2013 Lexus RX 350 Getting Better with Age

Lexus has sometimes referred to its RX 350 the original luxury crossover.
A quick check of the highways, streets and parking lots near you would probably bear this claim to be true, as you're likely to see quite a few models from years present and past.
For 2013, the five-seat RX has been given some improvements to its interior and exterior.

There’s also been a new version added, the RX 350 F Sport, for those who want a bit of a sportier ride.

On the inside, there’s a refreshed center console, maple wood trim, a new steering wheel and new accents near the glove compartment.

Lexus says 10-way power front seats with cloth upholstery are standard, with leather trim and soft, semi-aniline leather optional. A leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel is also an option.


On the outside, the RX now has what Lexus calls its "spindle" grille design and its companion bumper, as well as new headlights and LED daytime running lights. The taillights also are modified.

The RX has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 270 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.


Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving, or 20 with all-wheel drive.

The F Sport has exclusively all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. It was tuned by Lexus engineers to provide sportier handling and a tighter ride.

If you choose the F Sport model, you'll get a mesh grille, custom bumper and graphite-colored split-five-spoke 19-inch wheels. The standard wheel is an 18" alloy.

The F Sport also contains standard black-leather seats with white perforations and contrast stitching, a perforated-leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

The RX has an array of entertainment devices such as USB and analog-audio inputs, Bluetooth wireless audio streaming and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial subscription.
If you have children, you might want to select the optional backseat video system with dual 7-inch screens that can show different videos. That can be a peace-keeper if you have youngsters who are prone to conflict.

Lexus says the 10 standard airbags include knee airbags and seat-mounted side-impact torso airbags for the front and outboard rear occupants. There is also a sensor that can open side curtain airbags if the vehicle rolls over.

Optional safety equipment includes a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning, precollision warning and a head-up display that helps keep driver's eyes on the road.