2015 Lexus RX 350

Starting at a base price of $40,970, the 2015 Lexus RX 350 is available in three different trims. While the base and mid-level trims are a constant feature in the lineup, the new Crafted line variant aims at introducing better and improved specifications and packages. It comes standard with a plethora of features and also sports two drivetrain options.

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Amongst the available trims, the 2015 Lexus RX 350 base variant does justice to its price tag. It comes equipped with a standard list of advanced specifications that include driver and passenger lumbar, cruise control, and power door locks. Moreover, it bears a lower price tag and provides two drivetrain options to satiate the needs of an individual buyer.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 comes with a standard 3.5L V6 engine that belts out 270hp of power and 248lb.-ft of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that is efficient and smooth in its performance. The torque delivery is impressive and while the base variant transfers power to the front wheels as standard, and AWD is available as optional. However, the all-wheel-drivetrain is standard on the F-Sport and Crafted Line trims.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 15.1 seconds. Its top speed of 124 MPH feels sufficient for an SUV of its dimensions and while some might find the driving experience mundane, we feel it is engaging and has substance to it.

In the segment, it is difficult to declare a certain winner in the aspect as each SUV differs in performance by the barest of margins. While the inline-6 engine-equipped 2015 BMW X5 that produces 300hp of power and 300lb.-ft of torque takes 6.6 seconds to the 60mph mark, the V6 engine of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz propels to glory in the quarter-mile run clocking 15 seconds.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is conservative and efficient. It averages 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Combined, it is rated at 20 MPG, which makes it one of the more frugal vehicles on offer. However, its fuel tank is the least voluminous in the segment and can hold only 19.2-gallons of fuel. It manages to cover a total range of 346 miles in the city and 461 miles on the highway. Consequently, the SUV requires a visit to the gas station more often than its competitors.

When compared to the BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the larger fuel tanks of both SUVs that can hold 22.4 and 24.6-gallons, respectively, help in averaging a higher range both in the city and on the highway. The 2015 X5 is the most efficient in the segment averaging 21 MPG, while the 2015 ML-Class ranks last and is rated at 19 MPG.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 interiors have unsaid familiarity with other vehicles of the brand. The clutter-free dash setup resonates with an ergonomic aura, an aspect that exponentially boosts driver’s confidence by catering to their dynamics. Each usable element is in arm’s length and the quality of materials reflects the top-notch craftsmanship that has gone into making the cabin upmarket and luxurious.

The 2015 RX 350 can seat five passengers, but the absence of the third row of seats even as optional might irk some buyers. However, there is ample space on offer for both front and rear-seat passengers. Like interior storage, the cargo capacity is abundant having a total trunk volume of 40 cubic feet. Flip the rear seats down and the Lexus can accommodate 80 cubic feet of space that can store imaginably any object you would like to store.

When compared to the direct competitors, the 2015 BMW X5 has lower space than its contemporaries. On the other hand, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has higher space for rear seat occupants and manages a similar cargo capacity as the Lexus. While space differs, the only point of commonality amongst all three SUVs is the luxurious build of the cabin.

Some salient interior features of the 2015 Lexus RX 350 include:

• Electric Power Steering
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
• Dual-zone Climate Control
• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Interior Air Filtration

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2015 Lexus RX 350?

With the current MY, the biggest update to the Lexus RX 350 comes in the form of an improved infotainment system that now houses a standard 7-inch touchscreen. This unit though responsive isn’t the best to use and with the 2015 Lexus RX 350 Crafted Line trim, the remote controller needs time getting used to and also lacks intuitiveness. However, we do not have any complaints about the standard list of features. It comes equipped with a Bluetooth connection, USB ports, and a 12-speaker sound system. Other basic and optional infotainment specifications include:

• iPod Connectivity
• Satellite Radio
• Navigation System (Available with navigation package)
• HD Radio
• Mark Levinson Audio System Package
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control

The 2015 Lexus RX 350, though impressive, has lost its charm in a rather contemporarily designed segment. While the SUV could use an overhaul in design, there is a lot to like about the present styling. The traditional Lexus grille that sits in the center reminds you of the vehicle’s roots and the front and rear lights look rather submissive. The roof rails and the 18/19-inch wheels that the SUV comes equipped with look particularly impressive and help highlight the true proportions of the vehicle.

In its stance, however, the 2015 Lexus RX 350 looks like a proper crossover: Neither boxy, nor a complete coupe-style SUV. Statistically, the dimensions of the RX 350 are the smallest in the segment. It is 187.8 inches long with a wheelbase of 107.9 and a total width of 74.2 inches. While its height and ground clearance of 66.9 and 7.3 inches are adequate for an SUV, they are lower than segment standards.

When compared to the competitors, the 2015 BMW X5 is the heaviest SUV on the block weighing 4,790 lbs; It is also the longest and widest vehicle measuring 193.2 and 86 inches, respectively, and also gains ascendancy by sporting the largest wheelbase. While the ground clearance of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is not known, it is the tallest SUV at 70.7 inches.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• 18/19-inch wheels
• Rear Spoiler
• Roof Rails
• Running Boards
• Door Edge Guards
• Paint Protection Film

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 receives 4 out of 5 stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. The IIHS rewards it with ratings of “Good” and also recognizes the SUV as its “Top Safety Pick”. It comes equipped with many standard specifications including a rearview camera and a 10-airbag system. With the optional packages, the Lexus also gets equipped with the Remote Connect Services for added protection. Some of its other safety specifications include:

• Vehicle Stability Control
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Emergency Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Control

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is practical and has a number of usable functions at the buyers’ disposal even from the base variant. With the current iteration, it undergoes vital changes to improve its value for money manifold, making it an alluring proposition in the segment. While its acceleration and efficiency are at the same level as its competitors, its exterior styling could be a deal-breaker for some buyers due to its old-fangled aura. However, the safety features and interior build quality stay true to the SUV’s luxury car segment, and given that it is less expensive than most of its rivals, we recommend opting for the Lexus RX 350.