Lexus RX 350 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is the third generation of what many regard as the Lexus SUV. Actually a car-based CUV - or Crossover Utility Vehicle - the RX has made a name for itself by virtue of a comfortable ride, elevated driving position, excellent build quality and, of course, a luxuriously appointed interior - all traits still found on this newest RX 350.

Dimensionally, this RX is pretty much unchanged from the last one. It has grown an inch or two here and there, but overall it's the same footprint as before. So what exactly has been improved? To be honest, not much, but there wasn't much wrong with the last one. Sharing its platform with several other front-wheel drive Toyota and Lexus cars - most notably, the Lexus ES 350 - the RX rides smoothly, as you'd expect of any car with that "L" badge on its nose. Elevated expectations of high-grade materials and outstanding build quality are met as well, with the RX 350 providing just about every modern convenience feature imaginable. Perhaps unexpectedly - and certainly, less Lexus-like - is the RX 350's ability to serve as more than a shuttle to the kid's soccer practice.

If you opt for the All-Wheel-Drive system, you'll be able to tow up to 3500 lbs. - which is not only pretty handy, but also lends a bit of street cred to the RX as a utility vehicle. So not only do you get the ride quality and creature comforts of a modern luxury car, you also get the functionality of a proper utility vehicle. Also backing up the utility part of its class designation is a slightly larger rear cargo area - now a class-leading 40 cu-ft - which benefits from the improved, flatter packaging of its new double wishbone rear suspension.

But while its utility is certainly welcome, it's the luxurious ambiance of the RX 350's cabin that will win over most buyers. Cruising in serene comfort with the excellent Mark Levinson audio system gently belting out soothing tunes, you become well aware of why this is the best selling Lexus. Its ability to transport its passengers from A to B while isolating them from the hostilities of the world outside its cabin is without peer in this category. If the thought of a luxury car mated to a utility vehicle ever seemed oxymoronic, the RX proves otherwise. Its every feature aims to pamper, requiring the least amount of effort from its driver and passengers. Even the most complicated features are all very easy and relaxing to use.

The mouse-like controller for the multi-function screen is fairly intuitive, which means you can climb in the RX and work it pretty well within minutes without having to crack open the owner's manual, which is a welcome surprise.

As it turns out, the RX 350 is perhaps the perfect expression of the Lexus philosophy, providing supreme comfort, countless amenities, impeccable build quality and isolation from everything around you - including the driving experience. For those who have no particular desire for the "joy of driving" attributes so frequently touted by those German car companies, and are instead looking for a womb-like luxury transportation module, it is possibly the perfect car. And as its sales numbers would suggest, there are many out there happy to segregate themselves from the experience of driving within the serene comfort of the RX 350's interior.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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