2007 Lexus RX: Road Test
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2007 Lexus RX ▼
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- MSRP: $37,400 -$42,580
- Invoice: $33,099 -$37,894
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Our road test for the 2007 Lexus RX includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Lexus RX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Lexus RX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Lexus RX help you decide if a 2007 Lexus RX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
RX 350 is strong at any speed. Automatic transmission always smooth, but downshifts for highway passing can be sluggish. RX 400h has impressive thrust, outstanding passing punch. AWD test example did 7.3 sec 0-60 mph. However, gas/electric powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 3.6 |
Test AWD RX 350 averaged 19.1 mpg overall, 21.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD RX 400h averaged 23.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, 22.7 with gas-eating performance runs and lots of city driving. Both models require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 5.6 |
Firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan--though RX 400h a bit harsher over sharp bumps than other RXs tested. Little rough-surface thump.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
Far more pleasant in daily driving than truck-type SUVs. Not happy hustling twisty roads, but modest cornering lean, secure grip. Steering feels a little numb on center in RX 350, is more direct in 400h. Strong brakes, but pedal feels slightly mushy.
QUIETNESS
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Drivetrains 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 RX 350's multipanel sunroof produces more of both.
CONTROLS
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.5 |
Large, legible gauges. Most controls handy, intuitive, but a few require searching. Available navigation system incorporates some climate and audio functions, turning some simple adjustments into multistep procedures. Its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions. RX 400h screen includes energy monitor and fuel-economy displays that can be distracting. Exemplary cabin materials and workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Seats shaped, padded for long-haul comfort. Good basic driving stance with plenty of adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship. Step-in a bit steep, but livable; RX 350's available 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)
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Ample head room and foot space for adults sitting outboard. Seat slides fore/aft. Sliding it rearward affords generous leg room, even behind a tall front-seater. Middle adult slightly squeezed on harder, higher cushion with little leg space. Backrests recline, but are hard to adjust while seated. Entry/exit OK, despite narrowish floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and headrests 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-item storage includes nifty sliding front console and two full-width covered wells under cargo floor. Household-type two-prong outlet is behind rear seat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 5.9 |
This premium midsize SUV has many imitators, but none offer this Best Buy's blend of comfort, refinement, and build quality. Adding to its Best Buy appeal are Lexus's strong resale values and kid-glove customer care. RX 350's prices do soar with options, some of which you can easily do without. The gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h is costlier still, but blends V8-type acceleration with V6 levels of fuel economy and exhaust emissions.
Total Score
| AWD 350 w/18 in. wheels, nav. sys. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 70 | 61.3 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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