Lexus

Bring It On! 2010 Lexus RX 350, Part 1

March 18, 2009

The base RX 350 is well-equipped with dual zone climate control, nine-speaker audio system with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and steering wheel controls, eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats, power windows with auto up-down for all windows, eight-inch LCD display, wood trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and smart key system with push button start.

2010 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

Various option packages add features such as heated leather seats, power rear hatch, power moonroof, adaptive front lighting with Bi-Xenon HID headlamps and automatic high beams, premium audio, DVD navigation system, backup camera, auto-dimming side view mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels and tires and wood and leather steering wheel,

As well as VDIM, the ultra premium package includes intuitive parking assist, heads-up display, wide-view side monitor system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, dual screen rear seat entertainment system, roof rail crossbars, premium leather seat surfaces, front seat power thigh support and illuminated doorsill trim.

Our test vehicle, finished in Starfire Pearl with parchment premium leather interior is equipped with the ultra premium package. The wide-view side monitor – a camera mounted to the side mirror – shows how close you are to curbs and other objects when parking. It’s a nice feature to have. So too is the head-up display, which shows your speed and turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system. It helps keep your eyes where they belong, on the road.

Since the RX 350 arrived, winter seems to have departed. March came in like a lamb and continues to give us every indication of an early spring. The roads are messed up throughout the city. Pot holes reign supreme. But the Lexus RX 350 isn’t perturbed by rough roads. It is as comfortable on the rough stuff as the much larger Chevrolet Traverse that we tested earlier.

We’ve driven the RX to Toronto and back and found it to be a wonderful highway cruiser. The seats are wide and comfortable, the cabin exceedingly quiet. It’s a beautiful vehicle to drive, combining the high forward view that SUV owners like, but the ride comfort and drivability that car owners enjoy.

We’re still hopeful for snow before spring officially arrives and the Lexus goes back to the manufacturer, but the long term forecast isn’t helpful: more warm weather ahead. Usually I’d be happy, but this year I’d like one more blanket of snow before we say goodbye to winter for good.

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