The “One Car Challenge” in Santa Monica led me to spend time with my girlfriend’s 2017 Lexus RX 350. Initially, I considered it the most mundane vehicle imaginable. As a car enthusiast, it wasn’t something that sparked joy. However, after driving it daily, a surprising realization emerged: this Lexus RX is legitimately excellent. It might just be the ultimate, no-nonsense luxury SUV on the market. Here’s a deep dive into why this seemingly boring car commands so much respect.
Driving a car that doesn’t resonate with your personal taste can be a truly uninspiring experience. I vividly remember buying a 1995 Honda Accord as a cheap winter car, purely for its practicality and manual transmission.
While the Accord was functional, it lacked any emotional connection. Driving it felt like a chore. Later, a 1965 Plymouth Valiant, despite being objectively worse in many ways, offered a far more enjoyable experience because it had character and felt like ‘me’.
My girlfriend’s 2017 Lexus RX 350 initially felt more aligned with the Honda – an appliance lacking personality. It didn’t scream “excitement.” Yet, unlike the dreary Honda, I found myself appreciating the RX 350. This wasn’t about passion, but respect for its sheer competence. Lexus undeniably crafted an exceptional vehicle with the RX 350, a fact that’s hard to ignore.
Unexpectedly Good: Respecting the Lexus RX 350
Motor Trend’s “Performance of Intended Function” metric perfectly encapsulates why the Lexus RX 350 is so commendable. This metric asks: “How well does a vehicle do the job its creators intended it to do?” For the RX 350, the answer is a resounding, “Incredibly well.”
This is where my internal conflict arises. There’s the car enthusiast in me, who typically gravitates towards more engaging vehicles, and then there’s the automotive journalist, evaluating cars based on their ability to fulfill their purpose. While I might not be head-over-heels in love with the Lexus RX, I deeply respect it. It delivers precisely what its target demographic desires, achieving near-flawless execution.
Powertrain and Performance: Responsive and Reliable
Under the hood, the RX 350 boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine’s impressive low-end torque, combined with the transmission’s short first gear ratio, makes the RX 350 surprisingly responsive. In an era where many cars prioritize fuel efficiency with dulled throttle response, the RX’s pedal calibration feels refreshingly old-school. A slight press, and the car reacts immediately. This directness is exactly what you want in a reliable, no-fuss vehicle – it does what you ask, instantly.
This responsiveness was unexpected. I anticipated a muted driving experience, designed to fade into the background. Instead, the engine feels genuinely quick, even if the 0-60 mph time is around 7.9 seconds, according to Lexus.
The combination of a responsive engine, a well-tuned transmission, all-wheel drive, and a capable traction control system creates a sense of competence and security. It operates exactly as intended – responsive, adequately quick, and remarkably smooth. This powertrain prioritizes dependability above all else.
Crucially, this powertrain is built to last. The 3.5-liter V6 is renowned for its longevity, often exceeding 250,000 miles. Shared with vehicles like the previous-generation Toyota Tacoma, it’s a refined and robust engine requiring minimal maintenance. And when maintenance is needed, parts are readily available and reasonably priced, often shared with Toyota models.
Interior and Comfort: A No-Nonsense Luxury Cabin
Stepping inside the Lexus RX reveals a well-crafted and comfortable interior. The three-spoke steering wheel is arguably a design masterpiece – perfectly shaped and sized. High-touch materials are soft and impeccably assembled. The user interface is intuitively designed with a generous amount of physical buttons for infotainment and climate controls, complemented by a clear gauge cluster. While the traditional automatic shifter may not be cutting-edge, it’s functional and familiar – park is “P,” drive is “D.” Simple and effective.
The leather seats are supremely comfortable and feel remarkably durable. They are heated, cooled, power-adjustable, and feature memory settings. These are truly excellent seats within an excellent cabin, contributing to the RX’s signature magic carpet ride.
Practicality and Space
The RX 350 offers generous interior space, and forward visibility is good. While the thick D-pillars do create a blind spot, the vehicle is equipped with effective blind spot monitoring, which mitigates this concern in most driving situations.
The Ultimate No-Bullshit Luxury SUV?
My girlfriend is sometimes irked when her car is labeled “boring.” It feels like a slight against a vehicle she genuinely appreciates. But is it an unfair assessment?
Not at all. She’s absolutely right to value her RX 350. It’s an outstanding vehicle, and Lexus deserves praise for crafting a car that perfectly aligns with the needs of so many consumers seeking the ultimate no-nonsense luxury SUV. That’s precisely what the Lexus RX 350 delivers. Ownership brings comfort, confidence, and safety, with minimal worry about major mechanical issues. Lexus dealerships are known for exceptional service experiences – my girlfriend actually enjoys going to hers, a testament to Lexus’s customer care. The RX 350 consistently proves its competence, blending seamlessly into the background of daily life, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
Certainly, other vehicles on the market offer similar qualities – comfort, safety, reliability, ease of maintenance, and a touch of luxury. However, Toyota’s unparalleled reputation for reliability resonates deeply with the average consumer. For those seeking luxury coupled with that renowned Toyota dependability, the Lexus RX becomes the obvious choice. Factor in the positive dealership experience, and it’s no surprise that RX models are a common sight on roads everywhere.
The praise for the Lexus RX extends beyond my personal experience. Autoweek’s review of this generation RX aptly titled, “2017 Lexus RX350 Review: Best-Seller For A Reason,” reinforces this sentiment. Car and Driver echoed this, noting the RX’s enduring appeal lies in its “posh interior, enduring comfort, quiet operation, contemporary safety features, the latest infotainment, and now a bolder exterior.”
This seemingly beige and unassuming Lexus SUV, while perhaps not the most exhilarating vehicle, excels precisely where it matters most. It’s not about thrilling handling or neck-snapping acceleration; it’s about delivering unwavering competence and reliability. And for that, the Lexus RX 350 deserves immense respect.
