Specifications of Lexus RX IV (facelift 2019) 350L V6 (290 HP) Automatic
General characteristics of Lexus RX IV (facelift 2019) 350L V6 (290 HP) Automatic
The Lexus RX SUV is by no means a small vehicle, especially in its most luxurious configuration. For most of the range, the vehicle totals a length of 192.5 inches, but this grows to an impressive 196.9 inches for both the 350L and 450hL. The remaining dimensions are common to all derivatives, with height set at 67.7 inches, and width at 74.6 inches. Similarly, a 109.8-inch wheelbase creates a pretty spacious cabin, even if it is a little shorter than what rivals like the Toyota Highlander are equipped with. Despite its available all-wheel drivetrain, the RX is not truly designed for off-roading, with mild approach/breakover/departure angles of 17/16.8/24.9 degrees, although a ground clearance of between 7.9 and 8.2 inches may seem like enough. Curb weight varies depending on the model and powertrain; the gas-powered 350 ranges from 4,222 pounds to 4,619 lbs, while the hybrid 450h starts off even heavier at 4,740 lbs and maxes out at 4,905 lbs.
Quite large, and more than a little hefty, the RX struggles to live up to the 'sport' in its classification. The naturally aspirated V6, producing up to 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, lacks the kick of turbocharged competitors, so the slower 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 7.7 seconds is unsurprising. The heavier AWD configurations take an extra 0.2 seconds to get up to speed. Even though the hybrid RX 450h produces 308 hp, it will go no faster than 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The combustion powertrain offers a maximum speed of 124 mph, while the top speed for the hybrids is 112 mph.
Although performance is not the primary goal of a luxury SUV, the Lexus is disappointing in comparison to competitors from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to their turbocharged generators, they are able to hit 60 mph in well under seven seconds. Similarly, the Lexus underperforms as a worker, too. In RX 350 guise, it can only tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. On the plus side, easy access to AWD means that there are few road conditions it cannot handle, and a mild level of off-roading is possible.
The same 3.5-liter V6 engine is equipped to every RX built, but its outputs vary slightly depending on the model. The gas-only RX develops 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque on all versions besides the 350L, which sees outputs drop to 290 hp and 263 lb-ft. The hybrid takes advantage of its three electric motors to develop a combined 308 hp, regardless of trim. The 350 range comes outfitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drivetrain, though access to all-wheel drive is not restricted. The 450h models receive AWD only and trade out the transmission for a CVT.
In any of these configurations, the powertrain is more than capable However, the transmission lacks the eagerness of the engine, taking far too long to transmit throttle inputs. The CVT on the hybrid is a little smoother. It directs the combustion engine's outputs to the front wheels, and directs the electric motors to power the rear.
While we may have a few complaints, the power plants never truly disappoint. The RX is capable in just about any setting, but its slower acceleration times mean that it feels more at home on quieter streets than on the freeway.
Heavy luxury SUVs are far from being the most frugal vehicles on the road, but the RX is still a thirsty choice. The FWD variants of the 350 bear EPA-estimated gas mileage figures of 20/27/23 miles per gallon, while the AWD will return 19/26/22 mpg. The heavier L-trims lose one mpg in mixed driving conditions. The hybrid 450h range follows the same trend, but with much more attractive numbers. The base 450h returns 31/28/30 mpg, while the L is slightly less efficient at 29/28/29 mpg. The size of the tank depends on the powertrain selected - 19.2 gallons for the gas-only versions and 17.2 gallons for the hybrid. This means that the most efficient configuration is capable of traversing 516 miles between refills.
In its base setup, the RX can seat up to five in a great deal of comfort. Both rows of seats offer plenty of head- and legroom, but this changes when you opt for the three-row L-model. While the RX 350L seats seven, the RX 450hL trades the second-row bench for a pair of captain's chairs so it becomes a six-seater. Headroom in the third row is still decent, but that won't matter to the tiny children you place there, since there is not enough legroom for anyone else. Installing this third row also means those in the middle have to sacrifice some legroom, so it is not really worth it.
Standard power-adjustable front seats make it easy for the driver to find an optimal position in a vehicle that already offers a commanding view. Optional features include heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated second-row seats. The F Sport receives unique front seats with enhanced bolsters, and optional packages offer cushion extenders for the front seats.
