2011 Lexus RX350 Evaluation

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The 2011 Lexus RX350 sticks out for refinement even inside a class already twinkling with polish.

At any given time when every other car on the highway seems to be cut in the same cloth, the Lexus RX350 sticks out as unique as well as a bit bold. This sporty crossover discloses its character the greater you drive, and a few of the features might actually go unnoticed. But typically, the RX350 provides a good mix associated with technical features, astonishing perks, and an enjoyable and spirited generate.

Priced at $52, 774 for that well-equipped model all of us tested, the RX350 continues to be a hair under the premium version from the 2012 Cadillac SRX all of us just reviewed. Each cars have comparable engine sizes. The RX350 is powered with a 3. 5-liter V6 along with 275-horsepower. On document, it is less capable compared to SRX. In exercise, the RX includes a flair around corners and additional punch that offered us well upon side-streets and freeways.

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Interestingly enough, the outside styling matches this particular flair. The RX includes a curvy crossover profile that's a bit less bubble-shaped compared to typical Infiniti, although not quite as elongated since the Buick Enclave. Lexus doesn't offer a third-row seat option about the RX, and we discovered this crossover to operate best with 4 people, although it may seat five. There just isn’t enough room within the cab and within the rear hatch if you're transporting more compared to four people along with a typical assortment associated with luggage. On an extended drive with five people with no luggage, things weren't exactly tight, however they were not roomy either.

The RX350 provides the crossover segment a great marquee selling stage though: The automobile has zip close to corners, and that managed to get a blast, considering this isn't a sports four door. We find Toyota as well as Lexus vehicles to become punchy just through rule anyway. Cornering capability, while not aided by any gee-whiz backing features like you will discover on an Audi A8, nevertheless felt smooth as well as sure. The SRX simply felt heavier close to corners, even if it will have a larger engine and some of the people ride-smoothing features.

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1 oddity worth talking about, though, is how the shifter for the actual RX350 is about the dash, just below radio stations controls. This doesn’t trigger any confusion also it works fine, but it’s various form most vehicles and feels a little odd at very first. A minor problem: You have to achieve a bit further to shift.

From 24 MPG with regard to highway driving, the RX350 won't save the earth exactly, but the mileage continues to be respectable given the actual V6 engine as well as sporty drive. The all-wheel generate felt secure on the highway. There’s even the “snow” setting which pays more focus on tire slippage upon icy pavement.

Inside amenities
Where we began noticing some variations between standard crossover models and also the Lexus RX350 is within the interior. Lexus includes a way of providing some surprises, because they did on the actual GX460, that make you are feeling like you are getting a little more for the dollar. At a bottom price of simply over $39, 000, that’s essential.

For starters, the interior trim isn't just leather – it’s the fine-grade leather which looks a action above other automobiles we’ve tested recently. The seats tend to be downright confortable, despite the fact that, for some cause, the RX felt a little stiff on the rear after a lengthy drive. There’s a 12-speaker audio system on the design we tested which added $610 towards the price. The luxurious interior package, including the leather chairs, added $4, nine hundred. Oh, and a two-screen back entertainment system with navigation along with other perks added an additional $5, 005. Ouch, spendy. Exactly what impressed us had been the subtleties. For instance, on the aspect doors, there’s a sack that opens wider to help you fit more publications or newspapers in and never have to cram them. Left of the controls, you’ll find the pop-down cup owner (we’ve in no way seen that prior to).

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When a person put the RX350 in to reverse, a side-mirror camera turns up on the LCD display. You can punch a choice to have this particular camera appear each time you back upward, and there’s a wide-angle view. (With regard to comparison, a similar luxurious feature is on the 2012 Infiniti QX56, that costs $75, 000. )#)

Such as many Lexus versions, there are pop-up sprayers to clean off the headlamps. Naturally, with the high quality upgrades, there are adaptive headlights which change focus on the highway as you change. The RX350 all of us drove had adaptive cruise control too, something missing in the SRX.

Offering rear entertainment is something, but not each and every make and design matches the superior quality from the RX350. The incorporated headsets, for instance, worked without any fidgeting having a wireless connection. They can fit comfortably and safe, and sounded wealthy and distinct for that movie Thor.

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Here’s a choice you don’t observe often: In the trunk compartment, there’s a first-aid kit mounted aside panel. When the thing is that, and realize what it's, you understand the reason why the Lexus manufacturer even exists. (Part from the debate is due to the fact how the engine seems remarkably much like some Toyota versions. )#)

Conclusion
There’s something to become said for general impressions. We felt the actual Cadillac SRX had been a heavier car that didn't feel as sporty close to corners, and we had been perplexed by the possible lack of high-tech features. We’re not really a big fan from the underpowered Chevy Equinox, then when the SRX reminded us of this model, things began going downhill, even though the SRX includes a bigger engine compared to RX350. The 1 glaring difference, although, is that the actual SRX does have an infinitely more expansive moonroof. However, the RX offered us the impression of the sporty sedan which was scrunched up towards the crossover size. There are many unique features which make the luxury cost seem more palatable, and we were impressed using the styling inside as well as out.