Her + His Car Reviews
2019 Lexus RX 350L AWD
Our car reviews are innovative and interesting as we provide insightful and expert reviews from both Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $60,858 | Base prices run from $48,020 to $54,435 |
| Performance | |
| The ride on this RX 350L AWD by Lexus is superior. We found it to be smooth, extraordinarily responsive and an A-grade for its category. No sluggishness at all, as this SUV is powered by a 3.5 liter 290 horsepower V6 engine that can sail, even on our mountainous roads. Plenty of get-up-and-go for acceleration and passing. | The 2019 Lexus RX 350L is a midsize luxury crossover which is equipped with a 3.5 liter, 290 horsepower V6 engine backed by an eight speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is standard, and you can order all-wheel drive instead as an extra cost option.
Performance wise, I would say that the RX 350L is pretty much mid-range--it is neither the slowest nor the fastest model in its segment. But it does accelerate nicely and comfortably when needed. Just don't expect it to be a race car. Brakes are powerful and steering is effortless, with a bit more stiffness than you might think you would get in a Lexus. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 18 city miles, 28 highway miles and 22 combined miles | 18/25 for AWD models and 19/26 for FWD versions. |
| The Car | |
| The 2019 RX 350L has a design and look all its own. With the market heavy-handed with lots of players, Lexus has done a stellar job of setting themselves apart with their X-shaped grill. This SUV has lots of tech and safety features that one would expect on an advanced model in the mid-luxury range. We see this one as truly a best buy and one of Lexus top models.
The ride is quiet and luxurious for driver as well as (all) passengers. Improved legroom for passengers, especially those in the 2nd row. Note the third row seating is tight for anyone of any size. The 20" alloy wheels keep everyone riding steady. |
I think of the Lexus RX 350 as THE luxury crossover that pioneered this segment of the market years ago. Over the years, Lexus has been refining the model to a T with futuristic, elegant styling that somehow seems timeless and ahead of the segment. It also is at the top of its game as a provider of the latest in technology, safety features, and quite honestly, ambiance. But while the interior is lavish, well-thought out, and spacious, it is getting close to the time when it needs to be updated, especially with new competitors coming out left and right. The RX 350 L, which was our test model, just came out about a year ago with a third row seat, which finally gives the brand a foot in the three seat Luxury SUV market. |
| Safety | |
| 10 Airbags, Driver and Front Passenger Driver Knee Airbags, Passenger Cushion Airbags, Side Airbags, Rear Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Lexus Safety System with Pre-Collision Pedestrian Detection, Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Keep Assist. Rain-Sensing Wipers. Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
Auto On-Off LED Headlamps/Integrated Fog Lamps. Tail Lamps, Daytime Running Lights, Clearance Lamps and Illuminated Door Handles. Vehicle Theft Deterrent System with Engine Immobilizer. Lexus Enform Safety Connect & Service Connect Complimentary for the first 10 Years of Ownership. One-Year Subscription to Lexus Enform Remote allows Drivers to Start Engine, Unlock Doors, Check Fuel and Monitor Temperature. Backup Camera. Blind Spot Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking, Auto-Dim Power Fold Mirror and Panoramic View Monitor. Cold Weather Package with Windshield Di-Icer and Headlamp Cleaner. Heated Ventilated Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats. Triple Beam LED Auto Leveling Headlamps with Washers, LED Front Turn Signal Lamps and Rear Combination Lamps. |
Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, Lexus' Safety Connect emergency communications, a suite of drive safety aids (the Safety System+ package, including lane departure warning and intervention, and forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic emergency braking). |
| Technology | |
| Lots of great technology features on this model. Its jam packed. 9-Speaker Lexus Multimedia System HD Radio, 2 USB Ports, Scout GPS Link Turn Stream Compatible. Sirius Satellite Radio 3-Month Trial. Climate Control - Tri-Zone with Rear Control Panel. 10-Way Power Leather-trimmed Front Seats. Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column for Customized Fitting. Power-Folding auto-dim outside mirrors. Reclining Sliding 40/20/40 Split Rear Seat. Power Folding third-row seats. Power back door. Aluminum Roof Rails. Rear View Mirror, Auto Dimming, Home Link Garage Door Opener. The touchscreen has Apple Car Play and Android Auto this year. The mouse control is still distracting - it's better than in years before but takes effort for the driver to engage. It's time to punt with this. 4.2" Multi-Infotainment Display with Personalized Lexus Settings, Trip Computer and Outside Temperature Display. 12.3 Navigation System. Mark Levinson 15" Speaker Premium Audio package, Lexus Enform, Destination Assist with 1 year Trial Subscription included. Wood and Leather Heated Steering Wheel. All-Weather Floor Liners with Cargo Mats. Heated and Ventiallated Seats, and Lumbar for extra Comfort on the long hauling trips. |
Your Lexus RX 350 L comes standard with the following equipment: LED headlights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable front seats, a 40/20/40-split second-row seat, and a power-folding and 50/50-split third-row seat, and Bluetooth. Want a bit more?
The Premium package adds a sunroof and wood trim. You can also order something called The Luxury package, which adds the Premium package, along with 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, rear door sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery, and four-way lumbar adjustment and thigh extension for the front seats. There also is a Navigation package of options that includes an integrated nav system, the Remote Touch tech interface, a larger 12.3-inch display, the Lexus Enform App Suite and a 12-speaker sound system. The Navigation package is also available with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Other options include a Cold Weather package, second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automated braking, a 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded LED headlights (with 18 individual LED accent lights) and a color head-up display. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| From an aesthetics standpoint, this is the fourth generation of the RX. The RX 350 remains a standout with the X grill front end-design. This year's model got a revamping to the front and rear styling. Clean, roomy interior with attractive two-tone. The highest quality finishes and materials are used for a great feel and wonderful hand to the user.
The RX moves with a quiet interior while poised for driving with power under the same roof. Tinted rear windows and rear spoiler give it a sportier glance. Ease-in getting to third seats; but know it is crammed back there. Plenty of places for hot or cool beverages. In this SUV category, there is less cargo space in the 350 than in the competitors. |
The dramatic, knife edge sharp character lines, and steeply forward looking roof line, along with various styling elements that look like Origami really make the Lexus RX 350 L stand out from other brands. I think there needs to be more differentiation between all of Lexus' long list of models. The 350L looks as though the interior could belong to any number of other Lexus models produced during the past decade. Room is quite cramped in the third row seat and I would recommend it to only be used for children. |
| Warranty | |
| 4 Year/50,000 Mile Bumper-to-Bumper, 6 Year/70,000 Mile Powertrain.Lexus Enform Safety Connect & Service Connect Complimentary for the first 10 Years of Ownership | 48 month, 50,000 miles whichever comes first for bumper to bumper warranty, 72 months, 70,000 miles whichever comes first for powertrain, and 8 year/100,000 miles for hybrid models. |
