Latest RX on the mark  

 

A five-passenger, mid-size vehicle that delivers lifestyle-adjustable convenience and flexibility

With the arrival of the 2011 third-generation Lexus RX, it can safely be said this pioneering luxury vehicle's “crossing-over” days are now well behind it and it has emerged as a unique vehicle in its own right.

It is also now firmly established at its marketplace destination, as the best-selling Lexus vehicle in Canada extant and obviously a popular choice with those looking for a vehicle of this type in the mid-$40,000-plus range.

Lexus got the recipe right with the original RX 300 “crossover” in the late 1990s and successfully adjusted the mix to even better suit North American market tastes with the second-gen batch cooked up for 2004. The latest version moves the bar from three-star to four-star culinary status with richer and tastier ingredients and some re-plating that serves up a little more haute cuisine style.

The underlying approach remains the same: a five-passenger, mid-size vehicle that delivers lifestyle-adjustable convenience and flexibility, sensible performance allied to reasonable fuel economy and Lexus brand looks and luxury that's adjustable upward. And for those on a mission to do their bit for the Canadian economy, RXs (except for the hybrid) are built in Cambridge, Ont.

Lexus pretty much nailed the overall styling on the first attempt, didn't stray far from that theme with the second go-round and continues it with this new one. A lot of time likely went into refinement of this RX “look,” including the incorporation of Lexus's L-Finesse styling cues, but the result is essentially more of the same although it is perhaps a trifle “busier” as a result of the added sheet-metal embellishments.

It's stayed more or less the same size, too, just a tad shorter but 40 mm wider. Dimension changes under the bodywork are more important, including a 25-mm wheelbase stretch and a 70-mm wider track, which with the new double-wishbone rear suspension, revised front suspension geometry and electric power steering to give the RX350 improved response, handling and ride.

Braking has been upgraded with two-piston brake calipers up front and larger rotors all round. Passive safety has been improved on the structural side, but also with the inclusion of no less than 10 airbags, including knee bags for those up front. There's also ABS, brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, plus hill-start assist.

Lexus managed to restrain itself from upping the engine's displacement from the existing 3.5 litres but did find a little more power for the advertising types to tout. This smooth, twin-cam V-6 now makes a nice round 275 hp at 6,200 rpm and 257 lb-ft of torque – thanks to a very sophisticated valve control system, most of that torque is available from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm.

Even better than the extra five horsepower for 2011 is the new six-speed automatic transmission. Not only does it shift all but imperceptibly (you can also shift it yourself) and bring the benefits of another ratio, but has a system that locks up the torque converter on second to sixth gear to further enhance fuel economy.

The previous RX350 fuel economy numbers of 12.4 L/100 km city/9.0 highway have been improved to 11.6 city/8.2 L/100 km. It still requires premium fuel, however.

A new Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system employs electronics to distribute engine torque, now delivering up to 100 per cent to the front wheels (improving fuel economy) while cruising or a 50:50 split as traction and vehicle dynamics dictate. There's also a lock mode for deep snow or mud.

Despite its 2,000 kg or so heft, the RX350 is enjoyable to drive with decent acceleration – 0-100 km/h in the eight-second-plus range – and pleasingly direct responses, although the steering feel is a little light.

Matching the enhanced mechanical package is a re-done interior that ups the already high Lexus standard with a swoop-y centre stack design and such things as the bright Organic Light Emitting Diode information display, an improved climate control system and new seats (although the seat bases are still too short).

An entry RX350 is, as you'd expect, very well equipped, but the test vehicle's packages added leather heated and ventilated front seats, auto-dimming outside mirrors, a moon roof and a power rear hatch, Bi-Xenon HID, self-levelling, automatic, adaptive (they swivel) headlamps, a back-up camera and a smart-card key. Touring equipment included 19-inch wheels and P235/55 R19 tires, voice-activated navi system, multi-feature Lexus Premium audio, wood and leather wheel and shift knob and a reversing camera that uses the navi display.

Some recent crossover vehicle redesigns have reduced cargo carrying utility, but that's not the case here. The new rear suspension freed up useful additional space, with 1,132 litres available with the rear seatback upright and 2,274 litres with it folded. The RX350's towing rating is 1,587 kg.

It's easy to see why the RX350 became so popular. It offers Lexus luxury and prestige in a vehicle that, with its AWD system and cargo space, suits the needs of many Canadians and is more pleasant to drive than a conventional sport-ute.

 

ByBob English Globe and Mail