Lexus RX

The Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is based heavily on the Toyota Camry platform which it shares with the Toyota Highlander. The RX 350 was introduced in 1997 as the Toyota Harrier in Japan and as the RX 300 at the North American International Auto Show. It quickly gained popularity and became Lexus's best-selling model, as it was amongst the first in the crossover SUV market and serves as a model for following designs. A hybrid model, the RX 400h, was introduced for 2006.

See WikiCars' comprehensive Lexus RX Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2010, Lexus has rolled out the Third-Generation RX, the RX 350 and the RX 450h.

RX 350


 * For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and retains a usefull device called "bread crumbs". Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps.

2007 RX 350
Premium Package - $2,145
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Illuminated entry system
 * Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
 * Roof rails/roof rack

Premium Plus Package - $2,960
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Illuminated entry system
 * Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
 * Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
 * Roof rails/roof rack

Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Package - $7,090
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Illuminated entry system
 * Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
 * Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
 * Roof rails/roof rack
 * Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology
 * Mark Levinson® 11-speaker 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback

Performance Package - $4,955
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
 * Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Illuminated entry system
 * Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
 * Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
 * Roof rails/roof rack
 * Graphite-polished 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
 * Four-wheel air suspension
 * Five-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
 * Rain-sensing wipers

Multipanel Moonroof Package - $3,740 Individual Factory Options
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Illuminated entry system
 * Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
 * Multipanel moonroof
 * Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) - (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,740
 * Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,650
 * Dynamic Laser Cruise Control - $600
 * Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps - $815
 * Two-level heated front seats (includes rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers and headlamp washers) - $665
 * 18-in alloy wheels (235/55VR18 and full-size spare) - $495
 * Two-level heated front seats (includes headlamp washers) - $540
 * Rain-sensing wipers - $125
 * Towing Prep Package - $160
 * Roof rack with rails - $220

Dealer Accessories
 * All-weather floor mats
 * Ashtray kit
 * Car cover
 * Cargo mat
 * Cargo net
 * Cargo tray
 * Front-end mask
 * Mudguards
 * Paint protection film
 * Tow-hitch receiver
 * Roof rack attachment – bike rack
 * Roof rack attachment – ski/snowboard
 * Wheel locks
 * Wireless headphones
 * XM® Satellite Radio (available Spring 2006)
 * SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (available Summer 2006)

2006 RX 400h
Individual Factory Options
 * Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,840
 * Heated Front Seats with Rain-Sensing Wipers - $665
 * Mark Levinson® 11-speaker, 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD changer - $980
 * Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,350

Dealer Accessories
 * All-weather floor mats
 * Car cover
 * Cargo mat
 * Cargo net
 * Front-end mask
 * Tow-hitch receiver
 * Wheel locks
 * Wireless headphones

Pricing
2007 RX 350
 * All Wheel Drive:     MSRP $39,495
 * Front Wheel Drive:   MSRP $38,095

Today's actual prices on the 2007 Lexus RX 350 by city can be found at CarsDirect.

2006 RX 400h
 * All Wheel Drive:     MSRP $46,755
 * Front Wheel Drive:   MSRP $45,355

Today's prices for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h are also available at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2007 RX 350 Front Wheel Drive averages 20 MPG City/ 25 MPG Hwy. The 2007 RX 350 All Wheel Drive averages 19 MPG City/ 24 MPG Hwy.

Visitors to GreenHybrid.com, averaged about 25 MPG with their 2006 RX 400h in the |lexus]-rx.html Real Hybrid Mileage Database].

City/Highway Averages for RX Generations
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

The 2007 Lexus RX 350 delivers a smooth and responsive acceleration, making the ride even more enjoyable than its predecessor, the RX 330.

The 2004 Lexus RX 330 and 350 generally have the same handling characteristics. Albeit the larger engine in the 350 produces more torque and horsepower hence is more responsive and one can expect better acceleration. This review is based on the handling characteristics on the RX 330. The RX handles admirable when compared to other luxury utility vehicles; also without an automated suspension set up. The vehicles soft suspension does remove it sporting potential. When compared to the BMW X5, X3 and Infiniti FX the vehicle has softer more absorbing ride characteristics, but lacks the fun and excitement of those cars. The 330 brakes are suburb comparable to the Mercedes M class, but at times are un-linear in pedal action and braking strength making them feel “grabby.” The X5 and FX seem to be able to stop in shorter distance and with a lot less nose dive. Overall the RX is an admirable handling vehicle, but Lexus priorities for this car were luxury over sportiness and it shows. If you want a Luxury car that can handle all four season go out and buy one… if you looking for a bit more spice I would look elsewhere. . The 330 also manages to get decent fuel economy for gas only sports utility vehicle averaging a combined real world value of 19 miles per a gallon. If I had to compare its driving characteristics I would say it is competitive with the Mercedes M class and Cadillac SRX, but there is a dimension/weight difference.

