2007 Lexus RX Review

The Lexus RX has been completely redesigned for 2007, with a sleeker look, a more opulent interior, improved ride and handling, and some standout technology features, but the big news is more power.

The new, 270-horsepower, 3.5L all-aluminum V6 in the RX 350 has 47 horsepower more than last year's engine and can launch the RX to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds with front-wheel drive, 7.4 seconds with all-wheel drive. The engine has dual variable valve timing with intelligence and an electronic throttle control, to optimize responsiveness and efficiency at all engine speeds. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and with it the RX 350 gets the best-in-class fuel economy, according to Lexus, with EPA ratings of 20 city, 25 highway and also a clean-air ULEV II emissions certification.

A hybrid version of the RX, called the RX 400h, offers a 3.3L V6 gas engine combined with an electric motor to deliver 268 horsepower altogether, while it brings fuel economy estimates of up to 32 city, 27 highway and meets California's SULEV emission standards. It is a "full hybrid" system, meaning that it can operate at low speeds for short distances on electric power alone.

The RX 400h is only slightly different than the RX 350 in appearance, with round foglamps and a slightly different front end, and LED taillights. Inside, there's a standard multi-information display to monitor the hybrid functions.

Whether with front- or all-wheel drive, the RX 350 comes with standard stability control and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist. The all-wheel drive system uses a viscous limited-slip center differential and maintains a 50/50 power split during normal driving but can direct more torque toward the wheels not slipping in case traction is lost, working in conjunction with the stability control.

The RX's standard safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side air bags, side-curtain bags with a rollover sensor, and a driver's knee bag.

An optional air suspension automatically levels the RX regardless of the load, and provides four different ride-height settings-high for rough-road driving, normal, low for enhanced handling, and "access," the lowest setting, for easier entry and exit.

There are no trim levels with the RX 350, and whether with front- or all-wheel drive it comes very well equipped as a luxury vehicle, with standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, wood and leather trim, a power liftgate, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior seats five, and the back seat is split 40/20/40 for flexible cargo arrangements and it can also be reclined.

The RX 400h comes with similar standard equipment as the RX 350, but along with the hybrid system, slightly different appearance, and additional displays, it also has standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), a more sophisticated stability control system that can anticipate the loss of control in nearly any direction and can make corrections to help prevent the loss of control. The system includes electronically controlled brakes and a new electronic power steering system.

Key options on the RX include heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity discharge headlamps, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, leather seat trim, an illuminated entry system, a multi-panel moonroof, 18-inch wheels, and an 11-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Audio System with 210 watts and a six-disc CD/DVD changer. There's also an available laser cruise control system that maintains a set following distance.

A particularly useful new option is the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which offers better illumination on curvy roads by rotating the inside beam into a corner up to 15 degrees without losing straight-ahead illumination. The system also automatically levels the beam depending on the vehicle's ride height.

The navigation system that's available as an option on the RX is all-new for 2
Lexus's midsize RX crossover SUV is completely redesigned for 2007. The RX 350, replacing last year's RX 330 model, gets more power (47 more horsepower, to be exact) and increased fuel efficiency, in addition to improvements in ride and handling and new options such as a rear DVD player with 9-inch screen and an Adaptive Front lighting system. Both front- and all-wheel-drive 400h hybrid models return for 2007. see less