2015 Lexus Rx 350 Kelly Blue Book Reviews
Likes
- Overall quality
- Overall refinement
- Quiet ride
- Powerful Five-half dozen
- Luxury amenities
Dislikes
- Not the class leader in handling
- Requires premium fuel
Buying tip
features & specs
AWD 4-Door
FWD four-Door
AWD four-Door Hybrid
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 has a well-earned reputation for luxury, but fun is off the menu.
TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Lexus RX 350 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Lexus RX 350. These experiences enable this team to offer you a definitive opinion on this luxurious mid-size SUV. This review also compares the 2008 Lexus RX 350 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice fifty-fifty when other reviews nowadays conflicting opinions.
A decade ago, the world had precious few SUVs and almost no crossovers, so the concept was completely fresh. With the RX series, Lexus pioneered the crossover-style SUV, based on a unit-torso car platform rather than a heavy-duty truck frame. Crossover utility vehicles offer a improve ride, also as improved handling and fuel economy than truck-based SUVs, but they still evangelize many of the features buyers want in an SUV: more cargo space than a car, a better view over traffic, and a sense of security that accompanies an elevated driving position.
The Lexus RX was an immediate hit. Since and then, this mid-size crossover SUV has been totally redesigned once (in 2003 as the RX 330) and was final revised in 2007. Then information technology received the larger engine it withal uses today and got its proper name changed to the Lexus RX 350. It remains the all-time-selling Lexus model and outpaces in-grade competitors at a rate of most three to i.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 crossover vehicle will sport the aforementioned cost it did as a 2007 model, regardless of whether you specify a front-bike driver or all-wheel drive. Lexus confirms all optional equipment prices will remain unchanged as well. For 2008, the RX gets some minor updates, including a new grille design and new chrome door handles. It'due south a careful design exterior, with a little more luxuriant flair inside--and it's a little hard to tell the difference from the previous generation, a good-looking car in its own right.
Review continues below
The standard engine in the RX 350 is a 270-horsepower 3.v-liter Five-six teamed with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Curiously, this same engine and manual are used in the 2008 Toyota Highlander, simply in that installation, it does non crave premium fuel. The RX 350 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.three seconds for the forepart-bulldoze model and 7.four seconds for the all-cycle-bulldoze model. Fuel economy checks in at 18/23 mpg for the FWD model, 17/22 mpg for the AWD version.
The RX doesn't offer the big towing chapters or off-route capability of a true truck, only an all-wheel-drive RX 350 handles gravel and snow with ease, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the optional trailer packet. Treatment is perfectly predictable, and a fiddling unengaging, compared to the likes of the Nissan Murano. Stability control is standard, as are a commuter's knee airbag and front-seat-mounted side-bear upon airbags.
Major optional equipment for the 2008 Lexus RX 350 includes a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells--and a broad-opening, multipanel moonroof. The Lexus RX also offers an available factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a new-blueprint ix-inch screen. Its optional navigation system comes with Bluetooth wireless technology.
Dynamically, the Acura MDX is a ameliorate-handling vehicle, and all of the other competitors listed offering available Five-8 engine options that evangelize much more power. Some competitors volition carry diesel fuel engines in 2009 models. If yous need additional seats for kids, the Cadillac, BMW, and Audi all come with modest 3rd-row seats.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 hits a sweet spot of luxury and utility with its interior and exterior styling.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 was one of the starting time luxury crossovers to hit the market. In 2007 information technology was redesigned, and reviewers from around the Web—including those here at TheCarConnection.com—are pleased by its rakish lines and sophisticated accept on utility.
Kelley Blue Book notes that the Lexus RX 350 avoids "harder angles and squared-off edges favored past traditional SUVs" in favor of "matching rounded body contours with well-defined accent lines." Cars.com says "the RX 350 harkens dorsum to an earlier Lexus — not quite cutting edge, but still elegant to my eyes." Car and Driver says it'southward "easy on the eyes," and Edmunds calls it "smoothen and sophisticated." Automotive.com feels "it's stylish and at dwelling in the valet line at a fancy restaurant," while its "bulky front bumper and pronounced fender flares are designed to suggest the rugged, off-pavement expected in an SUV."
