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Though you can see evidence of Lexus's L-Finesse design language that has largely shaped the look of the recent GS, LS and IS models in the body of the new RX, it is very subtle.
The cabin is cleanly styled and fitted with quality materials
The asymmetric design of the dash and center console may cause some consternation, but in practice it's actually pretty nice.
the body has been bulked up with a more masculine look
silky smooth and creamy, beautifully built--and boring as hell
STYLING | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Though you can see evidence of Lexus's L-Finesse design language that has largely shaped the look of the recent GS, LS and IS models in the body of the new RX, it is very subtle.
MSN Autos
The cabin is cleanly styled and fitted with quality materials
Edmunds
The asymmetric design of the dash and center console may cause some consternation, but in practice it's actually pretty nice.
Jalopnik
the body has been bulked up with a more masculine look
New York Times
silky smooth and creamy, beautifully built--and boring as hell
AutoWeek
The 2012 Lexus RX doesn't stand out in any way, and it's the epitome of practical, understated luxury. To some, that's a good thing; but it's worth keeping in mind that over this model's long model run--going back to the 1990s, and one of the first true crossovers--its silhouette hasn't much changed.
In fact, the RX's styling appears to play it safe in most respects--aiming for 'pleasant' more than 'inspired.' In its latest edition, introduced just a year ago, it's become even a bit more conservative-looking, which a slightly more blunt-nosed, high-shouldered look. But it hasn't lost its design essence—the tall roofline and handsome proportions are still in evidence, as is a bit more sculpturing to fit with the latest Lexus theme of "L-finesse."
Refinement remains the RX 350's focus inside. The interior was extensively redesigned, a couple of years ago, and it divides driver controls visually from the passenger zone—leaving a large swath of silver-painted plastic (at a time when silvery-painted plastic is played out, we might add) and a less sophisticated look in the place of the subdued, woody library feel. Up close, the RX's interior materials don't seem quite as rich as before--at least relative to the steadily rising standards for cabin trims.
Hybrid shoppers might be a little disappointed to find that the hybrid RX 450h is almost identical to the gas-only RX 350; differences amount to blue-lit gauges, a tinted grille, and a tweaked front bumper, as well as some optional 19-inch wheels and a few small hybrid logos.
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Conclusion
The RX's shape is familiar for a reason--it's a careful evolution of the look that spawned the luxury-crossover class back in the 1990s.
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