Boldly redesigned, the 2013 Lexus RX350 refines the luxurious experience Lexus has been offering its customers for years and gives exactly what is expected from a Lexus. It is a positive effort on behalf of the auto manufacturer to revamp and restyle its visual brand identity. Its sporty appearance comes with a promise of durability, and pleasure of driving a luxury vehicle. For those who desire the cargo capacity and ride height of a sport utility vehicle and yet require the finer luxury and comfort of a sedan, this vehicle is the answer. The RX350 has eye-catching exterior styling and a plush smooth ride with promising fuel economy. This crossover provides a variety of new features both on the exterior and the interior compared to its predecessors.
New For 2013
An F Sport model is new. In addition to its firmer suspension, shift paddles, and standard all-wheel drive, it gets an eight-speed automatic and a more-aggressive-looking front end. All RX models get a bit of a nose job this year to accommodate the brand’s new ?spindle? grille. The cabin is revised, along with some options packages.
Exterior
With its aggressive-looking headlamps and bulging front bumper and a shoulder line that runs along the side of the car from the front headlamps to the taillights, the 2013 Lexus RX350 sets a domineering presence on the road. Its outstanding design is both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. Its 18-inch alloy wheels just add to the magnificence of this vehicle. The new RX350 stands tall at 66.7 inches, and measures 187.8 and 74.2 inches in overall length and width respectively. Ground clearance measures 7.3 inches. The use of a power liftgate seems futile; however it could be quite useful for shorter people who often find it difficult to close the hatch of the RX350 once it has been opened. Customers have an option of purchasing different trim levels, which include the all-wheel drive, front drive, or the RX350 sport.
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the new Lexus RX350 is exquisitely modern. It drips with technology and gadgets, and yet is absolutely stunning to look at. Inside the cabin, a multifunction control for the navigation system is easy and very intuitive to use. Cup holders and the storage space in the center console are illuminated. Keyless ignition and entry, a power tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control are just some of the many features of the RX350. Black leather, heated and cooled, perforated seats are exceptionally comfy for the rear passengers as they are for the front passengers. A navigation screen in front and two screens for rear passengers let occupants enjoy their DVD entertainment system while on the road. There is 40 cubic feet of cargo capacity just for groceries behind the seats, and a total of 80.3 cubic feet cargo space in all. Apart from the cargo inside the vehicle, it can hold cargo of up to 3500 pounds. As in the previous models, the RX350 is still a five-passenger vehicle, and unfortunately a third row of seats is not an option. This is the price to pay when opting for a crossover vehicle.
Safety
The RX350 has a reinforced body, with structural reinforcements, as well as rear and front crumple zones. In case of low-velocity rear-end collisions, active front headrests rise diagonally upward and forward which aids in restricting the movement of the head relative to the spine. Large 12.9- and 12.2-inch front and rear brake discs provide solid braking power when needed. These anti-lock brakes incorporated with brake assist help drivers avoid accidents by reducing the stopping time and improving handling and control, even if the driver does not apply enough pressure on the brake pedal. An accurate and precise tire-pressure monitoring system constantly checks the tire pressure in each tire and then, if required, notifies the driver right on the screen. The 2013 Lexus RX350 uses radar technology to identify vehicles in the blind spot when changing lanes and an illuminated icon in the side mirror notifies the driver. The Pre-Collision System of the Lexus RX350 uses a radar sensor that continually monitors the closing speed and distance of another vehicle ahead. If the system determines that a collision is inevitable, the Pre-Collision System retracts the seat belts and prepares the brake-assist for a collision. The RX350 comprises of side airbags that deploy, upon collision, like a curtain along the side of the cabin interior, keeping front and rear passengers completely safe. When it comes to safety, the RX350 leaves no room for error.
Driving Experience
Under the hood, the 2013 Lexus RX350 comes with a powerful, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine which produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, giving it enough power to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which is actually quite impressive for luxury crossovers of this size. Apart from the power, Lexus is known for its luxury inside the passenger cabin and the silky smooth ride that comes with it. This is possibly due to the six-speed automatic transmission with sequential gearshift. This combined with the engine and transmission, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar, all deliver a plush ride expected from any luxury vehicle. The brakes feel strong and have tremendous braking power, while there is ample acceleration to speed out of corners.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Lexus RX350
- Acura RDX
- Lincoln MKZ
- Volvo XC90