Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX is a crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold since 1998 by Lexus, the luxury division of the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter two classified as mid-size. Prior to the third generation model, Japanese sales occurred under the name Toyota Harrier as the Lexus brand had yet to be launched in Japan. In the Lexus model lineup, the RX sits below the company's other SUVs, the GX and LX, but remains the brand's only crossover model. As the one of earliest luxury crossovers on the market, the Lexus RX has inspired similar competitors from rival marques. Based on the unibody front-engine, front-wheel drive multi-model platform used by the Lexus ES, the RX is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with ride and features of a luxury sedan. Its commercial success as the best-selling Lexus model has been partially attributed to the strong reliability reputation held by Toyota and in turn Lexus. The success of the RX has been particularly strong in the United States where it has been the best-selling luxury SUV since its introduction. Manufacture of the RX has occurred at the Miyata plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan since launch. However, the RX remains notable as the only Lexus model to be also manufactured outside of Japan, with North American market non-hybrid versions produced at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant in Cambridge, Ontario since 2003. Currently in its third generation, the RX series has comprised both front- and four-wheel drive configurations and offered several gasoline powertrain options. Lexus fitted original RX series from 1998 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and marketed this model as the "RX 300". The Japanese market Toyota Harrier also offered a 2.2-liter inline-four, later uprated to 2.4-liters. Lexus released the second generation in 2003 as the "RX 300" (3.0-liter V6) or "RX 330" (3.3-liter V6), depending on the market, although both variants were supplanted in 2006 by the more powerful "RX 350" (3.5-liter V6). Like the previous series, a 2.4-liter inline-four engine sold alongside the 3.0-liter V6 in the Japanese market Toyota Harrier. In 2005, a hybridized gasoline-electric version of the 3.3-liter second generation model was made available as the "RX 400h" in export markets and as the "Harrier Hybrid" in Japan. For the third and current iteration released in 2009, Lexus initially offered both "RX 350" (3.5-liter V6) and "RX 450h" (3.5-liter V6 hybrid) models, with an entry-level "RX 270" (2.7-liter inline-four) offered since 2010 in some Asian markets.

In 2006 for the 2007 model year, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 replacing the 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine on non-hybrid models, updating the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350, with new model codes GSU30 and GSU35. In 2007 for the 2008 model year, the RX received a revised grille, chrome door handles, available new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and new exterior choices. Sales of the second generation Lexus RX continued the success of the RX series for Lexus. In 2006, the RX series sold over 108,000 units, making the Lexus RX the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States. The body kit, which includes the front and rear under-bumpers plus the side steps, retails for ¥138,600 ($1,400USD). The front grille replacement comes in at ¥49,350 ($500USD). North American availability is unknown.

Luxury Black Lexus RX 350

Attractive Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350 Steering Wheels

Lexus RX 350 Interior View

Elegant and Active Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed by the debut of the production RX 300 model at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330 went on sale shortly after. Equivalent versions of the first and second generation models were sold in Japan under the Toyota Harrier nameplate until 2008. In 2006, the RX line added the world's first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h. The redesigned third generation RX 350 went on sale in early 2009, followed later that year by the second generation Lexus RX hybrid, the RX 450h.

Active Lexus RX 350 In Black

In 2006 for the 2007 model year, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 replacing the 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine on non-hybrid models, updating the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350, with new model codes GSU30 and GSU35. In 2007 for the 2008 model year, the RX received a revised grille, chrome door handles, available new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and new exterior choices.

Lexus RX 350 Engine

At the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the LF-Xh concept was unveiled, hinting at the styling direction of the next RX. Later in November 2008, the redesigned third generation RX premiered at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, appearing as the standard RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and hybrid RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). The Japanese market Toyota Harrier was discontinued, with previous generation sales held for several months following the third generation's debut.

Lexus RX 350 Luxury Interior With Classic Design

Lexus RX 350 Doors Concept

The redesigned RX 350 features a revised 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine producing 275 horsepower (205 kW) with a wider power curve, it remains ULEV-II certified and now uses a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. A double wishbone rear suspension setup replaces the previous MacPherson strut design for improved handling and greater cargo space, while an optional Sports Package adds a performance-tuned suspension. Both non-hybrid and hybrid models continue in either front or all-wheel drive configurations, with the all-wheel drive system gaining Active Torque Control for greater efficiency, and all models are built off the new midsize flexible K-platform. American RX 350 sales began in February 2009 as a 2010 model.