What is it: For 2018 Lexus added the seemingly necessary third row to the formerly two-row RX, calling it the RX 350L. This all-wheel-drive tester is well-equipped with leather seats and all the standard Lexus accoutrement (screens, seat heat, wood accents) and uses the company’s familiar 3.5-liter V6. It delivers 295 hp and 268 lb-ft with an eight-speed transmission.
Key Competitors: Cadillac XT5, Audi Q5, BMW X5
Base Price: $51,120
Full review: 2018 Lexus RX 350L first drive
Highlights: Again, the major change to the RX 350 for 2018 is the third row — the rest of the car mostly carries over to this model year. To add the third row, Lexus stretched the body 4.3 inches and made the top profile more aggressive, but the styling looks improved over the standard-length RX crossovers.
Our Opinion: Lexus solved the problem that the RX 350 faced in the easiest way possible: by making space for a third row and calling it the RX 350L. The stretched sheetmetal could have skewed the aesthetic balance of the smaller Lexus crossover, but it actually gives it more presence on the curb. It’s not noticeable from inside the car — that is unless you’re trying to climb into the third row, then you’ll obviously notice the added space. The RX 350L sticks with the broad strokes of Lexus’ interior and exterior designs — on the front you’ll see a gaping maw of a spindle grille with sharp angles and creases in the bodywork. Inside you’ll see pleasant leather covering most surfaces and a touchpad-controlled media system.
The 3.5-liter Lexus V6 isn’t exactly the most exciting engine on Earth but it does its job in this size car. Acceleration is linear with a responsive throttle. The eight-speed automatic, too, isn’t exciting but shifts smoothly without any hints of shuddering or hesitation. Gear changes are quick and drama free.
The star of this 2018 RX 350L is the driver’s seat. I’ve sat in a lot of seats — some of the nicest seats in the world: Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley to name the stars. While they’re all comfortable, the seats in this Lexus RX 350L are possibly the softest and plushest seats I’ve ever experienced in a car. I wouldn’t have been shocked to see a La-Z-Boy tag on the hatch.
While you wouldn’t feel bumps while driving anyway because of the fantastic seats, the suspension manages terrible Michigan roads with ease. There’s no sound of suspension parts crashing into each other or bottoming out that enter the cabin. It dives a little bit on braking, but that’s to be expected in luxury crossover.
Overall, the RX 350L picks up where the RX 350 left off — it’s more comfortable than the price would suggest, but it’s not as exciting to drive as the aggressive styling would suggest. There are always more potent versions of the RX that might scratch that itch. But, for getting to work and back, or taking your family along a road trip — it’s hard to beat the RX. Proving that fact, the company sells a ton.
–Wes Wren, associate editor
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $51,120
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6, AWD, 8-speed automatic
Output: 290 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 268 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Fuel Economy: 18/25/21 mpg(EPA City/Hwy/Combined)
Pros: Smooth powertrain, best seats in the world
Cons: Not very exciting to drive, polarizing grille