2011 Lexus RX 350

The 2011 Lexus RX 350 is available in two trims. It comes in front wheel drive or an all wheel drive. The RX 350 also has a hybrid variant called that RX 450h. The hybrid has better fuel consumption but also is priced higher. It would take some time then to offset the price through the fuel savings. For this year, the only change noticeable in the RX is the standard break override system. The rest of the features are similar to that of the 2010 model.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $39,075.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.2 gallons (72.5 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 18 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 187.8 in. (477 cm) Width: 74.2 in. (188 cm)
Height: 67.7 in. (172 cm) Wheel Base: 107.9 in. (274 cm)
Curb Weight: 4178 lbs (1895 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.3 in. (18.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 40 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 Displacement: 3.5-liter
Horsepower: 275 HP Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 257 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (ECT-i)
0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds Maximum Speed: 112 mph (180 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:RX 350 AWD MSRP: $40,475; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy

Performance

The RX 350 front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive are powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine. The valve train on both is aided by a 4-cam, four-valve per cylinder with dual variable valve timing with intelligence, with an acronym VVT-i. VVT-I maximizes the use of intake and exhaust through a range of engine speeds, this flexible feature in engine technology increases the torque at lower speeds, while also increasing the horsepower at high speeds. This feature undoubtedly improves engine performance and fuel economy.

Interior & Exterior

The RX’s interior is available in three colors. Navigation is made simple by the Heads-Up Display, which also makes all the information you need available easy to read. Front seats are heated and ventilated which makes for comfortable driving.

As in most Lexus vehicles, you can choose from nine colors for the exterior. Among the standard features available include : adaptive front lighting, back-up camera, and water-repellent windows making for better visibility when its raining, these are just to name a few.

Safety

The Lexus RX350 also boasts of the 10-airbag system, a leader in its class. The body is reinforced structurally in addition crumple zones in both rear and front of the vehicle. The ABS braking system aids the driver avoid accidents.

Overview

The Lexus R350 remains one of a kind SUV for a combination of comfortable and luxurious insides with excellent performance as well as fuel economy. Many reviews would agree that the RX 350 is among the best of its class of SUVs offered today in the market. Although it is not meant for off-road driving, many reviewers would comment that truly the Lexus RX excels when it comes to elegant design and comfortable luxury.

There are also complaints about the RX but they are relatively few. Some complain about a noisy cabin. Others would also say that the ride lacks the sportiness of a midsize SUV. There are other option packages for the Lexus RX which could set back the buyer for thousands. However, the RX also has a relatively low initial price compared to most vehicles in its class. Thus, considering the added options or features, it may still cost less. Many reviewers though concede that the RX is a difficult vehicle to beat. This SUV has even been given an as the best in its category and price range.

The Competition

The 2011 Lexus RX 350 could be difficult to beat for the features it has in its class but this does not stop other automakers for trying. One favorite is the Acura MDX. It is said to even be sportier and thus more fun compared to the Lexus RX350. The Acura MDX has all wheel drive as a standard plus it could seat up to 7 people. However, pricewise, the starting price of the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy) is $4,000 more than that of the RX. The fuel efficiency of the RX is also much better compared to the MDX. It is when an all-wheel drive is equipped that the price differential goes down significantly.

Because the RX is not the biggest midsize SUV and has set a price that is relatively low in its class, the car buyer ought to compare it against other luxury compact SUVs. For instance, the Audi Q5 (MSRP $35,200; 20 city / 27 hwy) has interiors that are at par in luxury as the RX although its back seat is comparably smaller. The Lexus RX and the Audi Q5 start at approximately similar price tag and has the same fuel economy.

Pros

  • Easy to drive
  • It has refined cabin features
  • Has a host of high-tech features that are user-friendly
  • The 2010 RX earned excellent scores in government and insurance industry crash tests
  • It is also covered by basic warranty for 50,000 miles (which is equivalent to four years)

Cons

  • Lacks sportiness
  • Thousands of dollars needed to get the optional features
  • The only new feature in the 2011 version versus the 2010 version is the standard break override system. Thus, it is difficult to tell what exactly is new.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“Much of the appeal of the 2011 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h rests in the way they provide comfort and security to driver and passengers while sealing out the world.”Car Connection

“Agile handling is not the RX’s forte, but both RX 350 and 450h are competent enough on twisty roads.”Consumer Guide

“The 2011 Lexus RX 350 leads when it comes to providing a plush ride, a luxurious cabin and everyday utility. For most buyers, those attributes should be enough to overcome its rather lifeless driving dynamics.”Edmunds

“The RX is one of the well-rounded upscale SUVs. It balances a refined powertrain and comfortable ride with well-planned details and a very quiet interior.”MSN-Consumer Reports

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