This Lexus' interior is as swank as its exterior. Edmunds says "you'd never guess this is an entry-level luxury SUV," and reports that "real wood and leather trim on the console, door panels and steering bike come standard and make for a rich ambience." Automotive.com notes "the instrument cluster in the Lexus RX 350 features three big, circular gauges trimmed in silverish, with legible script and about-perfect backlighting," and mentions "a new interior wood trim option...the Lexus RX 350 has splashes of walnut on the doors and center panel and on its steering wheel." According to Truck Tendency, "inside, the Lexus RX 350 2008 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird's-Eye Maple, on units with a lite gray interior." Kelley Blueish Volume adds "cloth upholstery, signature Optitron electroluminescent gauges and existent wood trim are complemented past a major assortment of comfort and convenience touches." Car and Driver sums it up: "This is 'sport' as in something off the Ralph Lauren rack."
Review continues below
A versatile all-purpose vehicle, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 performs best as a plush everyday hauler.
Automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com find few complaints about the 2008 Lexus RX 350 in terms of ability and operation.
Automotive.com reports that the Lexus RX 350 is "powered by a iii.five-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower...[which] takes the RX across snappy to a feeling of real ability without sacrificing the trademark smoothness...[it] is so powerful that information technology responds aggressively, even abruptly, to anything more than a bit of gas [and] takes a bit of practice to adjust to the throttle response." According to Kelley Blue Book, it simply gets better from there: "smoothen and free-revving, it makes a very enthusiastic 251 pound-feet of torque." Edmunds says, "Operation is swift and silent." Truck Tendency notes that the V-6 "harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize operation, fuel economic system and low emissions...enabling the Lexus RX 350 to sprint from zilch to 60 mph in just 7.iii seconds for the FWD model and vii.iv seconds for the AWD model."
The Lexus RX 350 2008 manual is equally impressive: Automotive.com reports
"the five-speed automatic makes practiced use of the power from the RX 350's engine...it quickly kicks down a gear or ii when the driver dips the accelerator, and holds that gear all the style to the redline when the pedal is floored, earlier shifting up smoothly and smartly." Kelley Bluish Book tells the states that "included in the Lexus RX 350 2008 Performance Package is sequential shifting."
The RX doesn't offering the big towing chapters or off-road capability of a true truck, but an all-cycle-drive RX 350 handles gravel and snow with ease, and it can tow up to three,500 pounds with the optional trailer package.
One would not await a vehicle such as the 2008 Lexus RX 350 to take stellar fuel economy, but this one does reasonably well for itself, according to Edmunds: "fuel economy estimates are down this year due to revised EPA testing procedures, but the RX is still efficient for such a powerful SUV...ratings are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the FWD model and 17/22 for the AWD version."
The Lexus RX 350'south handling is perfectly predictable, but a little unengaging compared to the likes of the Nissan Murano. Automotive.com reports that "it'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to bulldoze and easier than about SUVs to park, with calorie-free steering and responsive brakes...RX 350 is smooth in simply about any situation, [and] travels over rough, broken, pavement without jostling whoever is inside, but it does not float." Cars.com is in understanding on this signal: "it handles deep blitz hr with calorie-free and lively controls and feels nimble." Edmunds suggests "the pause is tuned more for a costly ride than sporty handling," advising that "those seeking a firmer dynamic should consider the 2008 Lexus RX 350 Operation Packet." All the same, it is a maneuverable vehicle: "a relatively compact 37.4-feet turning circumvolve makes the RX 350 adequately easy to maneuver in tighter confines, while the bachelor four-position air intermission can raise itself to clear obstacles, lower itself for cruising and even dip for easier entry and leave," contends Kelley Bluish Book.
Review continues below
There's little in the expanse of comfort and quality that eludes the 2008 Lexus RX 350.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 may not exist at the very top of its form in terms of comfort and quietness, just it comes close. This is the conclusion of nearly of the reviews we've seen here at TheCarConnection.com.
Auto and Driver says "the Lexus RX 350 2008 supplies 5 adults an immaculate interior, prolific luxury appointments...a very comfy middle ground for many." According to Automotive.com, "The Lexus RX 350 feels spacious when you settle in...luxurious and inviting...optional leather upholstery is luxuriously soft and slightly bunched...the seat bottoms are relatively flat, making it easy to slide in and out." As if this were non enough, Edmunds reports "the 2nd-row seat reclines, slides fore and aft and is split 40/20/40 to optimize both passenger comfort." Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2008 RX 350 "pairs supportive 10-way ability seats with a 40/xx/forty rear bench that splits, folds, slides, reclines, and will comfortably handle 2 total-size adults or a trio of kids." No third-row seat is available, however.
