Test Drive: 2012 Lexus RX 350

2012 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

More Lexus RX reviews at Autos.ca Manufacturer’s web site Lexus Canada

Review and photos by Paul Williams

Photo Gallery:
2012 Lexus RX 350

The Lexus company is fond of claiming that it invented the luxury crossover segment, and the fact is, they have a point. The RX model debuted in 1998 and caused something of a sensation at that time. The idea that you could make a “truck” — or an “SUV” as they came to be called for the next decade or so — a luxury oriented, somewhat softly sprung family vehicle was either a master stroke or a really dumb idea.

Turns out RXs sold very well indeed and opened the floodgates for similar vehicles thereafter. Over the years the RX has grown from compact to mid-size, and is still the only Lexus product built outside of Japan (in Cambridge, Ontario, to be precise). Now, the luxury crossover is an established segment, and this model is a Canadian success story.

The 2012 RX 350 starts at $44,950 (plus a hefty $1,950 freight and pre-delivery charge), but is reasonably equipped at that price. Standard features include seating for five occupants, 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone climate control with dust, pollen, and deodorizing air filter, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, moonroof, roof mounted spoiler, and eight-way power front seats.

2012 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

Note that the standard upholstery in the base vehicle is fabric; you’ll have to pay an extra $5,000 for leather, which is part of the Premium Package. Other packages are similarly pricey, ranging up to $17,900 for the Ultra Premium Package 2.

Our tester arrived with the Ultra Premium Package 1 ($14,500), taking its price to $61,535, including freight and minor taxes and fees (plus sales taxes, in other words). This package pretty much loads the RX 350, and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio, premium leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, leather and wood trim, adaptive front lighting, and power retractable auto-dimming side mirrors. There’s more, but these are highlights. Missing from this package are the optional head-up display, pre-collision system, and dynamic cruise control.

Power comes from a 3.5L V6 engine making 275 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. All-wheel drive with active torque control is standard, as is a manual locking centre differential. The RX 350 is capable of towing 1,587 kg (3,500 lb), and has comparatively good fuel consumption number of 11.8/8.3/10.2 L/100 km, city/highway/combined. Its 72.5 L tank gives the RX 350 a realistic highway range of over 600 kilometres.

The fit and finish in this vehicle is exquisite, and the cabin is whisper quiet at all speeds. The multi-adjustable seats and steering column should enable nearly all drivers to find a comfortable position. Headroom is very good; there is even a power thigh support control for the front seats.

Cockpit controls are managed by the Lexus “Remote Touch” system, which is a stubby, joystick-like control in the centre console connected to the large, bright display at the top of the centre stack. Remote Touch uses haptic technology (tactile feedback) to help the driver make selections from the display (navigation, communications, climate, vehicle status, trip computer), and works much like an enhanced computer mouse. Supplementary knobs and buttons are present for common-use items, activities like tuning the radio or adjusting the climate control. Redundant controls are also available on the steering wheel, behind which the large major gauges are bright and easy to read.

2012 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

A good argument can be made that all these buttons, knobs, features, and displays are a driver distraction, but such “infotainment” equipment is de rigueur in luxury vehicles these days, and the Remote Touch system does a decent job of simplifying its operation.

Outward visibility is good and is augmented by the rear camera and optional Wide View Side Monitor System that assists when parking by displaying an overhead view to the right of the RX 350 at slow speeds. You’ll protect those nice 19-inch wheels with this.

On the road, the RX 350 impresses with its ride. Quiet, smooth, and almost sedan-like, this vehicle is perfectly suited for relaxed long-distance cruising. In town, it effectively cocoons occupants from the hustle of the urban commute. Handling is biased toward comfort as opposed to performance, although that being said, I didn’t find the suspension particularly soft.

Exterior design continues the theme of aerodynamic, soft lines that have identified this vehicle since its introduction. The rounded corners and mid-range ground clearance of 185 mm contribute to the low coefficient of drag and therefore to the good fuel economy (my experience was 10.4 L/100 km, combined). The exterior features also give the RX 350 the look of a large, tall wagon, commonplace for vehicles of this type, now. However, the Lexus still manages to retain its signature look.

An interesting (at first startling) feature, and part of the Ultra Premium package is the adaptive front lighting system. We had occasion to drive on some narrow, twisting country roads at night, where it was pitch black and still snowy. Based on your speed and the angle of the front wheels, the adaptive headlight system estimates where you will be in three seconds time, and swivels the headlights depending on which way you are turning. This effectively allows you to “see around corners” and, surprisingly, it works very well.

The 2012 Lexus RX 350 doesn’t disappoint with its powerful and quiet V6 engine, smooth-shifting automatic transmission, compliant ride, and luxury appointments. It’s not the sportiest vehicle of its type, but its power is sufficient and handling is composed and sure-footed. Buyers may want to know that the 2013 model receives a refresh that includes the new Lexus “spindle” grille. Depending on your preference, you may wish to buy now, possibly taking advantage of year-end deals, or wait for the new-look 2013 version.