2008 Lexus RX 350 Review

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

level of standard equipment is impressive
Edmunds

cloth upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control
Automotive.com

gives up nothing to the more expensive prestige-brand SUVs
Edmunds

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 base model is fitted with an array of standard features, but many options are bundled into expensive packages.

According to Automotive.com, "cloth upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 132-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo with eight-speakers and an in-dash, six-CD changer, cruise control, privacy glass, automatic headlamps, 10-way power adjustment for both front seats, and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob" are all standard equipment. Edmunds adds, "The Lexus RX 350's level of standard equipment is impressive and includes a power rear liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors all around, wood interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, four one-touch power windows and second-row seats that slide and recline."

Options come in packages. According to Automotive.com, "the Premium Package includes leather upholstery, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, a roof rack, power moonroof and entry lights that illuminate the ground below the doors," while "the Premium Plus Package...adds high-intensity discharge headlamps that turn in the direction of travel...the Lexus RX 350 2008 Performance Package includes 8-inch graphite-colored aluminum alloy wheels with wider tires, height-adjustable air suspension, sequential-shifting transmission, and rain-sensing wipers." This source adds that "heated front seats can be ordered as a stand-alone option" for every Lexus RX 350.

Edmunds reports "available Lexus RX 350 2008 features such as a rearview camera, adaptive headlights (which swivel slightly in the direction you are turning) and a voice-activated navigation system mean that this midsize luxury sport-ute gives up nothing to the more expensive prestige-brand SUVs when it comes to technology."

They also note “a stunning Mark Levinson audio system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones” are offered, "but
the Mark Levinson system is only available as part of a pricey package.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 offers the luxury features buyers expect from a Lexus—and one of the best audio systems on the market.


Read More of this Review:

  1. Styling
  2. Performance
  3. Quality
  4. Safety
  5. Features

Other Choices:

    The 2008 Lexus RX 350 competes against other mid-size SUVs and crossovers. While the Lexus RX 350 reigns supreme in delivering on luxury, it's more of a Costco-style everyman's luxury. At a sales rate of 100,000-plus per year, there's not much exclusivity in this choice.

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See the Lexus RX 350 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. I don't get it

    By Bill | Posted: Aug 28th 2008, 07:22:15 PM

    I have been shopping for a new luxury crossover. Of course, the RX was on the list. I've heard and read a lot of good reviews about it. I went and drove one. I have to say I don't get it. What do people see in this thing. I felt the interior was cramped, especially in the back seat. The interior felt cheap. The "leather" has a rubbery feel, a lot like BMW's leatherette. Yeah, it has some cool features, but not nearly enough to make me get over the noisy ride. It has an oversized go cart feel. The steering and brakes feel rigid. I have found that true of most Japaneese cars though. There seem to be a lot better alternatives on the market. I had narrowed it down to this or the Lincoln. I'll be picking up my new MKX tomorrow!

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