2015 LEXUS RX RX 350 SPORT UTILITY 4D

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Atlanta’s premier Luxury Buy Here Pay Here Dealership.

The RX starts with some familiar details, with an especially dramatic version of Lexus' now-signature spindle grille in front, with so-called "triple-L" headlights, LED fog lights, and LED daytime running lights. Its second most notable design cue is its "floating" roof line, which tapers near the rearmost roof pillar to provide a more coupe-like profile than its actual proportions reveal. There's some Nissan Murano to the RX's side profile, and that's not really a bad thing. 

Then again, we think the RX lacks some cohesion. It's a mashup of a few different design inspirations that, admittedly, work pretty well as a sum. It's expressive and will continue to draw you in every time you look at it in the driveway, much in the way a concept car at an auto show might. 

The V-6 in the RX 350 makes 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It features a variable valve system that allows a wider range of intake-cam timing and the fuel-efficiency-enhancing Atkinson cycle, and there’s also direct injection. An 8-speed automatic transmission is augmented by paddle shifters on the steering wheel on F Sport models. 

A pre-loaded front differential also helps with cornering stability and performance immediately off the line. And in RX 350 models with all-wheel drive, the system uses clutches to vary the torque distribution up to 50 percent to the rear wheels (or up to 100 percent to the front wheels).

While not rocket-fast, the RX 350 moves quickly and, perhaps more importantly, it's a quiet operator. The F Sport model pipes some intake noise into the cabin for a more muscular growl, but even it is still a nearly silent cruiser.

The RX models keep their layout entirely car-like, with a MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and a double-wishbone rear suspension. Lexus has softened the front suspension somewhat while aiming for a firmer rear-suspension tune—balancing that out with a larger anti-roll bar in front. All versions of the RX include four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

Lexus' engineers shot for improved steering feedback with the latest RX—and while they achieved that goal, there's actually more road feel when the system is in its lightest (comfort) setting. Though the sport mode in the F Sport features firm steering, it's not actually delivering any additional feel to the driver. Still, major strides have been made here toward making the RX a more composed and confident-feeling crossover—something we didn't say about its predecessor.

 Easy ingress and egress comes courtesy of a ride height that's neither too high nor too low. Once inside, passengers will find fantastic front seats and excellent room in the second row especially for those at the outboard spots. F Sport models feature more deeply-bolstered seats up front that straddle the line between sporty and comfortable, while the Luxury Package adds 10-way adjustable thrones and a convenient thigh cushion extender, in addition to cooling fans. 

In the rear, there's a fold-down armrest with retractable cupholders. All models feature a 60/40-split backrest that reclines, but it's worth noting that the RX 450h actually seats passengers about an inch higher in the rear due to the placement of their battery. Taller passengers in the back may find that their heads will brush the ceiling if they're wearing a hat. 

A heated steering wheel is optional, and the climate control uses a some smart temperature and flow systems that take into account more variables than ever—and should result in better comfort for all. Luxury Package models also get pull-down rear sunshades.

There's little wind or road noise, although RX 350 F Sport models feature piped-in intake noise that's really only audible under hard acceleration. 

The base RX features a synthetic upholstery that does a pretty good job of imitating leather. Opt for the Premium Package and you're sitting on real hide, while the Luxury Package brings with it even nicer semi-aniline leather. We really like the choices Lexus has made for the RX's interior trim, especially the matte bamboo and gray sapele wood offerings on higher-spec models. 

*This vehicle is Certified Pre-Owned and is eligible for our third party warranty program.