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2008 Lexus RX Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2008 Lexus RX Review:
2008 Lexus RX Review
The 2008 Lexus RX is largely unchanged. Two versions are offered, each with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and five-passenger seating. The RX 350 has a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h teams a 3.3-liter V6 with battery-powered electric motors for a total of 268 hp. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, the RX 400h can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands. It requires no plug-in charging. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, power tilt and telescopic steering column, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system with rearview camera, heated front seats, and DVD entertainment. Options exclusive to the 350 include a multipanel sunroof and a load-leveling height-adjustable suspension.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
News
Our moles see a redesigned RX bowing in March 2008 as an early '09 model. It's said to be a bit larger than the current RX, but still smaller overall than sister Toyota Highlander. More news should be breaking soon, so keep checking back with us.
That also holds for the JX 470, a larger Lexus crossover. Based on the GS sedan platform, it reportedly uses a 4.3-liter V8--"470" notwithstanding--and there's talk of a 3.5-liter V6 version for good measure. Rear drive and all-wheel drive will be offered. So, too, three-row seating in an overall package sized like the recent LF-X concept. That should mean overall length of around 196 inches and a wheelbase near 116 inches. Assuming the concept's styling is predictive, the JX will look simple, square, and slab-sided. Key competitors are said to include Infiniti's FX models, the Mercedes-Benz M- and R-Class, and BMW's redesigned 2007 X5.
Meantime, Lexus is pondering a compact crossover aimed at the BMW X3 and Acura's new RDX. Though not yet approved, it's being rumored as a possible 2009 model based on Toyota's just-redesigned RAV4 and so would be smaller than the RX. Stay tuned.
That also holds for the JX 470, a larger Lexus crossover. Based on the GS sedan platform, it reportedly uses a 4.3-liter V8--"470" notwithstanding--and there's talk of a 3.5-liter V6 version for good measure. Rear drive and all-wheel drive will be offered. So, too, three-row seating in an overall package sized like the recent LF-X concept. That should mean overall length of around 196 inches and a wheelbase near 116 inches. Assuming the concept's styling is predictive, the JX will look simple, square, and slab-sided. Key competitors are said to include Infiniti's FX models, the Mercedes-Benz M- and R-Class, and BMW's redesigned 2007 X5.
Meantime, Lexus is pondering a compact crossover aimed at the BMW X3 and Acura's new RDX. Though not yet approved, it's being rumored as a possible 2009 model based on Toyota's just-redesigned RAV4 and so would be smaller than the RX. Stay tuned.
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2008 Lexus RX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Rear visibility |
| Quietness | Climate controls (w/nav. sys.) |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
RX 350 is strong at any speed. The automatic transmission is always smooth, but downshifts for highway passing can be sluggish. RX 400h has impressive thrust and outstanding passing punch. In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD example did 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. However, the gas/electric powertrain is prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
RX 350 is strong at any speed. The automatic transmission is always smooth, but downshifts for highway passing can be sluggish. RX 400h has impressive thrust and outstanding passing punch. In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD example did 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. However, the gas/electric powertrain is prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide tests, an AWD RX 350 averaged 19.1 mpg overall, and 21.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD RX 400h averaged 23.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 22.7 with gas-eating performance runs and lots of city driving. Both models require premium-grade gas.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 3.3 |
In Consumer Guide tests, an AWD RX 350 averaged 19.1 mpg overall, and 21.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD RX 400h averaged 23.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 22.7 with gas-eating performance runs and lots of city driving. Both models require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The ride is firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan--though the RX 400h is a bit harsher over sharp bumps than other RXs we've tested. There is little rough-surface thump.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
The ride is firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan--though the RX 400h is a bit harsher over sharp bumps than other RXs we've tested. There is little rough-surface thump.
Steering/Handling/Braking
RXs are not happy hustling twisty roads, but they have modest cornering lean and secure grip. The steering feels a little numb on center in the RX 350 but is more direct in the 400h. The brakes are strong, but the pedal feels slightly mushy.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
RXs are not happy hustling twisty roads, but they have modest cornering lean and secure grip. The steering feels a little numb on center in the RX 350 but is more direct in the 400h. The brakes are strong, but the pedal feels slightly mushy.
Quietness
The drivetrains are quiet and refined. The 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.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
The drivetrains are quiet and refined. The 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
The gauges are large and legible. Most controls are handy and intuitive, but a few require searching. The available navigation system incorporates some climate and audio functions, turning some simple adjustments into multistep procedures. Also, its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions. The screen in the RX 400h includes energy monitor and fuel-economy displays that can be distracting.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
The gauges are large and legible. Most controls are handy and intuitive, but a few require searching. The available navigation system incorporates some climate and audio functions, turning some simple adjustments into multistep procedures. Also, its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions. The screen in the RX 400h includes energy monitor and fuel-economy displays that can be distracting.
