Review
Introduction
Conceived as competition for the Mercedes M-class SUV, it’s no exaggeration to say that the five-passenger Lexus RX has been a hit since its introduction for the 1999 model year. Lexus has increased both luxury and power over the years and in 2004 added a hybrid version. One of the first vehicles to be hybridized, the RX was also among the early leaders in the crossover-SUV trend, with its foundations originating from front-wheel-drive passenger-car hardware. The advantages are in handling response and fuel economy, but neither model has much appetite for rugged off-road use and offers only limited towing capabilities, in this case 3500 pounds. Although acceleration is similar for both versions, the hybrid RX400h is more of a fuel miser, particularly in urban driving. The EPA projects the hybrid’s fuel economy at 27 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for front-drive editions and 26/24 with all-wheel drive. The conventional RX350, with its 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, is rated at 18/23 mpg with front drive and 17/22 mpg with AWD.
Verdict
These are vehicles designed strictly for coddling their occupants through the urbs and burbs, and they perform this function very well indeed—they are quiet, cushy, beautifully appointed, and reasonably fuel thrifty by the standards for this class. If driving excitement is more your thing, though, take a look at an Acura MDX.
Click here to read our full review of the Lexus RX350.
Click here to read our full review of the Lexus RX400h.
What’s New for 2008
Aside from small trim details, new color choices, and modest price increases—about $100 across the board—the RX prescriptions for 2008 are essentially unchanged.
