2011 Lexus RX 350
by Jim Prueter - 08/2011

Lexus's biggest seller is still pleasingly excellent

The RX crossover SUV is an important product for Lexus. Not only was the RX the earliest of luxury crossover vehicles, it’s been one of the most popular and the best selling Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S.

The RX has never been the best-looking, best performing, or roomiest SUV, but it has always sold well. Sales surpassed 100,000 in 2007 before dipping down to 84,000 last year, because of the rough economy and an anticipated redesign.

The untrained eye will struggle to find much difference. The RX is unmistakable in appearance, looking almost exactly like the 2009 RX. The modest differences? The front and rear fascias are a bit different, the nose isn’t as sharply pointed, and the wheels are larger.

The new RX is 2.2 inches wider in front track, 2.6 inches in back, and overall about 2 inches longer, which account for the biggest dimensional changes. What’s hard to explain is the gain of 470 pounds, packing weight onto an already portly vehicle that now weighs 4,340 pounds. Lexus tells us it has beefed up the RX 350’s structure to perform better in crashes, which could account for the extra heft.

More noticeable than the subtle exterior changes is a new interior completely unlike the previous RX. Dash panels have a sweeping, a futuristic look, and pleasing soft-touch textures. Keyless start is now standard.

Also new is the optional Remote Touch multifunction control system. Other manufacturers use a similar system like BMW’s iDrive, Audi’s Multi Media Interface, and Mercedes-Benz’s Command. Unlike those systems, Remote Touch is completely intuitive, and you won’t need to flip through the owner’s manual or take night classes at the community college to figure it out. Bravo Lexus.

To get Remote Touch you’ll also have to pay for the navigation system, which replaces the previous touch-screen interface. The controller — a small, square joystick-like knob — is on the center console and is operated by using your index finger as a pointer on the 8-inch screen. Programming the functions couldn’t be easier. One drawback is the amount of time spent looking at the screen while controlling the pointer, as making selections requires taking your eyes off the road. However, for safety, navigation functions are not operational while the vehicle is moving.

The front bucket seats are comfortable and well-cushioned. Cloth seats come standard, however we’ve been told it will be nearly impossible to find an RX that isn’t equipped with leather upholstery.

Most adults will find ample backseat legroom, and Lexus has moved the recline lever from the top of the seat to the bottom of the seat cushion. The RX doesn’t offer three-row seating like many of its competitors.

The RX is available in two models, the RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.

For 2011, changes are minor. A brake override system that reduces engine power if the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time is one new standard feature. Other than new colors, the only other changes are that the 12-volt outlet has been moved from inside the center console to outside it for easier access, and models with the optional navigation system no longer have a compass on the inside mirror.

We tested a well-equipped 2011 RX 350 and found it comparable to the pre-production RX driven last year.

We thought the new RX had less body roll during curves and cornering. There’s no thumping and no harsh road feedback — it’s very controlled and quiet. Struts replaces double wishbones in the rear suspension system, which, in addition to offering improved handling, causes less intrusion into the cargo area, giving more space. The new electric power steering is noticeably improved.

The RX 350 is powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 from last year’s RX and is rated at 275-horsepower, five more than 2009. There’s a new six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old five-speed automatic. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph of 7.4 seconds and that the RX will cover the quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds. We thought it had plenty of punch and performed exceptionally smoothly.

The hybrid RX is powered by a derivative of the 3.5-liter V-6, but it runs on the Atkinson cycle like the Toyota Prius rather than the Otto cycle of the old RX 400h. That makes it more efficient in both mileage and in exhaust gas recirculation recovery systems. Power for the hybrid is up significantly, from 268-horsepower to 295-horsepower.

Standard safety gear includes 10 airbags, including two knee airbags as well as seat-mounted side airbags for both front and back seat occupants. Head-protecting side curtain airbags span both rows, active head restraints, antilock brakes, and both electronic stability control and traction control also standard.

Optional safety gear includes a backup camera but you need to purchase the navigation system to get it if you want to view it on the 8-inch navigation screen. Otherwise it’s available as a stand-alone option that uses a small screen in the rearview mirror.

For the 2010 model RX 350 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the highest possible overall crash test rating, 5 stars. However, for 2011 the overall crash test rating has been lowered to 4 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded both the 2010 and 2011 model year RX 350 the highest possible rating of “Good.”

Overall we were more than pleased with the improvements to the new RX and enjoyed our time behind the wheel.