Highlight: This is the first time the popular RX crossover adds a third row.
Vehicle’s MSRP: $52,720 (Base Model: $48,695)
Seating Capacity: Up To Seven
Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; heated outside mirrors; first aid kit; electric parking brakes; vehicle stability control; traction control; forward collision warning; automatic braking; pedestrian system; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure alert system; lane keep assist system; rear seat seatbelt indicator; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; a rear privacy glass; automatic headlights; power rear door; a keyless entry system; an automatic dual zone climate control system; an automatic rearview mirror with a compass; 8-speed automatic transmission; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear a/c vents; fuel saving start-stop technology; leather seats; power front seats; folding rear seats; and third row seats
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a blind spot monitor with rear traffic cross alert; heated and ventilated front seats; a touch free power rear door; and a 12-speaker Lexus audio system
Other Trim Level:
Luxury trim
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder/295-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:
20-city/27-hwy
What’s New: The big news this model year is the addition of the much anticipated extended RX crossover, which squeezes in a third row.
Why: Lexus most popular crossover is still available in a front wheel drive and an all wheel drive configuration. For the first time, a third row is now available.
The
space age looking crossover is available in a base and a luxury trim. As with
the case of the RX, the extended version provides a great ride that soaks up
every bump on the road.
With
the stretched RX, there is now additional cargo room in the RX, when the
third-row is folded flat. The RX 350L provides additional utility for hauling
objects in the rear of the vehicle, while still accommodating up to five
occupants.
Base
pricing for Lexus’ first three row crossover is a bargain, especially, when
compared to other crossovers. In fact,
GM’s trio of three-row crossovers, the Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave and
the GMC Acadia Denali seems to bump up against or in the case of the Buick
exceeds the pricing of the RX 350L we reviewed.
For the driver, the
RX continues to offer the latest high tech features, a gigantic tablet-like infotainment screen and a well-balanced sound system.
But:
While Lexus finally has a three-row, car-based crossover, its takes a lot of
maneuvering to seat large adults in both the second and third row
simultaneously. Thankfully the second row slides forward in order to
accommodate two occupants in the third row. Possibly, the best scenario is to
place adults in the second row, while seating small kids in the third row. We
can’t imagine an average size adult taking a road trip, while being seated in
both the second and third rows.
Moreover,
with the third row in use, the cargo room is severely limited and the
horsepower drops from 295 to 290, when comparing the short wheel base RX to the
extended version.
Furthermore,
Lexus’ massive spindle grille still is somewhat controversial. Either folks
will love it, hate it or just tolerate it.
Lastly, the infotainment system can be controlled by the sensitive mouse pad (or the much welcome knobs).
Lastly, the infotainment system can be controlled by the sensitive mouse pad (or the much welcome knobs).
Verdict:
Lexus has finally
joined the three-row crossover craze with one of its most popular vehicles. The
downside is that it might not be able to accommodate average size adults when both the second and third rows are both occupied for an extended trip, due to the limited interior
space despite the vehicle being lengthen.
However,
for buyers who love the RX and are seeking additional cargo room, the RX L is a winner.
1 comment:
Taxi drivers would love that
Post a Comment