The Lexus RX 350 has long been a favorite in the luxury SUV segment, consistently earning accolades from reputable sources like J.D. Power and Associates and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This consistent recognition speaks volumes about its dependability and safety. Even as the current generation approached its seventh year since its 2008 introduction, Lexus opted for evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes for the 2015 model, a testament to the RX 350’s enduring appeal. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review, much like what you’d expect from Car and Driver, to see what makes the 2015 Lexus RX 350 a continued contender in its class.
Familiar Comfort and Practicality
The 2015 Lexus RX 350 continues the Lexus tradition of providing comfortable and reliable transportation with minimal driver engagement. This SUV prioritizes ease of use and a relaxed driving experience, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes and family duties. With its five-passenger configuration, the RX 350 comfortably accommodates families, while offering a generous 40 cubic feet of cargo space. This cargo capacity is more than sufficient for luggage, groceries, or weekend getaway gear. The RX 350’s design balances elegance with practicality, making it a versatile vehicle for various lifestyles.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping Pace, But Not Leading
Stepping inside the 2015 RX 350, the technology interface presents a blend of user-friendliness and areas for improvement. The standard 7-inch display, upgradable to 8 inches with the navigation option, might appear somewhat modest compared to the larger, widescreen displays becoming increasingly common in competing luxury SUVs. The Lexus Remote Touch interface, a joystick-style controller, remains a distinctive feature. While intended to offer a tactile way to navigate the infotainment system, it can sometimes feel less precise than desired, requiring a learning curve for optimal use.
However, the RX 350’s infotainment system isn’t without its strengths. The onscreen graphics are well-designed and intuitive, particularly the main menu layout. The navigation system, while presented in a top-down format and with limited live traffic coverage compared to some rivals, provides reliable route guidance. The inclusion of a head-up display (HUD) is a welcome feature, projecting turn-by-turn directions and speed information onto the windshield, enhancing driver awareness without being overly distracting. This monochromatic HUD, while functional, lacks the visual flair of the multicolored displays found in some European competitors.
Lexus elevates the RX 350’s connectivity through its Enform telematics system. Integrating with smartphone apps, Enform provides access to services like Bing search, Yelp, OpenTable, and Facebook Places. While these apps enhance the navigation’s destination search capabilities, their placement within menus and lack of full voice control integration feel somewhat less seamless than fully integrated systems. For audio entertainment, the RX 350 offers a comprehensive suite of options, including HD radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, and USB connectivity. The Enform system further expands music choices with iHeartRadio and Pandora apps. The optional Mark Levinson 15-speaker audio system delivers excellent sound clarity and a well-defined soundstage, creating a premium listening experience, especially when the surround sound processing is disengaged for music playback.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Exhilaration
The driving experience of the 2015 Lexus RX 350 prioritizes comfort and ease over sporty handling. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 270 horsepower, provides adequate power for everyday driving. While not the most potent engine in its class, it delivers smooth and reliable performance. The RX 350’s acceleration and overall driving feel are best described as balanced – neither underpowered nor overtly sporty. The emphasis is clearly on a relaxed and uncomplicated driving experience.
The suspension and steering are tuned for comfort. The ride quality is notably smooth, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a composed feel, even on less-than-perfect surfaces. The steering is light and easy to manage, particularly at lower speeds, making parking and city driving effortless. On the highway, the RX 350 tracks straight and true, requiring minimal steering input to maintain lane position. While the RX 350 doesn’t offer an air suspension, its fixed suspension is remarkably comfortable, striking a balance between control and plushness.
The six-speed automatic transmission is designed for seamless operation, with gear changes occurring smoothly and unobtrusively. While a Sport mode and manual shift capability are available, they feel somewhat out of character with the RX 350’s overall relaxed demeanor. The all-wheel-drive system available on the RX 350 enhances traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. While primarily front-wheel-drive biased, it can distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. A differential lock feature provides added confidence in slippery conditions, helping to prevent wheel spin and improve traction when needed.
Fuel economy for the 2015 Lexus RX 350 is adequate but not class-leading. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city, with the front-wheel-drive version slightly edging out the all-wheel-drive model on the highway at 25 mpg versus 24 mpg. Observed fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions, and as noted in some road tests, city driving can significantly impact fuel consumption.
Driver Assistance and Safety: Functional, But Lacking Advanced Features
The 2015 RX 350 includes essential driver-assistance features, such as a blind-spot monitoring system and a rearview camera. The blind-spot monitor effectively alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes, enhancing safety during lane changes. However, the rearview camera lacks dynamic guidelines or trajectory lines, features common in many competitors. Notably absent is adaptive cruise control, a feature increasingly prevalent in the luxury SUV segment and often bundled with more advanced collision prevention systems. This omission suggests a less aggressive approach to driver-assistance technology compared to some rivals.
Pros and Cons: 2015 Lexus RX 350
Pros:
- Comfortable Ride: The RX 350 excels in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, ideal for daily driving and long journeys.
- Spacious and Practical: Ample passenger and cargo space make it a versatile choice for families and individuals needing utility.
- User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system, while not cutting-edge, is generally intuitive and easy to use.
- Reputation for Reliability: Lexus consistently ranks high in reliability, and the RX 350 is no exception.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Provides added confidence and traction in various weather conditions.
Cons:
- Mediocre Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not a standout feature compared to some competitors.
- Dated Technology: Some technology features, particularly the infotainment interface and driver-assistance systems, lag behind newer rivals.
- Uninspiring Driving Dynamics: The RX 350 prioritizes comfort over engaging handling, which may not appeal to driving enthusiasts.
- Smallish Infotainment Screen: The standard and optional screen sizes can feel small compared to contemporary widescreen displays.
Conclusion: A Timeless Choice for Practical Luxury
The 2015 Lexus RX 350 remains a compelling option in the luxury SUV market, particularly for buyers prioritizing comfort, reliability, and practicality. While it may not boast the latest cutting-edge technology or the most exhilarating driving dynamics, its strengths lie in its refined driving experience, spacious interior, and Lexus’s renowned dependability. For those seeking a no-nonsense luxury SUV that excels in everyday usability and comfort, the 2015 Lexus RX 350, as often highlighted in Car and Driver comparisons, continues to be a solid and dependable choice. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its well-rounded nature and its ability to meet the needs of a broad range of luxury SUV buyers.