This review is based on experience on driving other vehicles owned, complementary loaners and test drives from 2004 model year to the present model year. The reviewer also holds no credential in the automobile review field. Please note the BMW X5 is not a current generation, but a 2005 model year and a 2004 Infiniti FX. All other vehicles were current generation, but not necessarily the current model year.

Reliability
Consumer Reports ranks the Lexus RX as one of it top 10 most reliable Sports Utility Vehicles.

2006 Lexus RX 400h
The RX 400h's sophisticated network of sensors and airbags includes front seat-mounted side airbags with a larger protection area than the conventional side airbag. A driver's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deploys in one of three speeds, depending on many factors including crash severity and driver's seat-track position. Similarly, the front passenger's advanced airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. And rounding out this impressive system are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.
 * Airbags

The new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a technologically advanced system that uses a network of sensors throughout the RX 400h to constantly monitor the driver’s actions and vehicle movement. Anticipating vehicle control problems before they occur, VDIM helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.
 * VDIM

Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist is triggered when the brake pedal is pushed quickly and the system detects an emergency situation. Together they can help the driver reduce stopping distance in an emergency by supplementing brake power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And should you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, the computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the brakes, helping to provide greater control during braking.
 * ABS with Brake Assist

The RX 400h is designed with a welded-steel unibody frame, strong box-section, side-impact door beams and impact-dissipating front and rear crumple zones. Additionally, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners with force limiters quickly cinch the front seatbelts in the event of a severe frontal impact.
 * Reinforced Body

Just in case its sleek body doesn't draw enough attention, the RX 400h comes equipped with daytime running lights, which help make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle during daylight hours.
 * Daytime Running Lights

2007 Lexus RX 350
In addition to the features listed above in the RX 400h, the RX 350 also includes the following safety features:

To help keep you in control, the RX is armed with an array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) senses lateral slip in turns and helps keep the vehicle on course, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps effectively deploy power during slippery conditions.
 * Vehicle Stability Control

When it comes to driving safety, it helps to have your tires properly inflated. With this in mind, Lexus engineers designed the four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System to alert the driver with a light on the instrument panel when tire pressure is critically low.
 * Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System

The RX features a sophisticated theft-deterrent system built right in. A rolling code immobilizes the engine unless the proper key is used, making the RX 350 a very unpopular vehicle among thieves.
 * Theft-Deterrent System

Photos
Interior and Exterior Photos for the 2007 |lexus]/rx_350/pictures Lexus RX 350] and the 2006 |lexus]/rx_400h/pictures Lexus RX 400h] are available at CarsDirect.

Add Photos of the vehicle here.

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Colors
The 2007 RX 350 and 2006 RX 400h are available in the following colors:
 * Neptune Blue Mica
 * Flint Mica
 * Savannah Metallic
 * Bamboo Pearl
 * Crystal White
 * Millenium Silver Metallic
 * Black Onyx

The 2007 RX 350 is also available in these colors (The RX 400h is not):
 * Black Forest Pearl
 * Breakwater Blue Metallic

Main Competitors
Midsize SUVs that are comparable to the RX are:
 * Acura MDX
 * Acura RDX
 * BMW X3
 * BMW X5
 * Hummer H3
 * Infiniti EX
 * Infiniti FX35/FX45
 * Land Rover LR2
 * Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (350)
 * Volvo XC70
 * Volvo XC90

Hybrid Models

 * Main article: Lexus RX 450h

The Lexus RX 400h is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand name using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is called the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan. After first being introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, it would become the world's second mass-produced hybrid SUV, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. In November 2004, Toyota announced the American launch of hybrid Lexus/Toyota SUV will be delayed to the 2006 model year, with European and Asian launches during 2006. The Toyota version of the same car debuted in Japan on March 22, 2005, the same day as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Toyota will price the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid RX 300/ RX 330/ Harrier. The list price in Japan ranges from 4.095 million Yen to 4.62 million Yen. In US, it will be priced at $49,185, which is a $5,600 premium over a similarly-equipped RX 350.

The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 350. It produced, in the case of the Harrier Hybrid, 211 hp JIS (155 kW) and 288 Nm (212 ft·lbf). The petrol engine is aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167 hp JIS (123 kW) and 333 Nm (245 ft·lbf) and connected to the CVT gearbox, and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68 hp JIS (50 kW) and 130 Nm (95 ft·lbf). The whole system, called [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid] Synergy Drive], produces a maximum of 272 hp JIS (200 kW). Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and petrol engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction. The petrol engine will switch off automatically and the car will be electrically driven when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration.

The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance; the 400h/ Harrier Hybrid can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 8 s, quicker than the petrol-only RX. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h/ Harrier Hybrid consumes roughly the same amount of petrol as a compact four-cylinder saloon and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in America. Under the Japanese "10.15 mode" fuel consumption standard, the Harrier Hybrid can run 17.8 km per litre of fuel (compared with the standard coil-sprung V6 3.0 L Harrier, which returned $$Insert formula here$$9.4 km/L). In Japan, it qualifies as a "4-star" LEV-car, where it produces 75% fewer emissions than the standard specified in Heisei 17 (i.e. year 2005).

