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2018 Lexus RX 350 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus RX 350 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • New third-row seating option
  • Interior designed to pamper
  • Incredibly smooth ride

Cons

  • It’s not in a hurry
  • F Sport doesn’t add power
  • No smartphone app integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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Extra space in a luxury package

When something is great, you want more of it. That’s the thinking behind the new-for-2018 Lexus RX 350L and its additional third-row seating. This space opens up possibilities for additional passengers and cargo, while offering the same superbly comfortable ride, impressive luxury appointments, and generous features as the standard model. The RX 350 is an excellent all-weather commuter with optional AWD, weekend or road trip people hauler, or a soft-driving cargo hauler.

All Lexus RX 350 years

What is new for the 2018 Lexus RX 350?

  • The RX 350 is available in a variety of new trims, including the L and L Luxury.
  • RX 350 trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters, Fold-Away Third Row, Power Folding Third Row, Rear Air Conditioning, Third Row Seat, Rear Sunshade, and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
  • Quad Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Base trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Auxiliary Audio Input, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

2018 Lexus RX 350 trims

Curious how Lexus RX 350 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 295-hp, 267-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our Lexus RX 350 inventory

L:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • 290-hp, 263-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Leather Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Third Row Seat
  • View our Lexus RX 350 L inventory

F-Sport:

  • Includes all features available on the L
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • A/C Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Memory Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • View our Lexus RX 350 F-Sport inventory

L Luxury:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Lexus RX 350

1. Optional third-row 

The RX 350L adds 4.4 inches to the exterior over the standard model, creating enough room for two additional bucket seats as a third row. These are power-folding seats, moving up or down as needed from the push of a button in the rear hatch or the driver’s door. An alternative seating option for six puts captain’s chairs in the second row, allowing even easier access to the back row. With room for up to seven passengers, you can now carry half the team to their game if needed.  

2. Comfortable for everyone 

The RX 350 has a chassis and suspension engineered for supreme comfort. The softly sprung suspension dampens bumps in the road, and multiple sound-reduction techniques create a quiet environment even on the highway. Passenger comfort is high thanks to standard 10-way power-adjustable front seats, with optional heating and ventilation. Even the second-row USB ports were smartly designed for comfortable access, with your passengers able to plug in at the armrest instead of the rear of the center console.  

3. Solid standard features 

The Lexus RX 350 makes your car search easier, by loading up even base models with standard features and desirable tech. When shopping a RX 350, all 2018 models come with a push-button start, a power liftgate, drive mode selector, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel wrapped in leather. Passengers will appreciate standard Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, 10-way power adjustable front seats, and the nine-speaker premium sound system. Other cool standard tricks are the rain-sensing wipers and a handful of driver assistance features.  

4. AWD flexibility 

Need to pick someone up when it’s snowing? No worries with the optional Lexus RX 350 all-wheel drive. The Active Torque Control AWD system monitors road conditions as you drive. When the streets turn slippery, the AWD system shifts from only sending power to the front wheels, to sending up to 100% of power to the wheels that need it most. If it gets really rough out there, the AWD Lock button provides enhanced traction below 25 mph, which also allows you to head off-road when you need to.    

5. Cargo and towing 

Bring all your friends, with the optional RX 350L extended-length version that adds a third row of seating for up to seven passengers. Behind the second row of seats, the RX 350 has 18.4 cu-ft, while the RX 350L has 23 cu-ft. Put the second row down for all the utility and 58.5 cu-ft of space, 2 cu-ft more than the non-L version. That’s enough for kayaks and coolers at the lake, or furniture found at a yard sale. Need even more? The RX 350L with V6 and available Towing Prep Package has a maximum estimated towing capacity of 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Lexus RX 350 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lexus RX 350 3rd out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350 features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Mark Levinson Sound
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

295

Torque (ft-lbs)

267

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19.2

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

192.5"

Width

74.6"

Height

67.7"

Leg room

F 44.1"/R 38"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 39.1"

Front tires

P235/65VR18

Rear tires

P235/65VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lexus RX 350 FAQ

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