Lexus RX 350 Part 3: Performance Review

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is the latest version of the vehicle that created the luxury crossover segment. Being a crossover means that the RX 350 is car-based, which in turn means it's endowed with performance that is more car-like than you might expect.

Sharing its platform with the best-selling Toyota Camry and its up-market sibling - the Lexus ES 350 - the RX won't surprise you with its earth-shattering performance, but rather with its ability to deliver you and your passengers from departure to destination efficiently and in complete comfort.

In this role as a transportation appliance, the RX 350 really is fantastic, leaving little doubt as to its appeal and its sales success. But while it will take you from A to B in complete comfort, it won't exactly inspire you to get there quickly.

The V6 makes good power and moves the RX relatively well, but its not really into hustling. This is an old skool Lexus - if there is such a thing - more of a plush cruiser: less Sport Utility and more Luxury Utility.

Likewise the handling of the RX 350 won't confuse you into thinking you're driving a sports sedan. While it doesn't exactly wallow, neither does it tempt you into flinging the RX into a corner at speed, as it is clearly biased toward the luxury side of the equation. The steering, too, backs this up, with little effort required to guide the RX 350, but little feel returned as to what is actually happening at ground level.

Even the available all-wheel drive system is seamless and effortless, and unless you live in an area with an extreme climate and correspondingly slippery surfaces, probably pointless. Yes, it provides a traction advantage over the front-wheel drive RX, but one you'll most likely not need 99 percent of the time. The downside to the AWD system is a portly 400 plus pounds of extra hardware you'll be shuttling around everywhere you go. To be fair, there's not much of a mileage disadvantage - only one mpg less on the highway - thanks in no small part to the new, smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. But with the excellent - if overly vigilant - VDIM system integrating braking, steering, stability and traction control systems, why bother with the extra complexity of the AWD system?

A new double wishbone rear suspension frees up some rear cargo space thanks to its packaging advantages. But don't go getting too excited about the possibility of canyon carving, as this Lexus is more about slow and steady than quick and entertaining.

Clearly there's a theme here that sees the new RX retaining its role as the quintessential Lexus, isolating you in complete luxury from the task of driving. In most situations, the RX 350 remains utterly refined, luxurious and sensibly practical, but viscerally uninspiring. It's the same no-drama formula that has always worked so well for Lexus, now even more so.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

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