2021 Lexus RX 350 review
Lexus RX 350 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great ride quality
- Lots of standard features
- Attractive cabin
Cons
- Distracting touchpad controller
- Real-world fuel economy is so-so
- Not exactly fun to drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2021 Lexus RX 350 gets additional standard features
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is a good-looking, comfortable, and cargo-friendly luxury SUV that adds a few extra features for 2021. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard features, making merging on the highway or backing up in a parking lot a little easier. Otherwise, the RX is unchanged from the 2020 model year.
There's little reason for complaint, though. The RX comes loaded with features, including power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. You also get driver aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, which warns you if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Its biggest competition is the Acura MDX, which offers similar features and a third-row seat. The RX is also available as a hybrid (RX 350h) and with a third row (RX 350L), both of which are reviewed separately.
All Lexus RX 350 years
What is new for the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
- RX 350 trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Cruise Control, Adjustable Suspension, Full Roof Rack, and Running Boards as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Performance trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The F-Sport trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
2021 Lexus RX 350 trims
Base:
- 295-hp, 267-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- View our Lexus RX 350 inventory
L:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 290-hp, 263-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- Power Folding Third Row
- Third Row Seat
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Lexus RX 350 L inventory
F-Sport:
- Includes all features available on the L
- Memory Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Heated Steering Wheel
- View our Lexus RX 350 F-Sport inventory
L Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the F-Sport
- Sunroofs
- Leather Seats
- Quad Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- View our Lexus RX 350 L Luxury inventory
Performance:
- Includes all features available on the L Luxury
- Cruise Control
- Adjustable Suspension
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Lexus RX 350
What We Like
Comfort: Comfort is key in a Lexus, and the RX 350 is generally excellent. The RX 350 can make a long commute much more comfortable, thanks to well-insulated windows, comfortable seats, and an effective and easy-to-use climate control system.
Interior: The dashboard and all major controls are easy to reach and clearly labeled, making it easy to get acquainted with the RX. There's plenty of legroom for tall passengers in both the back and front seats, and the sunroof doesn't appear to constrict headroom too much. The interior is good-looking and uses high-quality materials.
Storage: The 18.4 cubic feet of storage available in the RX is decent, and the rear seats fold in a clever 40/20/40 configuration that gives you some flexibility when loading larger items. Interior storage is solid, and the wide door openings make it easy to install child safety seats.
What Needs Improvement
Fuel economy: The Lexus RX 350 gets an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon
in combined highway/city driving. But in real-world Edmunds' testing, it got less than 22 mpg, which is a bit disappointing.
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Ratings & reliability
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 350Lexus RX 350 features and specs
L 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Mark Levinson Sound
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Quad Seats
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
290
Torque (ft-lbs)
263
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.2
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
196.9"
Width
74.6"
Height
67.3"
Leg room
F 41.4"/M 30.9"/R 23.5"
Head room
F 39.8"/M 38.5"/R 34.8"
Front tires
P235/65VR18
Rear tires
P235/65VR18
Seating capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Lexus RX 350 FAQ
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- L: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- F-SPORT Handling: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- L Luxury: 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Base: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- F-Sport: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- Performance: 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
The Lexus RX 350 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Lexus RX 350 as 2 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Lexus RX 350:
- F-SPORT Handling
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Adjustable Suspension
- Running Boards
- Full Roof Rack
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