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2021 Lexus RX 350 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus RX 350 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Great ride quality
  • Lots of standard features
  • Attractive cabin

Cons

  • Distracting touchpad controller
  • Real-world fuel economy is so-so
  • Not exactly fun to drive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $46,998*

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2021 Lexus RX 350 gets additional standard features

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is a good-looking, comfortable, and cargo-friendly luxury SUV that adds a few extra features for 2021. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard features, making merging on the highway or backing up in a parking lot a little easier. Otherwise, the RX is unchanged from the 2020 model year.

There's little reason for complaint, though. The RX comes loaded with features, including power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. You also get driver aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, which warns you if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.

Its biggest competition is the Acura MDX, which offers similar features and a third-row seat. The RX is also available as a hybrid (RX 350h) and with a third row (RX 350L), both of which are reviewed separately.

All Lexus RX 350 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Lexus RX 350 generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2021 Lexus RX 350?

  • RX 350 trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Cruise Control, Adjustable Suspension, Full Roof Rack, and Running Boards as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Performance trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The F-Sport trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.

2021 Lexus RX 350 trims

Curious how Lexus RX 350 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 295-hp, 267-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Lexus RX 350 inventory

L:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • 290-hp, 263-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Third Row Seat
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our Lexus RX 350 L inventory

F-Sport:

L Luxury:

Performance:

What We Like 

  • Comfort: Comfort is key in a Lexus, and the RX 350 is generally excellent. The RX 350 can make a long commute much more comfortable, thanks to well-insulated windows, comfortable seats, and an effective and easy-to-use climate control system. 

  • Interior: The dashboard and all major controls are easy to reach and clearly labeled, making it easy to get acquainted with the RX. There's plenty of legroom for tall passengers in both the back and front seats, and the sunroof doesn't appear to constrict headroom too much. The interior is good-looking and uses high-quality materials.  

  • Storage: The 18.4 cubic feet of storage available in the RX is decent, and the rear seats fold in a clever 40/20/40 configuration that gives you some flexibility when loading larger items. Interior storage is solid, and the wide door openings make it easy to install child safety seats.  

 What Needs Improvement 

  • Fuel economy: The Lexus RX 350 gets an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon

    in combined highway/city driving. But in real-world Edmunds' testing, it got less than 22 mpg, which is a bit disappointing.  

 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

16 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Lexus RX 350 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lexus RX 350 3rd out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350 features and specs

Curious how Lexus RX 350 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Mark Levinson Sound
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

290

Torque (ft-lbs)

263

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19.2

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

196.9"

Width

74.6"

Height

67.3"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 30.9"/R 23.5"

Head room

F 39.8"/M 38.5"/R 34.8"

Front tires

P235/65VR18

Rear tires

P235/65VR18

Seating capacity

7

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Lexus RX 350 FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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