With the RX series, Lexus pioneered the crossover utility vehicle (CUV), based on a unit-body car platform rather than a heavy-duty truck frame. Crossover utility vehicles offer better ride and handling and better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs. They are today’s version of the classic station wagon, only improved with more cargo space than a car, a better view over traffic and a sense of security that comes with the command driving position.
The Lexus RX was one of the first sedan-based, luxury utility vehicles, and the RX 350 remains one of the best. This crossover is impressively smooth, comfortable, responsive in all driving situations and flexible when it comes to hauling people or cargo. The Lexus RX is based on a modified version of the same platform used by the Lexus ES 350 sedans. The 2009 Lexus RX 350 continues to present a distinctive look. Sleek, raked, body-colored pillars support a sweeping roof (further defined by side rails) with blacked out window frames that blend into the oval shape of the side windows. The RX 350 is one of those cars that looks fast standing still.
The RX 350 uses a powerful 270 hp 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission to achieve both performance and fuel efficiency. The aluminum V6 features the latest control technology including Lexus' Variable Valve Timing with intelligence system (VVT-i), which balances high-rev horsepower and good torque at all engine speeds with low emissions. The RX 350 is available with a choice of front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter V6 gives the RX responsive power with deep reserves, yet it is never rough or intrusive.
The five-speed automatic makes good use of the power from the RX 350's engine. It quickly kicks down a gear or two when passing power is called for. It will hold a gear all the way to the redline before shifting up smoothly and smartly. The five gears are nicely selected to keep the engine in its power band. A low first gear offers quicker response off the line, useful when you need to merge into traffic from a standing start. Fifth gear acts as an overdrive, providing lower engine speeds when cruising with less engine noise and better gas mileage. The RX 350 does the zero-to-60 mph run in 7.3 seconds with front-wheel drive and 7.4 seconds with all-wheel drive.
Smooth is the only word for the Lexus RX 350 when underway. It cruises with serenity and handles rough pavement with aplomb. With its fully independent suspension and progressive damping, the ride is firm, yet soft. The steering is light and accurate, and the RX is quite confident when cornering without excessive lean or drift. It's easy to drive and easier than most crossover vehicles to park.
Standard safety equipment on the RX350 includes electronic stability and traction control, and advanced antilock brakes. Airbag coverage includes the mandated front units plus a knee bag for the driver. Front passengers get side-impact airbags for torso protection while the curtain-style head protection airbags span both rows and deploy to offer head protection if the vehicle senses the possibility of a rollover.
While the driving position of the RX 350 is elevated in the SUV style, getting in requires no special skills. The front seats are positioned off the floor at a comfortable chair height and are snug and supportive. The seat bottoms are relatively flat making it easy to slide in and out. Folding armrests on both front seats offer more comfort on longer trips. The center console slides forward and back, allowing room for a purse or whatever else you might stow between the front seats. Inside the Lexus RX 350, you settle into a luxurious and roomy cabin. The optional leather upholstery is very soft and slightly bunched. It’s your choice of walnut or bird’s eye maple for trim on the doors, center console and steering wheel. The RX bucks the SUV trend by offering no third-row seat. Lexus says buyers wanting more passenger space should look at its larger SUVs, the GX 470 and LX 470. Folding all the rear seatbacks opens 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the RX. The cargo cover automatically retracts when the rear hatch is opened, which is handy when your arms are full and you don't want to put things down on the wet pavement.
The instrument cluster in the RX 350 features three large, round gauges trimmed in silver with legible script and near-perfect backlighting. The switches and controls in the RX (and in Lexus cars generally) are among the best. They're well placed, properly sized and soft to the touch, yet firm and positive in movement. The shift lever for the automatic transmission is located in a pod in the center of the dash. This was new and cool when the RX series first appeared and was immediately copied by other carmakers.
The 2009 RX 350’s MSRP is around $40,000. Standard features include cloth upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 132-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo with eight-speakers and an in-dash, six-CD changer, cruise control, privacy glass, automatic headlamps, 10-way power adjustment for both front seats, 17-inch aluminum wheels and leather trim for the steering wheel and shiftknob. Options for the RX 350 include a Premium Package with leather upholstery, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, a roofrack, a power moonroof and entry lights that illuminate the ground below the doors. The Premium Plus Package includes the features from the Premium Package and adds high-intensity discharge headlamps that turn in the direction of travel.
The navigation system with Bluetooth and voice command capability includes a rearview camera that projects an image of what's behind whenever reverse is engaged. The nav system is one of the best available. The navigation system with Mark Levinson audio on the RX 350 starts with the Premium Plus Package and adds 210 watts, more speakers with a subwoofer and high-tech digital sound processing. The standard audio system sounds great with 132 watts of output, eight speakers and a CD changer, and the Levinson setup is truly awesome.
You run out of superlatives when describing the 2009 RX 350, so we highly recommend seeing this impressive vehicle for yourself. Give us a call to arrange a demo and drive.
