Lexus RX350 (2006 – 2009) Review

Lexus RX350 (2006 – 2009) At A Glance

3/5

+Faster, more economical and better equipped than the RX300. A refined, enjoyable drive. Solid build quality.

-Lacks the off-road prowess exhibited by many of its rivals.

On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

Lexus RX350 (2006 – 2009) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4740 mm
Width 1845 mm
Height 1705 mm
Wheelbase 2715 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1915 kg
Boot Space 439 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 10000 miles
Costs
List Price £32,425–£44,910
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands -
Official MPG 25.2 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until April 2009

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
SE Auto £38,585 - -
SE-L Auto £44,910 - -

On sale until November 2008

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
3.5 Litre Auto £32,425 - -

Model History

March 2006

European Premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2006. New 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with 5-speed automatic transmission. 272bhp at 6,200rpm and 342Nm at 4,700rpm whilst reducing fuel consumption by 8% over previous RX300. Enhanced noise and vibration reduction measures result in even lower noise levels at all vehicle speeds. Also features new Mark Levinson Premium audio system, as well as a new, high-definition and fast response Lexus Navigation System.

April 2006

On sale in the UK priced from £31,890.

January 2007

RX 350 Limited Edition for 2007 with features worth £3,500, but costing just £2,500 more than RX 350. Leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint all included. Lexus Multimedia and Navigation Package and In-Car Entertainment system available as options. £34,495 on the road.

New premium ICE package from March comprises two slim tablet units, securely mounted on the back of the front seats. Each features an eight-inch WVGA screen with an integrated side loading DVD player and USB 2.0 and SD Card readers. The units are resistant to screen jitter when travelling over uneven surfaces and their larger screen size gives a wider viewing angle. Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided. Reception has been sharpened and there is an auto power-off function.

Each tablet has a manual control panel, or a remote control unit can be used, redesigned for a superior tactile quality and ease of use. The tablets have RCA inputs for connecting compatible games consoles and a stereo 23.5mm jack point. The screens can be operated together or independently, should passengers choose to enjoy the same playback or their own choice of video, music or gaming. The system is compatible with Region 2 DVD, CD, USB 2.0 and SD Card media. Compatible formats are DVD playback 4.3 and 1.69, MPEG2, MPEG 4, DivX, MP3 CD, MP3 DVD, photo CD JPEG, DVD video, Video CD (VCD) and Super Video CD (SVCD). Premium ICE package provided as standard on SE-L versions of the RX 350 and RX 400h. It is offered as an option on all other grades, priced £2,200.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

Sudden battery draindowns can be caused by the connection between the bulkhead switch and the air conditioning. With those made in Taiwan, when the ignition key is removed it is possible that the air conditioning does not disconnect (there is no visible/audible indication of this) - and the battery can be drained within 3/4's of an hour. You must ensure that the air conditioning is separately switched off before you turn off the ignition or the failure could recur. Best to replace the Taiwan-made connection with its German made counterpart."

What does the Lexus RX350 (2006 – 2009) cost?