2010 Lexus RX 350 Review

February 24, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

While the front end of the new RX is familiar, its nose isn't as pointy as the previous model's
Cars.com

Managed to take a boring but tidy SUV and crank the snooze up to 11
Jalopnik

Completely revised instrument panel, center stack and navigation system
Autoblog

The basic silhouette is intact
Edmunds

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 represents the next generation of the RX Lexus lineup, but the styling hasn't changed too drastically.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the exterior of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 still carves the same conservative, middle-of-the-road profile that Lexus is known for. Some reviewers aren't very impressed; Jalopnik says that Lexus "managed to take a boring but tidy SUV and crank the snooze up to 11." Others, however, appreciate the broad appeal of the Lexus RX 350.

The latest Lexus design language, which they have christened "L-finesse," works well on the Lexus RX 350, according to Cars.com. "L-finesse models have a clean, uncluttered look that's accented by sharp, angular design elements, such as the headlights," assesses Cars.com, and "the design theme doesn't diminish the RX's distinctive appearance." Edmunds finds the changes to be quite subtle, claiming that "to the untrained eye, it appears to be exactly the same midsize luxury crossover SUV as the 2009 Lexus RX 350," and while the "front and rear fascias are slightly different, and the wheels are larger...the basic silhouette is intact." Autoblog reviewers chime in by noting that the "sharp creases and broad shoulders [of the 2010 Lexus RX 350] give the RX a more hunkered-down appearance while still remaining innocuous."

The interior of the 2010 RX Lexus RX lineup gets a more significant makeover, boasting new styling elements throughout the cabin. Cars.com notes that the interior, "unlike the exterior, makes a bigger break from the previous RX in terms of its design" and is "offered in solid or two-tone color schemes," while the "dashboard has sweeping lines and makes wide use of soft-touch materials." Autoblog states that the interior of the Lexus RX 350 gets "a completely revised instrument panel, center stack and navigation system," while Road & Track mentions the addition of "an 8-inch navigation screen" as optional equipment. Car and Driver declares that the interior, though different, stays "conservative yet pleasing to the eye—parchment with brown walnut, or gray tones with charcoal maple."

Conclusion

The styling of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 doesn't stand out, but that might be a positive to those looking for practical luxury.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:While the front end of the new RX is familiar, its nose isn't as pointy as the previous model'sCars.comManaged to take a boring but tidy SUV and crank the snooze up to 11JalopnikCompletely revised instrument panel, center stack and navigation systemAutoblogThe basic silhouette is intactEdmunds The 2010 Lexus RX 350 represents the next generation of the RX Lexus lineup, but the styling hasn't changed too drastically. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the exterior of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 still carves the same conservative, middle-of-the-road profile that Lexus is known for. Some reviewers aren't very impressed; Jalopnik says that Lexus "managed to take a boring but tidy SUV and crank the snooze up to 11." Others, however, appreciate the broad appeal of the Lexus RX 350. The latest Lexus design language, which they have christened "L-finesse," works well on the Lexus RX 350, according to Cars.com. "L-finesse models have a clean, uncluttered look that's accented by sharp, angular design elements, such as the headlights," assesses Cars.com, and "the design theme doesn't diminish the RX's distinctive appearance." Edmunds finds the changes to be quite subtle, claiming that "to the untrained eye, it appears to be exactly the same midsize luxury crossover SUV as the 2009 Lexus RX 350," and while the "front and rear fascias are slightly different, and the wheels are larger...the basic silhouette is intact." Autoblog reviewers chime in by noting that the "sharp creases and broad shoulders [of the 2010 Lexus RX 350] give the RX a more hunkered-down appearance while still remaining innocuous." The interior of the 2010 RX Lexus RX lineup gets a more significant makeover, boasting new styling elements throughout the cabin. Cars.com notes that the interior, "unlike the exterior, makes a bigger break from the previous RX in terms of its design" and is "offered in solid or two-tone color schemes," while the "dashboard has sweeping lines and makes wide use of soft-touch materials." Autoblog states that the interior of the Lexus RX 350 gets "a completely revised instrument panel, center stack and navigation system," while Road & Track mentions the addition of "an 8-inch navigation screen" as optional equipment. Car and Driver declares that the interior, though different, stays "conservative yet pleasing to the eye—parchment with brown walnut, or gray tones with charcoal maple." ConclusionThe styling of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 doesn't stand out, but that might be a positive to those looking for practical luxury. 2010 LEXUS RX STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "While the front end of the new RX is familiar, its nose isn't as pointy as the previous model's" Jalopnik: "Managed to take a boring but tidy SUV and crank the snooze up to 11" Autoblog: "Completely revised instrument panel, center stack ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Five-passenger crossovers with luxury nameplates are usually smaller than the 2010 Lexus RX 350. The Lincoln MKX is in the same size class and has a unique take on upscale accommodations to go with its sizable curb weight and mediocre cargo room. The Cadillac SRX will be reinvented for the 2010 model year as a smaller five-seat crossover with V-6 power; stay tuned for more from TheCarConnection.com. The most surprising competitor to the Lexus RX is the Nissan Murano, with its urbane good looks and flexible V-6 performance making up for its lackluster transmission, cargo space, and dealer experience.

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See the Lexus RX 350 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By bob #1, Posted: 10/15/2009

    2010 rx 350 pulls to the left continuously. dealer has had car in to adjust alignment three times, with the last time taking four days to try to improve tracking.car has not been returned yet.mechanic said lexus has other models with a similar problem.

  2. By rob #2, Posted: 10/16/2009

    Yep. My 2010 RX350 Pulls to the left too! Factory sets the steering wheel a slight right so every time you try to set the steering straight it goes to the left. How on earth they got this wrong with the steering wheel? That's the most important thing for a driver. I'll never buy another Lexus again. They suck eggs with alignment issues.

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