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Lexus RX 350L: Is A Third Row Needed ?! Detailed Test

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Lexus RX 350L: Is A Third Row Needed ?! Detailed Test
Lexus RX 350L: Is A Third Row Needed ?! Detailed Test

Video: Lexus RX 350L: Is A Third Row Needed ?! Detailed Test

Video: Lexus RX 350L: Is A Third Row Needed ?! Detailed Test
Video: How Big Is the Third Row of the Lexus RX 350 L? | Autotrader 2023, March
Anonim

In Russia, they love expensive cars, and the Lexus RX is more than others. After all, this is the most demanded premium model in our market, even though the demand for it has recently dropped by 15 percent. So that you understand the scale: hits like BMW 3 Series, Mercedes E-Class are left behind, and since the beginning of 2019 more RX crossovers have been sold in Russia than all Infiniti, Jaguar and Cadillac cars combined

However, sales of the RX are formed from two modifications: standard and extended, with a third row of seats. American dealers asked Lexus for this option, and the Japanese came up with it. But why is it good and is it worth paying extra for two extra seats? To deal with this, we took the RX 350L for testing in the Exclusive configuration, which costs 4,663,000 rubles.

Practicality

It is logical to start a review of such a car with practicality, and here the expected difficulties emerge for Lexus. When the Japanese created the L-version of the RX, they took the five-seater version as a basis, but left its wheelbase untouched! Instead, the designers lengthened the rear overhang, and also raised the roof at the rear by changing the angle of the glass and moving the wiper from the top edge to the bottom.

The seats in the third row fold and unfold individually using an electric drive. The necessary keys are in the doorway at the rear right and in the trunk. However, the process is shockingly unhurried: manually coping with the same thing would be at least twice as fast
The seats in the third row fold and unfold individually using an electric drive. The necessary keys are in the doorway at the rear right and in the trunk. However, the process is shockingly unhurried: manually coping with the same thing would be at least twice as fast
The second shocking moment: the cushions of the third row seats in the standard position of the second row seats naturally rest against their backs! That is, there is no legroom at all. Zero. We have to move the sofa forward and push its passengers
The second shocking moment: the cushions of the third row seats in the standard position of the second row seats naturally rest against their backs! That is, there is no legroom at all. Zero. We have to move the sofa forward and push its passengers
However, even in this case, the gallery does not smell like space. The top of the head rests against the ceiling, and because of the high floor, you have to lift your legs too much. The chairs themselves are not wide, so there is no way to push the third person into the third row
However, even in this case, the gallery does not smell like space. The top of the head rests against the ceiling, and because of the high floor, you have to lift your legs too much. The chairs themselves are not wide, so there is no way to push the third person into the third row
Yes, there is a separate climate control zone, but only the person on the left can control it: the remote control is cut into the side wall
Yes, there is a separate climate control zone, but only the person on the left can control it: the remote control is cut into the side wall
Simply put, there is no real benefit from extra seats, other than harm - in the sense of the luggage space eaten. In the seven-seater configuration, only 176 liters of cargo remains in the boot - less than in the B-class hatchbacks. With the third row folded down, you get 432 liters under the curtain (652 liters to the ceiling), but this is also not a record
