Daily Slideshow: Motor Trend Takes the RX 350L Out for a Test Drive

Concept

Lexus' RX line has been their best seller for more than ten years, and Motor Trend has been a long-time supporter of the model as well. In fact, the auto journal named the RX their very first SUV of the Year way back in 1999. As with anyone who has a hit series on their hands, the logical next step to leverage that success into increased market share is a spin-off, and thus Lexus is giving us a longer three-row version of the RX, the RXL. Motor Trend recently took the all-new RX 350L for a spin, let's see if they proclaim it the next Frasier or more of a Joanie Loves Chachi.

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

RXL Specs

Until now, Lexus buyers desiring a larger RX had to be content with stepping up to the three-row GX series. The downsides for many who make that model jump are poor mpg numbers that are below 20 and less usable cargo room than Toyota's more RX-like Highlander. The new RXL series is 4.3 inches longer overall than the standard RX, and can be had in both front- or all-wheel-drive versions. The RX 350L is currently powered by a 3.5-liter, 290 hp V-6, but an RX 450h V-6 hybrid variant will also be available by spring. Lexus doesn't plan to offer an F Sport version of  the RXL, about which Motor Trend opined: "after experiencing the RX 350 F Sport’s stiff ride, that’s not really a big loss." For those who don't like the look of the base RXL model's 18-inch wheels. However, 20-inch wheels are available as an option.

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

Execution

"Extra seating," sounds more exciting than "4.3 more inches," but Motor Trend found the third row to be a bit of a compromise. Though the second row of seats is slightly higher in L models to provide a little extra foot room for third-row passengers, MT's Zach Gale still said, "nothing can disguise how cramped the third row is." To access the third-row seats, the second-row seatbacks must be folded and shifted out of the way, and MT felt getting to them was a bit of a squeeze. The third-row seats are power operated and can be folded down and slightly forward to provide additional space, but only by holding down a button for the entire 14 seconds it takes (or 17 seconds to fold back upright). The rub is that, even with the third-row seats folded down, the RXL actually has less space from the second row back than the normal RX 350—15.3 cubic feet vs. 18.6 cubic feet—though total maximum cargo space is up from 56.3 cubic feet to 58.5 cubic feet. For contrast, MT also points out that the Infiniti QX60 third-row seats fold down in 1 second and go back up in 7 seconds.

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

Performance

Motor Trend felt that the RXL's quickness was "completely satisfactory for what it is," but noted that it's not as sprightly as most of its competitors, including the Cadillac XT5, and Lincoln Nautilus, Acura MDX, or Infiniti QX60. MT measured a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds for their 2018 RX 350L, slower than the 6.8 second time posted by the all-wheel-drive 2016 RX 350 F Sport they tested in 2016, but attributed the difference in part to the economy-minded Bridgestone Ecopia tires their test vehicle came equipped with. Both RX and RXL models utilize Lexus' eight-speed automatic, which MT said shifted smoothly, but at relatively low engine speeds—another mileage-maximizing feature.

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

Handling

About the RXL's handling, Motor Trend suggested that it "is best appreciated when you take it easy." Test driver Kim Reynolds elaborated: "This thing is really, really sloppy, and with stability and traction control off, it keeps trying to spin its inside tire. Floaty." Reynolds wasn't impressed with the new Lexus' braking or steering feel but noted that they were in line with what you'd expect from a luxury vehicle, as was the ride quality.

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

Infotainment System

Motor Trend was disappointed with the unavailability of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to interface with the RXL's system. The reviewer found Lexus’ Enform system a poor substitute, noting that if you prefer your phone's navigation system you'd be relegated to adding a cell-phone holder in order to use it. They lauded the system's available 12.3-inch screen but criticized the Lexus Remote Touch user interface, finding the cursor hard to control no matter how they had the sensitivity set. MT was hopeful though, pointing out that Toyota has slated Apple CarPlay availability for the 2019 Avalon, and quoted Lexus as saying it is, "open to CarPlay, but we have no announcements to make at this time."

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

Scorecard

Motor Trend praised the RX350 L's quality feel, stating, "nearly everything you touch and see inside gives off a rich impression." Coming in at $4,400 over the price of a standard RX 350, MT predicted that most buyers would find the RXL an attractive option, based primarily on the extra seats. How did they really feel? Aside from their gripes about the infotainment system, maybe their most trenchant caveat was this: "if you really want everyday functionality for seven or eight people, buy a larger three-row luxury crossover or apply Lexus badges to a Toyota Sienna minivan."

>>Join the conversation about the RX 350L and if it fits your life right here in Club Lexus.

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