This RX350h is my MIL’s new daily driver. The vehicle replaced her 2013 ES350 which has been passed along to my FIL.
I picked up the RX350h from a Southern CA dealer and racked up 550 miles before handing it off to my MIL. She has since driven another 450 miles; we’re currently at 1000 miles and I just performed the break-in oil change today.
Dimensionally, the RX350h slots between the RAV4 and the Highlander, but is closer to a RAV4. Fortunately or unfortunately, Toyota’s decision to use one global platform (TNGA-K) for their midsize CUV’s and Sedans has really closed the gap between the Toyota and Lexus lines – the Lexus vehicles simply aren’t a significant upgrade anymore. I am finding the RX350h to be a slightly more polished RAV4 – but the difference isn’t as drastic as one would expect.
The hybrid powertrain is shared with the RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander, Sienna, NX and TX. On paper, this new 4-cyl hybrid powertrain is quicker and more efficient than the last-generation RX’s V6 Hybrid, but it just doesn’t sound as nice. The EPA rating is 37/34/36, and for the Lexus applications, premium is recommended but not required. In the 550 miles I drove it, I had a tank of 35 mpg (heavy traffic) and a tank of 32 mpg (pure highway). For my MIL, who has only driven V6 cars for the last 20 years, it has been a tank of 32 mpg and a tank of 28 mpg. So as usual – folks not accustomed to driving hybrid vehicles will take a heavy penalty, so I’d plan on 15-20% less than the EPA combined number.
Interior build quality is excellent. Everything is well-assembled and there are no rattles. I have zero complaints.
Exterior build quality is a B-, especially for $60K. One of the rear bumper tabs was not fully pushed in (bumper popped out slightly during the drive home); luckily I was able to push it back in and it has held. Also, the paint has more dirt nibs than I would expect for a Lexus. This car came out of the Cambridge, Ontario plant.
Overall, I think it is a great vehicle for someone who wants a more polished Toyota product and is willing to pay a premium for the “Lexus experience.”
I picked up the RX350h from a Southern CA dealer and racked up 550 miles before handing it off to my MIL. She has since driven another 450 miles; we’re currently at 1000 miles and I just performed the break-in oil change today.
Dimensionally, the RX350h slots between the RAV4 and the Highlander, but is closer to a RAV4. Fortunately or unfortunately, Toyota’s decision to use one global platform (TNGA-K) for their midsize CUV’s and Sedans has really closed the gap between the Toyota and Lexus lines – the Lexus vehicles simply aren’t a significant upgrade anymore. I am finding the RX350h to be a slightly more polished RAV4 – but the difference isn’t as drastic as one would expect.
The hybrid powertrain is shared with the RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander, Sienna, NX and TX. On paper, this new 4-cyl hybrid powertrain is quicker and more efficient than the last-generation RX’s V6 Hybrid, but it just doesn’t sound as nice. The EPA rating is 37/34/36, and for the Lexus applications, premium is recommended but not required. In the 550 miles I drove it, I had a tank of 35 mpg (heavy traffic) and a tank of 32 mpg (pure highway). For my MIL, who has only driven V6 cars for the last 20 years, it has been a tank of 32 mpg and a tank of 28 mpg. So as usual – folks not accustomed to driving hybrid vehicles will take a heavy penalty, so I’d plan on 15-20% less than the EPA combined number.
Interior build quality is excellent. Everything is well-assembled and there are no rattles. I have zero complaints.
Exterior build quality is a B-, especially for $60K. One of the rear bumper tabs was not fully pushed in (bumper popped out slightly during the drive home); luckily I was able to push it back in and it has held. Also, the paint has more dirt nibs than I would expect for a Lexus. This car came out of the Cambridge, Ontario plant.
Overall, I think it is a great vehicle for someone who wants a more polished Toyota product and is willing to pay a premium for the “Lexus experience.”
Last edited by a moderator:
