2005 Lexus RX: Road Test
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2005 Lexus RX ▼
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- MSRP: $36,025 -$37,425
- Invoice: $31,881 -$33,120
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Our road test for the 2005 Lexus RX includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Lexus RX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Lexus RX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Lexus RX help you decide if a 2005 Lexus RX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Test 2WD RX 330 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph, expect about the same with AWD. Automatic transmission always smooth, responsive. RXs with air suspension get manual shift gate that's useful in some situations. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.3 |
Test 2WD averaged 14.2 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Test AWD averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium-grade fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan. Hardly any rough-surface thump, regardless of tire size. Air-suspension option offers no detectable comfort advantage.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Not car-agile, but reasonably nimble and more pleasant than any truck-type SUV. Air suspension again shows little apparent benefit. Steering slightly numb on-center, but cornering lean modest and grip secure, helped by standard antiskid system. Braking strong, but pedal feel slightly mushy in one test example.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Engine always quiet, refined. Pleasingly low overall noise levels approach those of some premium cars. The regular sunroof doesn't generate much turbulence or noise even when fully open at 70 mph, but the multipanel sunroof produces more of both.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 6.3 |
Exemplary cabin materials and workmanship, as expected of Lexus. Ditto large, legible gauges. Center dashboard area looks busy and a few switches require searching, but most controls handy, intuitive. Optional navigation system absorbs some climate functions. It isn't too tough to figure out, but its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
Seats shaped and padded for long-haul comfort; optional heated seats include variable-temperature control. Good basic driving stance with ample adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship. Step-in a bit steep, but livable; air suspension's "access" mode drops vehicle 1.2 inches from normal height to ease entry/exit. Bulky rear-roof pillars, narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Adults in outboard positions have ample head room and foot space, and, with rear bench slid fully aft, generous leg room even behind tall front-seaters. Middle adult slightly squeezed on harder, higher cushion with little leg space. Reclining rear backrests hard to adjust while seated. Entry/exit OK despite narrowish floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
Rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and head restraints in place, but don't lay quite flat. Class-competitive load volumes with seats up or down, but limited height, sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-items storage includes nifty sliding front-console bin and two full-width covered wells under cargo floor. Power liftgate has its uses, plus child-friendly "pinch protection" sensors; it works from switches on gate, dashboard, or remote keyfob. Standard 115-volt 2-prong outlet behind rear seat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 6 |
The pioneer "crossover" now has many imitators, but none offer more-appealing blend of comfort, refinement, luxury, and build quality. Consider, too, Lexus's strong resale values and kid-gloves customer service. Prices soar with options, some of which you can easily do without. Even with that, the RX is an impressive Best Buy.
Total Score
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 69 | 59.9 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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