Engine
The 2007 Lexus RX 350 features a 24-valve V6 engine with 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 RPM.

Five Speed Automatic
To ensure the most comfortable driving experience, the RX 350 comes standard with a five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), which provides improved acceleration at lower speeds. And on the highway, a smoother, quieter ride.

Front- or All-Wheel Drive
The RX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) featuring a viscous limited-slip center differential. With an advanced drivetrain and standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), you get improved handling in even the most challenging driving conditions.

Dual Variable Valve Timing
The engine of the RX is intensified by dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a system that continuously monitors the engine's speed and load, and responds by delivering optimum power in each situation. It increases torque at lower speeds for better pulling power, and boosts overall power at higher speeds for better acceleration.

Four-Wheel Air Suspension
The available Four-Wheel Air Suspension controls vehicle height, depending on driving conditions and needs. At speeds higher than 62 mph, the vehicle lowers 0.3 inches automatically (Normal mode), providing increased control and lower drag coefficient. For additional control during sport driving, you can select Low mode, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches. For low-speed emergency driving on rough terrain, you're able to switch to High mode to raise the ground clearance to a full 8.3 inches. Or, for easy passenger access or loading, the vehicle will lower an additional 1.2 inches (Access mode).

Ventilated Disc Brakes
The RX 350 comes standard with ventilated front disc brakes, which help the RX inspire just as much confidence while stopping as it does while accelerating. In addition, the RX is equipped with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help you be ready for most any situation.

Superb Handling
The RX 350 is equipped with fully independent MacPherson strut suspension, front and rear anti-vibration subframes, and engine-speed-sensing, progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Additionally, a turning radius of 18.7 feet makes the RX easy to maneuver in tight spaces. All of which assures the ride and luxury of a sedan.

Ultra-Low Emissions
The RX 350 is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) that everyone can feel good about.

Resale Values
Add more fields as necessary.

As mentioned in the October 2005 issue of SmartMoney, the resale value of the Lexus RX remains to be high due to Lexus's "reputation for reliablity".

Criticisms
The RX 350 does not have a third row seat.

Generations
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

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Current Generation (2010-present)
In 2009 a restyled RX was shown to see how the next RX would look. SmartAccess, Bluetooth, heated side mirrors, and more features were available on the RX. People would pay $36,800 to buy a front wheel drive RX. While it cost $38,200 to buy a all wheel drive RX.

Second Generation: (2004-2009)
The second generation RX, called the Lexus RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The North American-market cars were initially built in Japan, with production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, producing 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lb), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models, and interestingly, a Mark Levinson sound-system is available in place of the JBL system found in the Toyota Harrier.



For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.

The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the Hybrid RX during 2006.

Current Model (Updated Second Generation)
For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new device called "bread crumbs", enabling drivers to retrace their steps.

First Generation: (1999-2003)
The first-generation RX 300 for the four wheel drive models made its debut in December 1997 as the Toyota Harrier. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139 hp JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard, with the V6 version having the Sportmatic +/- feature. The Toyota Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports.

The Lexus RX 300, made its debut in America in 1998. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 and either front or four wheel drive.



The first-generation RX 300 continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). Again, the new engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. 2000 is also the year where the Lexus RX 300 first went on sale in Europe and Asia. The distinguishing feature for those versions of the RX 300 is a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.

Worldwide
For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.

The Toyota Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the Lexus RX 400h hybrid went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the hybrid RX during 2006.

Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards

 * The 1998 RX 300 was awarded the Most Appealing Luxury SUV by J.D. Power and Associates back in 1998 and then again in 2004 for the 2004 RX 330.


 * The RX 300 was MotorTrend magazine's Sport Utility of the Year for 1999.


 * The 1999 RX 300 was awarded the Best Deal on the Road in the Sport-Utility Class by Money magazine.


 * The 2001 RX 300 was awarded the Best Luxury SUV in Initial Quality (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates in May 2001. They named the RX 330 the Highest Ranked Entry Luxury SUV in Initial Quality (IQS) in April 2004 and again in May 2005.


 * 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study winner - Lexus RX300 and 2nd winner - Lexus RX330 (Luxury SUV)


 * Winner Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2004 - Lexus RX 330


 * The 2004 RX 330 was awarded the Best SUV over $30,000 by Intellichoice - May 2004.


 * "In the car world, that's a home run-out of the park." - Roger Hart of AutoWeek magazine, February 7, 2005 on the RX 400h


 * The RX 400h is "a litmus test that seems certain to produce positive results." - Liz Kim of AutoByTel.com


 * 2006 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive


 * 2005 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive