Lexus RX 350 Part 1: Design Review

As the best selling Lexus of all time, the importance of the RX350 to Toyota's luxury division cannot be overstated. With the LS600hL as its figurehead and the incredible IS-F playing the role of the bad-boy in the family, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the RX crossover would play second fiddle in the Lexus clan. But the sales numbers prove that the RX is the family member that keeps the lights on at Lexus.

The Lexus RX pretty much created the luxury crossover category. Now in its third generation, the RX350 keeps its formula intact: A car-based, front-wheel-drive chassis (with AWD available), an elevated SUV-like seating position and lots of luxury content all wrapped up in a cocoon of unruffled tranquility.

Not wanting to mess with its successful formula too much, Lexus chose to take an evolutionary approach to the design of the newest RX. But along the way, something seems to have been lost. Let's have a look at what they've cooked up...

Aesthetically the RX350 employs the Lexus corporate design language known as L-Finesse. But unlike the excellent LS flagship sedan and the good-looking IS sports-sedan, L-Finesse is a bit... "El-Feo" on the RX350. Which means she won't be winning any beauty pageants.

The main issue is that rather than continuing to define the Lexus form vocabulary, the RX seems like a hodgepodge of shapes and character lines that don't work well together. But first, let's take a look at what does work.

The front is perhaps the most successful part of the RX, with the headlights and grille bearing a resemblance to other members of the Lexus family. The clean surfacing of the lower bumper and the hood show some restraint and work well.

Around the side we see the main character line that connects the front and rear lights and helps elongate the vehicle's stubby proportions. The side window graphics are an evolution of the previous model and help disguise the wagon profile of the greenhouse to some extent. A particularly nice touch is the longer roof mounted rear spoiler - which is now body color - visually extending the roof and also concealing the rear wiper. The optional 19-in. wheels are also well done, with their odd numbered spokes and sculpted surfacing providing a sense of motion.

Of the elements that are less successful, you might first notice the hood height, which is quite tall - no doubt due to pedestrian protection requirements, which demand more clearance between the hood and the hard points below it.

But where it all goes awry is on the body side, where the various lines, shapes and creases don't seem very well integrated. The last generation RX had clearly defined fender forms, while the new RX350's surfaces are more vague, transitioning from soft form to sharp crease and back in peculiar places. The door-handles - as an isolated example - are bisected in an odd way and seem like afterthoughts. Lastly, the lower body surface detail, which parallels the obscure dropping crease line just ahead of the taillight, seems a bit odd and out of place.

Rather than woo buyers with a more handsome evolution of its successful formula, the designers at Lexus seem to have tried a little too hard, leaving the RX350's exterior design looking a little lost. Sure, all of the ingredients that made its predecessors so successful are still in there, but discerning buyers with a keen eye will have to look beyond the odd details to fully appreciate what Lexus has cooked up.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Lexus RX 350 AWD

Performance
- Acceleration: Surprisingly quick in a straight line, with good torque and snappy shifts
- Handling: Typical of most Lexus vehicles, the stability control system is quick to kick in if you're feeling frisky
- Braking: Mushy pedal, but good stopping power nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: The only area where the RX sees no improvement... in fact, it has actually regressed stylistically
- Interior: Conversely, probably the strongest selling point for the RX - as expected, very Lexus-like

Utility
- Comfort: While the ride is not as cushy as you'd expect given the L badge on the nose, it is still worthy of the Lexus name
- Space: Taking the "utility" part of its category moniker to heart, the RX is surprisingly roomy

Safety
- Dynamics: Overactive stability control system prevents any significant accident avoidance measures, but powering out of situations shouldn't prove to be a problem
- Technology: Lexus badge means it's all here and then some

Value
- Price: Perfectly in step with others in the category it created
- Mileage: You'd have to go with the hybrid version if you really cared, although 24 mpg highway isn't too shabby

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: NONE
- Fun to spank: Not applicable

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.5-liter, V6
Power (SAE): 275 hp
Torque: 257 lb-ft
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4340 lbs.
0-60 mph: 7.5 sec.
Top Speed: 112 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 18 city / 24 highway
Base Price: $38,650
Competitors: Volvo XC60, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK 350