2020 Lexus RX 350 Review

　　

2020 Lexus RX 350 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is a solid entry in the midsize SUV class, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin and typically excellent build quality. But we have been let down by this generation's anonymous driving experience and poorly thought-out infotainment system controller. Lexus hopes the improvements it made to this year's RX will rectify these shortcomings.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$164/mo  for RX 350 Base

　　RX 350 Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,150 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,550 MSRPF SPORT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $47,950 MSRPF SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $49,350 MSRPF SPORT Performance 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $50,350 MSRPF SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $51,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Lexus says it retuned the suspension and stiffened the body structure to give the RX a slightly sportier feel when driven around turns while still keeping ride comfort paramount. The F Sport's sport suspension — which previously resulted in a far harsher ride in exchange for minimal performance gains — has been modified as well.

　　Inside the cabin, Lexus has swapped out the mouse-like controller for a new trackpad. It's better but can still be overly distracting to use while driving. The display screen is also new. It's now a touchscreen, meaning you can avoid using the trackpad by touching the various menus and buttons. Lexus also repositioned the screen to be nearly 6 inches closer to the driver, so reaching the screen doesn't require a stretch. Finally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also on board this year as standard equipment. These changes go a long way toward improving the RX 350's tech cred.

　　The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is more competitive than ever, with drastic quality-of-life improvements that make it a more appealing buy than last year's model. Previously an also-ran in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX has graduated to become a respectable offering in the class.

　　

Which RX 350 does zzdcar recommend?

Though we prefer the F Sport's more aggressive yet still comfortable sport seats, the base Lexus RX 350 is more well-rounded and appeals to a broader set of buyers. The Navigation package is worth getting because it adds the sharp-looking 12.3-inch display, an upgraded audio system, and onboard navigation for when your adventures take you to locales with spotty cellular service.

　　

2020 Lexus RX 350 models

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is available in base and F Sport versions. They both come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　The base is equipped with features such as a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a suite of driver safety aids (Lexus' Safety System+ 2.0), an 8-inch touchscreen, and a nine-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also standard this year.

　　A couple of packages — Premium and Luxury — are available to boost up the RX's features list. Notable additions from them include a sunroof, bigger wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery.

　　The F Sport includes the Premium package's contents plus sportier exterior styling, a sport-tuned suspension, sport front seats, and unique interior trim. The optional F Sport Performance package adds adaptive suspension dampers and specially tuned steering.

　　For both versions, Lexus offers a Navigation package, which gets you a navigation system, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and either a 12-speaker sound system or an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. Other worthwhile options to consider are blind-spot monitoring, power-folding second-row seats and a hands-free liftgate.

　　

2020 RX 350 Highlights

Trim: BaseF SPORTF SPORT PerformanceBase

　　

Base MSRP	$44,150
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles