2012 Lexus RX 350

The 2012 Lexus RX 350 leads on the subject of providing a plush ride, an opulent cabin and everyday utility. For most buyers, those attributes really should be enough to get over its rather uninspiring driving dynamics. For 2012, the Lexus RX 350 sees just one or two changes, including a new appearance package as well as the fuel recommendation dropping to 87-octane gasoline, though the latter also makes a minor drop in engine output.

The RX affords the latest high-tech features, and you will utilize them without feeling as if you have to study the user guide. The navigation system, for instance, features Lexus’ Remote Touch interface that employs a mouselike controller with tactile feedback — a far more intuitive setup than you can find in competing vehicles. Also tempting buyers are rear-seat video screens and the superb Mark Levinson audio system. Options, however, usually are grouped into costly packages that may quickly increase the price.

As impressive as the 2012 Lexus RX 350 is, it faces worthy rivals. The Buick Enclave, Lincoln MKT and Mercedes-Benz R-Class are all larger and gives a third-row seat for the people with bigger broods. In case you want a crossover SUV with spicier performance, next the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Infiniti FX35 would really be better choices. But overall, we believe most shoppers may find the RX 350′s combination of luxury, comfort and utility to be very appealing indeed.

2012 Lexus RX 350 SUV

The five-seat 2012 Lexus RX 350 is really a midsize luxury crossover SUV that’s offered in a single well-appointed trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, eight-way power front seats, an electricity tilt-and-telescoping tire, second-row seats that slide and recline, cloth upholstery, wood interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity plus a nine-speaker head unit which has a six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB interface and satellite radio.

The Premium package becomes necessary for that addition in the Comfort, Luxury and Navigation packages. Contentment package adds heated and ventilated front seats, bi-xenon adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers with an upgraded 12-speaker sound system. The posh package incorporates 19-inch wheels, power-retractable outside mirrors, upgraded leather seating, a right-hand sideview camera, a wood and leather controls and extendable front seat cushions. The Navigation package includes a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice control), Lexus’ Remote Touch interface, a back-up camera, increased Bluetooth functionality along with the Enform enhanced telematics features.

The 2012 Lexus RX 350 is powered using a 3.5-liter V6 who makes 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic may be the only obtainable transmission, but buyers can decide between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates gas mileage at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the FWD model, with AWD models making 18/24/20 mpg. Designed with the not compulsory towing package, the RX 350 can chin-up to three,500 pounds.

Standard safety equipment for your 2012 Lexus RX 350 includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, dual front knee bags and active front head restraints. Safety Connect, a conventional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an emergency assistance button is also included.

The Sports package’s VDIM system adds additional traction capabilities. Optional is the Pre-Collision System that comes packaged with adaptive cruise control. It determines when any sort of accident is unavoidable and pre-emptively stiffens the suspension, retracts top seatbelts and initializes brake assist.

Upscale appointments, exceptional cabin materials and cutting-edge tech features result in the 2012 Lexus RX 350 look additional expensive than its price might suggest. Authentic wood trim and high-quality leather lend an air of opulence, plus the optional Mark Levinson audio is just about the best sound systems available on the market.

Rear passengers will find the seating roomy and cozy as a result of reclining and sliding adjustments. Additionally, there is ample luggage and cargo space, with as many as 40 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats and 80 cubes with him or her stowed.

With regards to ride quality, the 2012 Lexus RX 350 doesn’t disappoint; the SUV feels impeccably smooth traveling. The compliant suspension and plentiful sound insulation isolate passengers from the outside world in a very silent bubble of luxury. The three.5-liter V6 is notably quiet, yet it’s also powerful enough to swiftly accelerate this crossover easily. The softly sprung suspension never feels floaty, though those with an appetite for sporty handling should research ordering the adventure package having its more firmly tuned suspension.