Topic: CD Article: 2007 Lexus RX 350

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
First Drive:

New for 2007, the Lexus RX 350 builds on the RX 330, with a larger engine, quieter ride and better fuel economy. Managing Editor Grant Yoxon drives one under the worst possible winter conditions, and reports on a luxurious vehicle that's "sure-footed" and has "as much safety gear as possible."   More...

[Prius]

That's a pricey moonroof.

Whatever happened to the multi-panel moonroof? Not enough takers?

Also, I do wish Lexus Canada would offer more packages like the IS. Makes buying a little easier since we don't have stand-alone options like the states. Also, please make the navigation system a stand-alone factory option. Not all of us who want the ML Audio or the backup camera want the nav system.

[robarakira]

That's a pricey moonroof.

Whatever happened to the multi-panel moonroof? Not enough takers?

Maybe it was the rear seat entertainment system that conflicted.

I really like the RX series except for 3 issues.

1)  BRAKE PEDAL HAS LOW SENSITIVITY AND HIGH TRAVEL

2)  HID HEADLIGHTS NOT BRIGHT/AIMED HIGH ENOUGH FOR NIGHT

3)  EXPENSIVE WITH OPTIONS

[Prius]

well the rear seat entertainment system is bundled with nav and ML audio at $64k so either way, you had to get the loaded model if you wanted an RSES

[wing]

Love the picture

This is what the Accord Coupe I had looked like before leaving Friday morning for the show, I had to get in the passenger side which was a little less icy than the driver.  And for your smart alecs no it didn't look like an RX350, I'm refering to the ice

[Gardiner Westbound]

Unless rushing life-saving supplies to an isolated hospital, why would a sane person risk life, limb and fenders driving in weather that bad? Even the author says, "In conditions like that, caution is not enough. The best decision you can make is to just stay home." Good tires, 4WD and careful driving may keep your car on the road, but what about the 18-wheeler that just jackknifed beside you?

There is no talk of the transmission hesitation problem most Avalon and Camry road testers with a similar engine and transmission combination have mentioned.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2006-02-24-camry_x.htm

[Howswedeitis]

I have a friend who just traded in his 2004 RX330 because it was pretty much a lemon...
he had issues with the sunroof whereby the whole headliner and interior had to be stripped to fix the damn thing (the dealer admitted this is a common 2004/05 problem) the battery "mysteriously" died on three occasions and he had to bring the truck back to the dealer four times to reset the 'check engine' light which ended up being a defective ECU. Suffice to say although the dealer was good he was fed up...they tried to sell him the RX350 but he'd have no part of it. He purchased a 2006 Volvo XC90 with the standard T5 motor.
So far he's very pleased and says the performance is 'on par' with the Lexus with an important caveat...
the handling is better, the traction is too (Volvo's "instant traction" seems to be superior) and the seats are much more comfortable not to mention the whole package is cheaper too.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I would say you cannot beat the RX 350 in this segment, especially the base models for value (which diminishes quickly with the option packages). It's roomy enough, right sized and easy to park, powerful yet relatively efficient, high quality, good resale, very intelligently designed, priced well. I can nitpick, but that's about all I can do with it. This is the SUV I would recommend first if someone were shopping in the $50-60G bracket.

One question: Does the whole vehicle still move left to right when the wipers are on? That right side wiper's huge mechanism seemed to sway the vehicle far more than most vehicles.

[a4_tom]

A loaded RX350 is very expensive when an MDX with the same features costs nearly 8k less, plus Acura is a lot more fun-to-drive and controllable.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

A loaded RX350 is very expensive when an MDX with the same features costs nearly 8k less, plus Acura is a lot more fun-to-drive and controllable.

I find the MDX feels very stable and wide, but I liked the ease of which you can drive an RX. It's nimble size is more appealing to me.

[Bullet Blue]

Did they get rid of those cheesy tail lights yet? 

[Howswedeitis]

I can't see how the RX 350 is worth anything more than 50k even with
all the options. To my mind, the Volvo XC90 is better looking, more capable,
performs better and is cheaper...an easy choice for me if I was in the market
for one of these things.

[Bullet Blue]

Some say the XC90 is sluggish, even with the T6. I haven't driven one yet, but the new V8 in there adresses that problem.

[mdxtasy]

Here's my opinion, being one who seriously considered an RX330 and XC90 as well as the MDX and other competitors.

The RX330 is NOT a value vehicle.  It's expensive.  At $50K, you do not get a lot of features that are standard on the competitors.  Load it up like the competitor, and it's significantly more expensive.  Is the Lexus badge worth that extra chunk of change?  Granted, the RX is a great SUV, superb fit and finish, quiet, and very smooth.  The cargo space is not large, the intrusion of the wheel well/armrests results in a loss of usable space.  The sliding rear seat is a nice touch.  Lack of a sunroof for a $50K vehicle?  Laughable. 

The MDX, which we purchased, and at $50K, got me a lot more features.  Loaded, the MDX only had one option package, nav/dvd/rear camera....add that to the Lexus and see where the price is.  The MDX is not as smooth, but is larger, and just as comfortable.  The MDX's larger size doesn't make it as nimble but it soaks up bumps just as nicely as the RX (probably a bit better as the lower profile tires on the RX did not do as good a job with road imperfections), but the RX handles better in corners.  The MDX leans a bit more than the RX does.

[Howswedeitis]

Here's my opinion, being one who seriously considered an RX330 and XC90 as well as the MDX and other competitors.

The RX330 is NOT a value vehicle.  It's expensive.  At $50K, you do not get a lot of features that are standard on the competitors.  Load it up like the competitor, and it's significantly more expensive.  Is the Lexus badge worth that extra chunk of change?  Granted, the RX is a great SUV, superb fit and finish, quiet, and very smooth.  The cargo space is not large, the intrusion of the wheel well/armrests results in a loss of usable space.  The sliding rear seat is a nice touch.  Lack of a sunroof for a $50K vehicle?  Laughable. 

The MDX, which we purchased, and at $50K, got me a lot more features.  Loaded, the MDX only had one option package, nav/dvd/rear camera....add that to the Lexus and see where the price is.  The MDX is not as smooth, but is larger, and just as comfortable.  The MDX's larger size doesn't make it as nimble but it soaks up bumps just as nicely as the RX (probably a bit better as the lower profile tires on the RX did not do as good a job with road imperfections), but the RX handles better in corners.  The MDX leans a bit more than the RX does.

You're probably right the MDX is a better value than the RX...if you can get past the MDX
styling but hey that's always in the eye of the beholder!

[mdxtasy]

I actually like the MDX's overall styling.  The Volvo looks good.  Very classy design.  The RX is nice, except for the rear end. 

[Prius]

or get a Highlander Limited for $5k less at $45k

[UmroAyyar]

The extra dough gets you the Lexus badge and the pampering you can't get anywhere else. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

None of Lexus's vehicles has sold traditionally well in Canada except for RX. It sells like hotcakes, continuously outsells the competition (even with less dealers nationally), and always has. Here and in the US.

The reason I feel is that it is the best complete package (and also the one that most appeals to females), and the most right-sized and powered.

[Benhaze]

I can't see how the RX 350 is worth anything more than 50k even with
all the options. To my mind, the Volvo XC90 is better looking, more capable,
performs better and is cheaper...an easy choice for me if I was in the market
for one of these things.

Funny because it is exactly the opposite for me. Going from Lexus to Volvo for reliability reasons, well, your friend is probably up for a somewhat rude awakening, sometime down the road. And the base XC is overweight/underpowered. I also have never heard Volvos are pampering their customers like Lexus does. That's 3 strikes against the XC.

from Bullet Blue
Some say the XC90 is sluggish, even with the T6. I haven't driven one yet, but the new V8 in there adresses that problem.

The new V8 is nice, no doubt, but I just can't warm up to the idea of a $70K Volvo. Go Benz if you're going to spend that kind of money.