Vehicle: 2007 Lexus RX350 with Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$56550

Performance: The biggest highlight for 07 RX is the engine. This 3.5L DOHC V6 with replaces the highly praised 3.3L. This 3.5L has horsepower and torque improvements over 3.3L, 47 hp and 13 lb/ft respectively. Although not a significant jump, it does give RX an even more responsive powerplant in order to compete with newer competitions. The extra torque does wonder for highway passing but seems Toyota has sacificed some refinement for performance. This engine is typically Lexus refined and smooth, although its not as quiet as I expected. On the other hand, the standard 5-speed manumatic has some shifting harshness between gears. That is a very nasty surprise given Toyota is famous for their smooth-shifting auto transmission. The roughness is most obvious between 1st and 3rd gear during acceleration. We asked Lexus executive about this issue. They basically said Toyota will started addressing this issue when more complaints on this tranny.

Handling: As expected from a comfort-oriented luxury SUV, RX350 is not known for outright handling. However, its dynamically enough to avoid crashes in an emergency thanks to the instrusive Vehicle Stability Control or VSC. This system really has desired effect for controlling oversteer and understeer whenever a vehicle has reached its limits. The steering is smooth but its totally devoid of any feedback. The body rolls are acceptable. On the other hand, ride quality is simply excellent as it absorbs all the roughness on Canadian road with ease. The spring calibration has tuned with comfort in mind but still not supple enough for my taste.

Brakes: RX’s brake assist has to be considered as one of the better ones in the industry. It never grabs driver’s leg when ABS starts to kick-in. The brakes are equally good as it provides decent feedback and modulation.

Interior: The moment you jump inside a RX, you know its a Lexus with all its quality materials and features. The leather seats are comfortable, as well as covered in top-quality materials. Dashboard materials are all excellent. However, Lexus still refused to fix the center infomation center that tends to wash out during sunlight.

Conclusion: Mercedes just got a new ML, Acura is going to introduce all-new RDX and MDX. Not to mention X5 will be completely revamp soon. FX has gone through ride softening revision even though it remains garish compares to understated RX. Its a smart step for Lexus to give RX a new heart in order to keep it competitive. However, its just too pricey after adding all the options. Since the base RX350 is no stripper, its far better value than ones added with Premium or Ultra Premium Package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 LEXUS RX350
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.75/5
Value-for-money: 1.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5