Details
RX models feature exemplary cabin materials and workmanship.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
RX models feature exemplary cabin materials and workmanship.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The seats are shaped and padded for long-haul comfort. A good basic driving stance is abetted by plenty of adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding an agreeable seat and steering-wheel relationship. Step-in is a bit steep, but it is livable; RX 350's available air suspension's "access" mode drops the vehicle 1.2 inches from its normal height to ease entry and exit. The bulky rear-roof pillars and narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
The seats are shaped and padded for long-haul comfort. A good basic driving stance is abetted by plenty of adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding an agreeable seat and steering-wheel relationship. Step-in is a bit steep, but it is livable; RX 350's available air suspension's "access" mode drops the vehicle 1.2 inches from its normal height to ease entry and exit. The bulky rear-roof pillars and narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom and foot space are ample for adults sitting outboard. The seat slides fore and aft. Sliding it rearward affords generous legroom, even behind a tall front-seat occupant. The middle adult is slightly squeezed on a harder and higher cushion with little leg space. The backrests recline but are hard to adjust while seated. Entry and exit is OK, despite narrowish floor passages.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Headroom and foot space are ample for adults sitting outboard. The seat slides fore and aft. Sliding it rearward affords generous legroom, even behind a tall front-seat occupant. The middle adult is slightly squeezed on a harder and higher cushion with little leg space. The backrests recline but are hard to adjust while seated. Entry and exit is OK, despite narrowish floor passages.
Cargo Room
The rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and with their headrests in place, but they don't lay quite flat. RXs have class-competitive load volumes with seats up or down, but their limited height and sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-item storage includes a nifty sliding front console and two full-width covered wells under the cargo floor. A household-type two-prong outlet is behind the rear seat.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
The rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and with their headrests in place, but they don't lay quite flat. RXs have class-competitive load volumes with seats up or down, but their limited height and sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-item storage includes a nifty sliding front console and two full-width covered wells under the cargo floor. A household-type two-prong outlet is behind the rear seat.
Value within Class
This premium midsize SUV has many imitators, but few offer this Best Buy's blend of comfort, refinement, and build quality. Adding to its appeal are Lexus's strong resale values and kid-glove customer care. RX 350's prices soar with options, some of which you can easily do without. The gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h is costlier still, but it blends V8-like acceleration with V6 levels of fuel economy.
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 6.1 |
This premium midsize SUV has many imitators, but few offer this Best Buy's blend of comfort, refinement, and build quality. Adding to its appeal are Lexus's strong resale values and kid-glove customer care. RX 350's prices soar with options, some of which you can easily do without. The gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h is costlier still, but it blends V8-like acceleration with V6 levels of fuel economy.
Total Score
| AWD 350 | AWD 400h | Class Average |
| 79 | 80 | 69.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 60 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 Lexus RX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/03/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD RX 350 4-door wagon | $37,400 | $33,099 | $765 |
|
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| AWD RX 350 4-door wagon | $38,800 | $34,338 | $765 |
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| 2WD RX 400h 4-door wagon | $41,580 | $37,004 | $765 |
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| AWD RX 400h 4-door wagon | $42,980 | $38,250 | $765 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
RX 350
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, adjustable split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, power liftgate, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 225/65SR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, limited-slip center differential.
RX 400h adds to RX 350:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: wood interior trim, tachometer.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
RX 350, RX 400h
|
$1,245
|
$1,122
|
|
Leather upholstery, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power sunroof, roof rack.
|
||
|
Premium Plus Pkg.
|
||
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$2,060
|
$1,856
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights.
|
||
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Performance Pkg.
|
||
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RX 350
|
$4,055
|
$3,649
|
|
Premium Plus Pkg. plus manual-shift capability for automatic transmission, rain-sensing wipers, load-leveling and height-adjustable air suspension, 235/55HR18 tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Navigation System/Mark Levinson Pkg.
|
||
|
RX 400h
|
$4,130
|
$3,341
|
|
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, Mark Levinson sound system, wireless cell phone link. Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
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Multipanel Moon Roof Pkg.
|
||
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RX 350
|
$2,840
|
$2,556
|
|
Multipanel sunroof, leather upholstery, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights.
|
||
|
Towing Pkg.
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||
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$160
|
$128
|
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Transmission-oil cooler, heavy-duty radiator, wiring harness.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
||
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$2,650
|
$2,225
|
|
Includes voice-recognition, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera.
|
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DVD entertainment system
|
||
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RX 350
|
$1,740
|
$1,392
|
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RX 400h
|
$1,840
|
$1,472
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg.
|
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Mark Levinson sound system
|
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RX 400h
|
$980
|
$739
|
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Adaptive cruise control
|
||
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$600
|
$480
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
RX 350
|
$540
|
$432
|
|
Includes heated headlight washers. Requires Premium Pkg. or Multipanel Moon Roof Pkg.
|
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|
Heated front seats w/rain-sensing wipers
|
||
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$665
|
$532
|
|
Includes heated headlight washers. Requires Premium Pkg. or Multipanel Moon Roof Pkg.
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Rain-sensing wipers
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RX 350
|
$125
|
$100
|
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Wood interior trim
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RX 400h
|
$380
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$304
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Includes wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel. Requires Premium Pkg.
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Rubber floormats
|
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$109
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$69
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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RX 350
|
$220
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$176
|
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Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
|
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RX 350
|
$815
|
$652
|
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RX 400h
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$815
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$693
|
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Requires Premium Pkg.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Tow-hitch receiver
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RX 350, RX 400h
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$415
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$295
|
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Unique alloy wheels
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RX 350
|
$605
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$484
|
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Includes 235/55HR18 tires. Requires Premium Pkg. or Multipanel Moon Roof Pkg.
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235/55HR18 tires
|
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RX 350, RX 400h
|
$495
|
$396
|
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Requires Premium Pkg. or Multipanel Moon Roof Pkg.
|
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|
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||
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2008 Lexus RX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus RX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4090 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 84.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /211 | 3.3 /201 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 270 @ 6200 | 268 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 251 @ 4700 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 17/22 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | 26/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus RX 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Lexus RX Review:
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