Simply put, there is no real benefit from extra seats, other than harm - in the sense of the luggage space eaten. In the seven-seater configuration, only 176 liters of cargo remains in the boot - less than in the B-class hatchbacks. With the third row folded down, you get 432 liters under the curtain (652 liters to the ceiling), but this is also not a record
But the organization of the cargo compartment is not bad. There is a 12-volt outlet, separate lighting bulbs, bag hooks and clips for a large mesh. Closer to the bumper, a compact but convenient underground is organized, in which the organizer is hidden and a place for the curtain is marked. However, there was no space for a spare wheel there - it is hidden on the street, under the bumper, and is not covered by anything, therefore it will be permanently dirty
But the organization of the cargo compartment is not bad. There is a 12-volt outlet, separate lighting bulbs, bag hooks and clips for a large mesh. Closer to the bumper, a compact but convenient underground is organized, in which the organizer is hidden and a place for the curtain is marked. However, there was no space for a spare wheel there - it is hidden on the street, under the bumper, and is not covered by anything, therefore it will be permanently dirty
The maximum boot capacity is 1656 liters with the second row seats folded, but the folding process is not the most obvious. First, it cannot be done from the trunk
The maximum boot capacity is 1656 liters with the second row seats folded, but the folding process is not the most obvious. First, it cannot be done from the trunk
Secondly, from the salon you also have to tinker: first pull the handle that moves the chair to the third row, then pull another handle at the bottom - and only after that the back will fall onto the pillow. Moreover, in this case, a noticeable gap is formed between the second and third rows, into which small objects will fall
Secondly, from the salon you also have to tinker: first pull the handle that moves the chair to the third row, then pull another handle at the bottom - and only after that the back will fall onto the pillow. Moreover, in this case, a noticeable gap is formed between the second and third rows, into which small objects will fall
However, for transporting something long, only the center section of the second row backrest can be folded. And it is she who is removed the easiest way: with a small handle on the back. No unnecessary gestures
However, for transporting something long, only the center section of the second row backrest can be folded. And it is she who is removed the easiest way: with a small handle on the back. No unnecessary gestures
In fact, not everything is so bad: the second row of the RX is comfortable, spacious and welcoming for three people. There is plenty of space in the width, and the central tunnel will not interfere with the person sitting in the middle: there is simply no such tunnel in this car
In fact, not everything is so bad: the second row of the RX is comfortable, spacious and welcoming for three people. There is plenty of space in the width, and the central tunnel will not interfere with the person sitting in the middle: there is simply no such tunnel in this car
Finally, the passengers in the second row are literally surrounded by comfort. For them, there are curtains on the windows, adjustable backrest angle and a folding armrest with a pair of cup holders, buttons for turning on the heating of the sofa, as well as a small niche with two USB ports for charging gadgets. However, why there is no separate climate zone on the second row if there is one on the third is completely incomprehensible
Finally, the passengers in the second row are literally surrounded by comfort. For them, there are curtains on the windows, adjustable backrest angle and a folding armrest with a pair of cup holders, buttons for turning on the heating of the sofa, as well as a small niche with two USB ports for charging gadgets. However, why there is no separate climate zone on the second row if there is one on the third is completely incomprehensible

Interior

One of the main sales markets for Lexus in general and the RX model (especially the seven-seater) in particular is the United States. Therefore, the interior is clearly combed for American preferences. Everything is big, soft and pleasant. At first glance, it is difficult to find fault with something, but at the second glance it is already possible.

Finishing materials are good. All around there is pleasant leather, stitched with real thread, and not imitation stamped on a machine, and decorative strips are made of natural wood. A choice of several options for shades of leather and wood
Finishing materials are good. All around there is pleasant leather, stitched with real thread, and not imitation stamped on a machine, and decorative strips are made of natural wood. A choice of several options for shades of leather and wood
However, there are questions even about the finish. The plastic insert "like aluminum" on the center console looks good, but it is fixed very loosely, so there is backlash even from slight touches. Another drawback is the knob on the gearbox selector, which on our car rotated freely around its axis
However, there are questions even about the finish. The plastic insert "like aluminum" on the center console looks good, but it is fixed very loosely, so there is backlash even from slight touches. Another drawback is the knob on the gearbox selector, which on our car rotated freely around its axis
But the chairs are cool and almost flawless, unless, of course, you are not a fan of breaking your ribs with super-dense lateral support rollers: the landing here is relaxed. The seat padding material is pleasantly soft, the backrest profile is comfortable and the cushion is of the optimal length. The adjustments are weight, the ranges are wide and everything is on electric drives. At the steering column, by the way, too
But the chairs are cool and almost flawless, unless, of course, you are not a fan of breaking your ribs with super-dense lateral support rollers: the landing here is relaxed. The seat padding material is pleasantly soft, the backrest profile is comfortable and the cushion is of the optimal length. The adjustments are weight, the ranges are wide and everything is on electric drives. At the steering column, by the way, too
Everything is good and practical. There are large pockets in the doors, a roomy box under the center armrest, and a niche for a smartphone with built-in wireless charging at the bottom of the center console. The central tunnel contains a pair of cup holders, one of which is equipped with a double bottom that allows you to adjust the volume. Finally, between the armrest and the joystick for controlling the multimedia system, there is another small container covered with a lid
Everything is good and practical. There are large pockets in the doors, a roomy box under the center armrest, and a niche for a smartphone with built-in wireless charging at the bottom of the center console. The central tunnel contains a pair of cup holders, one of which is equipped with a double bottom that allows you to adjust the volume. Finally, between the armrest and the joystick for controlling the multimedia system, there is another small container covered with a lid
The entertainment complex is quite capable of competing with the third row of seats for the title of the most useless component of the RX 350L. Its main advantage is a huge 12.3-inch screen. But, alas, it is not touch-sensitive
The entertainment complex is quite capable of competing with the third row of seats for the title of the most useless component of the RX 350L. Its main advantage is a huge 12.3-inch screen. But, alas, it is not touch-sensitive
And you have to control the system using a joystick on the central tunnel, which is somewhat reminiscent of a computer mouse: with its help the user moves the pointer between menu items. But it takes a long time to get used to the sensitivity, and the cursor positions are not clearly fixed at various menu items. The touchpad in more modern Lexus models is also not a standard, but it is more convenient to use it
And you have to control the system using a joystick on the central tunnel, which is somewhat reminiscent of a computer mouse: with its help the user moves the pointer between menu items. But it takes a long time to get used to the sensitivity, and the cursor positions are not clearly fixed at various menu items. The touchpad in more modern Lexus models is also not a standard, but it is more convenient to use it
On the other hand, you often don’t have to tinker with multimedia, because its functionality is not rich. Navigator, radio, phone, music from a smartphone - that's, in general, that's all. There is also a tab with an on-board computer and climate settings. Neither Apple CarPlay, nor Android Auto, nor modern internet services are here
On the other hand, you often don’t have to tinker with multimedia, because its functionality is not rich. Navigator, radio, phone, music from a smartphone - that's, in general, that's all. There is also a tab with an on-board computer and climate settings. Neither Apple CarPlay, nor Android Auto, nor modern internet services are here
Overall, however, the ergonomics are surprisingly good. The buttons are located logically, almost all of them are in line of sight and within reach of the driver. Unless, to adjust the temperature, I would like to use simple, but convenient knobs, and not four different keys
Overall, however, the ergonomics are surprisingly good. The buttons are located logically, almost all of them are in line of sight and within reach of the driver. Unless, to adjust the temperature, I would like to use simple, but convenient knobs, and not four different keys

Technics

The latest generation Lexus RX was built on the platform of its predecessor. The engine is also not the first freshness: the seven-seater crossover is offered only with an atmospheric V-shaped "six" 3.5, although a two-liter turbo engine and even a hybrid power unit are also available for the five-seater version.

The Lexus RX has MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbone suspension at the rear. On the basic version, the chassis will be passive, and on the most expensive one - with adaptive dampers. The only wheels available for the model are 20-inch wheels
The Lexus RX has MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbone suspension at the rear. On the basic version, the chassis will be passive, and on the most expensive one - with adaptive dampers. The only wheels available for the model are 20-inch wheels
The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 294 horsepower and 358 Nm of torque. Combines only with an eight-speed "automatic" and all-wheel drive connected
The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 294 horsepower and 358 Nm of torque. Combines only with an eight-speed "automatic" and all-wheel drive connected
The declared minimum ground clearance is 200 millimeters. Our measuring ladder showed that the front bumper can drive up to curbs up to 26 centimeters high
The declared minimum ground clearance is 200 millimeters. Our measuring ladder showed that the front bumper can drive up to curbs up to 26 centimeters high
And when parking backwards, you should not be afraid of anything at all, except for walls, trees and pillars: all 30 centimeters have easily and naturally gone under the bumper
And when parking backwards, you should not be afraid of anything at all, except for walls, trees and pillars: all 30 centimeters have easily and naturally gone under the bumper

Riding

Despite the old platform and large wheels, the ride quality of the Lexus RX is, if not impressive, then at least befitting a large, expensive, family car. The crossover filters small things almost perfectly, swallows speed bumps without noticing, and fulfills large and medium irregularities nobly. But on condition that they have smooth edges: Lexus does not like sharp irregularities very much.

Perhaps it is even more difficult to find fault with noise insulation. The cabin is quiet at almost any speed: you can not hear the wheels, no wind in the area of the struts and mirrors, or the engine.

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

Engine? It seems to be a good fit for the character of the car: it responds smoothly and pulls from low revs, without forcing you to think about whether you will have time to fit in front of that truck. You will be in time! However, there is no spark that you expect from almost 300 horsepower: today, cars of a similar mass (about 2.2 tons) are going about the same way, but they are 50–100 weaker.

And all would be fine: the atmospheric V6 also has its own charm, but here's the problem: this engine is a terrible glutton. To achieve from it a flow rate below 12 liters per hundred is an impossible task, and in a city crush the on-board computer will draw 15-16 liters at all!

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

Another big drawback is the hefty transport tax! For horsepower alone, you will have to pay 44,100 rubles every year, and in the first 12 months of ownership at a price of 4.6 million rubles, the RX 350L will also fall under the luxury tax, which means that the amount will increase to 66,150 rubles!

The "automaton" adds the positive. Not reactively fast, but oh-oh-very fluid and logical. Just what you expect from a box on a large, family car.

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

To match and manageability. The steering wheel is comfortable in terms of effort, but long and not very responsive, and the reactions are unhurried, which is why the RX 350L stands on an arc with a hitch, although then it clings to it quite tightly. And the rolls are within reason, if you remember that you are driving a large car with any American roots. And it is also important to remember about overhangs: the hood ends here much further than it seems at first, therefore, when maneuvering in tight yards, you need to be careful and listen to the signals of parking sensors.

Equipment

In Russia, a seven-seater crossover is offered in only two trim levels. The basic one is called Premium and costs 4,183,000 rubles. Its equipment includes fully LED optics, 20-inch wheels, parking sensors in a circle, a sunroof, three-zone climate control, heated seats of the first and second row, ventilation of the front seats, power steering column and seats, multimedia with a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charger for a smartphone, 10 airbags, electric drive of the fifth door, as well as rain and light sensors.

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

The top version of the RX 350L is Exclusive, it costs 4,663,000 rubles. It has an automatic high beam, wood inserts in the interior trim, including on the steering wheel, two additional directions for adjusting the front seats, an all-round visibility system, expensive Mark Levinson music with 15 speakers, adaptive suspension, as well as several additional safety systems - for example, tracking function for dead zones.

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

You will be asked to pay extra only for the metallic color (76,000 rubles), as well as for a special option for painting the body in white, which costs 114,000 rubles.

Competitors

Infiniti QX60. Тоже японский, тоже семиместный и тоже с 3,5-литровым мотором V6, выдающим 283 лошадиные силы. Правда, вместо автомата тут работает вариатор. В конфигураторе на официальном сайте марке указан только этот мотор, однако в каталогах фигурирует ещё и гибридная силовая установка, построенная на базе 2,5-литровой «четвёрки». Цены на вседорожник начинаются с 3 145 000 ₽." style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Perhaps the main ideological competitor of the seven-seater Lexus RX in the Russian market, and not only here, is the Infiniti QX60. Also Japanese, also seven-seater and also with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 283 horsepower. True, instead of a machine, a variator works here. In the configurator on the official website of the brand, only this engine is indicated, however, the catalogs also include a hybrid power plant built on the basis of a 2.5-liter "four". Prices for an off-road vehicle start at 3,145,000 rubles
Perhaps the main ideological competitor of the seven-seater Lexus RX in the Russian market, and not only here, is the Infiniti QX60. Also Japanese, also seven-seater and also with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 283 horsepower. True, instead of a machine, a variator works here. In the configurator on the official website of the brand, only this engine is indicated, however, the catalogs also include a hybrid power plant built on the basis of a 2.5-liter "four". Prices for an off-road vehicle start at 3,145,000 rubles

