Lexus RX350h Luxury Review: The Status Quo Just Works

What we like:

Feels like it can outlast its owner

High speed stability

Low noise levels

What we dislike:

User interface can be confusing

Some inferior interior materials

Buzzy engine at load

Lexus has put an unimaginable amount of work into the Lexus RX. But I’m guessing most people would not notice, because it looks rather similar to the outgoing model.

And that’s fine, because I think Lexus doesn’t really want to change the formula. The RX is the undisputed best-selling luxury SUV in the United States, and it has held that position since its introduction. It must be doing something right to hold onto its crown in the American market for so long.

Behind the wheel, I can see the appeal. It is refined, rather large inside and therefore very practical and has a fuss-free drivetrain that probably is the definition of ‘bombproof’. But this time, Lexus paid more attention to driving pleasure. The car has a self-assured, confidence-inspiring steering feel that seems to be vibration free, although it never really feels sporty nor was it intended to be. But it does make the driver feel safe and very much in control.

I can’t say I noticed much difference in the way the car handles, despite a deliberate 15 mm lower centre of gravity through, among other things, the use of lighter exotic 2GPa hot stamped material. But the assured feel aforementioned about the steering does extend to how the car takes to corners, too. It’s so capable, you just know there are layers of hard engineering that has been put to make it all work this way. Like how Lexus adjusted the position of the shock absorbers, for example, just to reduce vibrations, or how those shock absorbers use swing valves.

There is also clever all-wheel drive dubbed DIRECT4 that can shift up to 80% of power to the rear wheels, but the car deserves more decorum than to try provoking that. The RX has always aimed to reduce one’s heart rate and make things as relaxing as possible, and so its gait on the road is predictable, well-damped and if a bit too soft. The ride is largely comfortable and sensibly aims for damped hushness, but you’d notice when it unsettles over more serious bumps on the road. But there’s no doubt that the newest iteration still lowers stress levels.

Part of that is also helped by noise insulation, which has been further improved through modifying the weather and glass strips on doors and high-insulation front door windows. Even the shape of the front pillar has been optimised to reduce wind noise, and there are dimples in the engine undercover to generate micro ‘hurricanes’ that enhance high speed stability. The car is really whisper quiet, with the only intrusion the 2.5-litre engine that hums especially at higher revs.

The cabin is appreciably larger especially for rear passengers, thanks to a 60 mm longer wheelbase versus its predecessor (although now there is no 3-row option). So it really is a significant upgrade and those at the back would immediately notice.

The interior is based on the ‘Tazuna’ concept which basically is a human-centred philosophy. It’s a bit of a hit-and-miss as while the large centre touchscreen looks impressive and is mostly intuitive to use, the steering wheel switches are overly complicated in how it integrates with the head-up display (HUD). I often had to remember I was adjusting a menu on the HUD to figure out why the controls didn’t seem to yield any command. Just resetting a fuel consumption figure, for example, took me quite a bit of time to figure out.

The interior materials are very good and novel - so long as one does not touch the lower parts of the dashboard and doors where there may be the occasional unyielding hard plastic. Overall though, it’s a luxurious place to be, especially at night with the tastefully placed ambient lights.

The RX may seem like the familiar luxury SUV that continues on with the status quo, but what it does is not to shout about its impressive innovations, while still gently improving the product to keep it a winner.

Photos by New Gen Marketing
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