Automotive.com reports "84.7 cubic feet of cargo infinite available in the [Lexus] RX 350. According to Edmunds, "backside that [rear] seat at that place are 38.3 cubic anxiety of baggage infinite; flip the seat down and cargo capacity increases to 85 cubes...highly refined it its performance, the standard ability liftgate makes life easier when the Lexus RX 350 2008 is used as a fauna of burden."
Automotive.com finds "the switches and controls to be among the best." Kelley Blue Volume says the Lexus RX 350 cabin "has a quality appearance with an impressive level of fit and finish." ConsumerGuide states simply, "RX models feature exemplary motel materials and workmanship." Edmunds praises its "rich ambiance."
Finally, Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2008 Lexus RX 350 "cabin is well isolated from wind and route noise."
Review continues below
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 scores highly in crash tests, and information technology has ample safety features and some interesting options.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 emerges from federal and individual crash tests with great scores.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Assistants (NHTSA) gives the Lexus RX 350 v out of 5 stars for forepart impact protection and four out of five for side impact. The even more demanding Insurance Constitute for Highway Prophylactic (IIHS) awards the RX 350 2008 its meridian rating of "good."
Automotive.com notes the Lexus RX 350 2008 is "equipped with the latest in passive rubber features, including seven airbags...safety features that come standard include the mandated front airbags, plus a smaller airbag to protect the driver'southward knees, [while] front end passengers become side-impact airbags for trunk protection... curtain-style head protection airbags span both rows and deploy to offer caput protection if the vehicle senses the possibility of a rollover."
In addition, "advanced ABS, traction control and electronic stability control come standard" in the Lexus RX 350 2008.
Safe options, according to Edmunds, include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers.
ConsumerGuide says the "bulky rear-roof pillars and narrowish tailgate window impede vision backward" in all Lexus RX models. TheCarConnection.com could find no other complaints about visibility in the Lexus RX 350.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 offers the luxury features buyers await from a Lexus—and one of the best audio systems on the market.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 base of operations model is fitted with an array of standard features, but many options are bundled into expensive packages.
According to Automotive.com, "cloth upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 132-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo with eight-speakers and an in-dash, six-CD changer, prowl control, privacy glass, automated headlamps, x-way power adjustment for both front seats, and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob" are all standard equipment. Edmunds adds, "The Lexus RX 350's level of standard equipment is impressive and includes a power rear liftgate, motorcar-dimming mirrors all effectually, wood interior trim, steering-bicycle-mounted sound controls, four one-touch power windows and second-row seats that slide and recline."
Options come up in packages. According to Automotive.com, "the Premium Package includes leather upholstery, ability tilt/telescope steering wheel, a roof rack, ability moonroof and entry lights that illuminate the footing below the doors," while "the Premium Plus Bundle...adds high-intensity discharge headlamps that turn in the management of travel...the Lexus RX 350 2008 Performance Package includes 8-inch graphite-colored aluminum alloy wheels with wider tires, top-adjustable air suspension, sequential-shifting manual, and rain-sensing wipers." This source adds that "heated front seats can exist ordered every bit a stand-alone option" for every Lexus RX 350.
Edmunds reports "available Lexus RX 350 2008 features such as a rearview photographic camera, adaptive headlights (which swivel slightly in the direction you are turning) and a vocalisation-activated navigation system hateful that this midsize luxury sport-ute gives up nothing to the more expensive prestige-brand SUVs when information technology comes to engineering science."
They also note "a stunning Mark Levinson sound system and a rear-seat DVD amusement system with wireless headphones" are offered, "but
the Mark Levinson system is only available as function of a pricey bundle."
Review continues below
Proceed Reading
The Machine Connexion Consumer Review
June 21, 2015
2008 Lexus RX AWD 4-Door
if i had to buy some other on i would
people constitute this helpful.
Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/lexus_rx_2008
0 Response to "2015 Lexus Rx 350 Kelly Blue Book Reviews"
Postar um comentário