 Speed Automatic
Horsepower	295 [email protected] 6300rpm	310 [email protected] 6700rpm	248 [email protected] 5200rpm	248 [email protected] 5000rpm	241 [email protected] 5500rpm
Torque	268 [email protected] 4700rpm	271 [email protected] 5000rpm	258 [email protected] 14500rpm	273 [email protected] 1600rpm	273 [email protected] 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 made the reduced the gap between these two configurations.

Acceleration

While Lexus may look quite sporty, that isn't really the case here. The car isn't particularly fast but does well for itself, the exact figures haven't been tested yet, so the final comments will rest until then. The 2018 Lexus RX AWD took under 7 seconds to go from 0-60, and considering that this uses the same engine, drivetrain, and has the same body as well, the figures will probably remain the same. The naturally aspirated V6 though has quite a lot of power, which helps move the two-ton plus SUV.

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	3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded	3.5L V6 Gas	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.0	6.8	N/A	N/A

Braking

Braking is quite nice as well, mainly due to the pair of 13.3-inch disc brakes in the front, and a pair of 12.9 in 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.

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.)	N/A	128	128	N/A	126

Ride and Handling

Lexus RX is laid back, luxurious car. Its primary job description is to ensure a smooth and comfy ride, and as such does not really pay much attention to the handling. 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 efficient car. It isn't the tree-hugger that the 450h hybrid version is, but it is still quite impressive.

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

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

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 an afterthought. 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 (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 (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

Infotainment

The 2019 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
• Bluetooth Technology

Optional equipment includes:

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

Sadly, Lexus RX 350 gives a miss to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Cargo

Cargo capacity is pretty great, with 18.4 cubic feet in the trunk. 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

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 2019 Lexus RX classically beautiful, it is chiseled and distinctive.-Kelly Blue Book

Weight and Dimensions

The 2019 model carries the same dimensions as the 2018 Lexus RX 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

Design and styling

Lexus 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 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 sharp side profile is an eyeball magnet, and if you love attention, this one will bring you a lot.

2019 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. Both cars offer an ample amount of power and torque, and the fuel-economy numbers 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 be better off with the Lexus if you keep within city limits. Also, the Lexus offers plusher seats, although the Beemer gets more upmarket quality interiors. If you prefer comfort over sportiness, don't go for the 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 similarly too. 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.

With a brilliant combination of fuel efficiency and luxury, the 2019 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.