Lexus RX. Он не только стоит дешевле (от 3 011 000 ₽), так ещё и обладает более широкой моторной гаммой: базовый кроссовер комплектуется бензиновой «турбочетвёркой» на 238 л.с., а на топовый вариант ставят гибридную силовую установку на базе мотора 3.5 V6. Негибридный V6 тоже есть. А самый простенький RX с двумя рядами сидений может быть ещё и передне­приводным, что тоже положительно сказывается на его цене." style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

However, in fact, the seven-seater has to fight for buyers with the five-seater Lexus RX. It not only costs less (from 3,011,000 rubles), but also has a wider engine range: the base crossover is equipped with a 238 hp gasoline turbo four, and the top version is equipped with a hybrid power plant based on a 3.5 V6 engine. There is a non-hybrid V6 too. And the simplest RX with two rows of seats can also be front-wheel drive, which also has a positive effect on its price
However, in fact, the seven-seater has to fight for buyers with the five-seater Lexus RX. It not only costs less (from 3,011,000 rubles), but also has a wider engine range: the base crossover is equipped with a 238 hp gasoline turbo four, and the top version is equipped with a hybrid power plant based on a 3.5 V6 engine. There is a non-hybrid V6 too. And the simplest RX with two rows of seats can also be front-wheel drive, which also has a positive effect on its price
A slightly less premium, but much more affordable ToyotHighlander is no less a threat to the seven-seat RX than its five-seat variant. The engine is also only one - 3.5 V6, but it produces a much more tax-friendly 249 hp. Plus, the Highlander is more spacious and much cheaper. The basic version will cost 3,501,000 rubles, and the top-end version will cost 3,799,000 rubles
A slightly less premium, but much more affordable ToyotHighlander is no less a threat to the seven-seat RX than its five-seat variant. The engine is also only one - 3.5 V6, but it produces a much more tax-friendly 249 hp. Plus, the Highlander is more spacious and much cheaper. The basic version will cost 3,501,000 rubles, and the top-end version will cost 3,799,000 rubles
The MazdCX-9 is only formally considered a non-premium car. In fact, the crossover has rich equipment, excellent finishing materials, it rides well and is controlled, but much cheaper than the representatives of the heavy luxury. The basic crossover with a 231-horsepower 2.5 turbo engine costs 2 795 000 rubles. The most expensive version of the model is estimated at 3 357 000 rubles
The MazdCX-9 is only formally considered a non-premium car. In fact, the crossover has rich equipment, excellent finishing materials, it rides well and is controlled, but much cheaper than the representatives of the heavy luxury. The basic crossover with a 231-horsepower 2.5 turbo engine costs 2 795 000 rubles. The most expensive version of the model is estimated at 3 357 000 rubles

Output

The most popular premium car in Russia does not become just like that. To confirm the leadership, the Lexus RX has at least several compelling arguments: bright design, good, albeit not ideal, interior trim, rich equipment, spacious second row, very decent ride and good sound insulation.

And despite not the most reckless handling, antediluvian multimedia and not too low price tag, such a car could well have received four points out of five according to the test results. However, the seven-seater falls short of such an assessment.

Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test
Lexus RX 350L: is a third row needed ?! Detailed test

Because the third row of seats in the Lexus RX 350L is almost as strange and even useless as its entertainment complex, and the uncontested motor, which will ease your wallet a decent amount due to frequent refueling and high taxes, will not please the dynamics too much. which smears the impression even more.

Rating: 3/5

Okay

  • - Equipment
  • - Space in the second row
  • - Smooth running
  • - Noise isolation
  • - Abundance of electric drives
  • - Smooth and logical "machine"
  • - Finishing material
  • - The practicality of the front of the cabin

bad

  • - Third row of seats
  • - The cost of maintaining a car with such a motor
  • - Lack of alternative engines
  • - Multimedia system
  • - Interior build quality

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