2013 Lexus RX 350

As a matter of fact, it is one of the fastest cars in its segment. It is so competent in every way and strikes the right chord. However, the Lexus doesn’t offer this car for all types of buyers as it comes in only trim to pick from. It offers exhilarating drive dynamics to keep you comfortable throughout the journey. Moreover, it rivals the likes of cars like the Audi Q7, Chevrolet Traverse, and Volvo XC60.

The Lexus RX350 comes in a single trim and the features it offers are a class apart and many top-notch features come as standard. It is priced at $39,660 and incorporates a lot of signature features. As standard, it includes features like automatic headlamps, Heated mirrors, a Nine-speaker sound system, and Display Audio With Back-up Monitor package. Some other modern features are listed below in the table.

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As there is only one option to choose from, you are left with no choice. Hence, we recommend the only trim on offer. Priced at $39,660, it is a great deal. It also offers an optional 8-speed automatic transmission for improved efficiency and performance. The Lexus offers Lexus Personalized settings as standard and Perforated leather seat trim as an option. Furthermore, it comes with an optional F sport front bumper. As you can see, you get a lot more features as standard when compared to its competition.

Excitement is all around the new 2013 Lexus RX350, especially when you take a look under the hood. It offers instantaneous power and torque delivery by the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled with a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. You can also opt for an 8-speed automatic transmission for better performance. This duo configures a standard front-wheel-drive system and produces 270 hp and a torque output of 248 lb.-ft.

The SUV hits 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds with an aero-efficient body design and potent powertrain. It covers a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds and maxes out at 142 mph which is the class-leading top speed. However, some of its competitors are even more powerful and fast off the line which makes it a mediocre-performing car in its class.

Among the competition, the new Audi Q7 and Chevrolet Traverse churn out maximum power. However, the fastest among the lot is the Lexus RX350. The Audi Q7 on the other hand put out 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, the Audi only takes 6.9 seconds to hit 60 mph while the quarter-mile time of both Audi and Lexus are neck and neck. The Volvo on the other hand comes with the least power output in its class.

The 2013 Lexus RX350 offers a commendable fuel economy if not the best. It is capable of returning 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. When combined, the 2013 Lexus provides a fuel economy of 20 mpg. With its mediocre fuel tank capacity of 19.2 gallons, it can traverse a distance of 345.6 miles in the city and 480 miles while driving on the highway. As you can see, the Lexus offers a good mileage but is not good enough when compared to its rivals.

In comparison, Both Audi Q7 and Volvo XC60 find their position on the top of the leaderboard with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg and 21 mpg respectively. The Audi Q7 slightly edges over the Volvo. Despite having one of the powerful engines out there, the Audi Q7 manages to return the overall highest fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and a whopping 28 mpg on the highway. Thanks to the folks in Ingolstadt. On the contrary, the Chevrolet Traverse loses out to its competitors in terms of fuel efficiency.

The interior of the 2013 Lexus RX350 is completely covered in luxury. Everything you find inside the interior is made of high-grade and premium materials. It reminds you that you’re inside something rather very special and opulent. The design of the dashboard is quite appealing and looks splendid. As standard, it offers cloth fabric seat trim but you can also opt for Perforated leather seat trim for more comfort. It is a bit difficult to find cheap materials inside the cabin.

The 2013 Lexus RX350 has a seating capacity of 5 passengers and has the highest front legroom space of 43.1 inches. It has a headroom space of 39.1 inches and a shoulder room space of 57.9 inches and offers the segment-leading cargo capacity of 40 cubic feet due to its 5 seating capacity. When it comes to rear row space, it is not really up to the expectations and offers only a limited amount of space.

Among the competition, the cabin of the Chevrolet Traverse is spacious, with ample headroom and shoulder room. On the other hand, the front seats of the Volvo XC60 get decent legroom, while the rear seats get limited space for tall passengers. However, the car with the smallest cargo space turns out to be the Audi Q7 due to its 7 passengers capacity. Some of the distinct interior features are as follows.

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Eight-way power front seats with two-way adjustable lumbar
• Leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Sliding and reclining rear seat
• Cloth upholstery

How intuitive is the 2013 Lexus RX350’s infotainment system?

The Lexus has leveled up the infotainment system. It includes a prominent LCD screen display that operates with the help of a touchpad. In addition, the latest connectivity features, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity and USB/iPod control. It also gets a few other entertainment packages that give access to features like Lexus Remote Touch electronics interface, real-time traffic information, a 12-speaker sound system, and an HD radio. Some other standout infotainment features include

• USB ports
• 9-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Satellite radio
• iPod interface

The exterior design is the most engrossing thing about the Lexus RX350. It is one of the most spectacular-looking SUVs out there. Every shape and every line present in the bodywork looks razor-sharp. The headlights look imposing integrated with xenon lights and DRLs which enhances the look of the headlights. The crease lines blend quite well with the bodywork of the car. It is also big, muscular, and has a strong personality. The front grille on the other hand adds to the front fascia of the car. However, the taillights are not as attractive as the front headlights.

Now, let's move on to the exterior dimensions, the Lexus RX350 weighs 4178 lbs. It measures a length of 188 inches, a width of 74 inches, and a height of 67 inches which is the shortest of the heap, and also sports a wheelbase of 108 inches. Furthermore, it stands 7 inches above the ground. The is the smallest car of the lot when considering the overall proportions and dimensions which is a good thing when it comes to commuting in the city.

In comparison, The Volvo XC60 is the lightest car in its class weighing 3958 lbs, whereas the Audi Q7 weighs the highest weighing 5291 lbs. When it comes to length, the Chevrolet Traverse is the winner of the competition. It also leads its class being the tallest in the segment with a height of 70 inches and the Lexus is the shortest in the segment measuring only 67 inches. Some of the optional and standout exterior features include:

• F sport upper/lower grille inserts
• LED brake lamps
• F sport front bumper
• Pwr tilt/slide moonroof -inc: one-touch open/close, sliding sunshade, remote-linked opening
• Rear spoiler

Safety has been one of the topmost priorities for the Lexus RX350. The 2013 model hosts a plethora of advanced driver aids and standard safety features. The Lexus RX350 scores an incredible 5-star rating from the NHTSA and an overall Good rating from IIHS. Moreover, it has been awarded the title of 2014 Top Safety Pick which makes it one of the robust cars in its segment. Some of the standout safety features are

• Automatic collision notification
• Adaptive cruise control (optional)
• Pre-collision warning system (optional)
• Anti-lock braking system 
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Smart stop technology brake override system

The Lexus RX350 is an adept luxury SUV for the family with power-packed performance, spot-on luxury interior, great ride quality, and stellar safety features. It lacks behind only on the fuel efficiency front but only by a very minute margin. No other SUV from Japan is as desirable as this one and you can have all these perks without having to shell out a lot of money. It is one of the luxury SUV market’s most sought-after SUVs and could be a perfect pick for those who are looking for a practical and luxury family SUV.