Second-Gen Lexus RX350 Is the Perfect Budget Family Hauler

One To Seek Out

With new vehicle prices creeping ever higher and production issues causing inventory shortages, it's no wonder why the used vehicle market is so hot these days. Luckily, there are some great vehicles on the used market to choose from, including the second-generation Lexus RX350, which, like a typical Lexus, has proven to be reliable, comfortable, and is a great value to boot.

Photos: Lexus

Value

A lot of used luxury crossovers and SUVs hold their value incredibly well, but the RX has become a great value in recent times. There are quite a few of them on the market at the moment, with prices ranging from $8,000 in decent shape to around $10,000-$15,000 for an excellent example with lower mileage.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Reliability

The RX350's 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 makes good power by even today's standards  - 272 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque - and has earned its reputation for being smooth and reliable. It's backed up by an equally reliable U151E five-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either the front or all four wheels.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Well Made Cabin

The RX350's cabin features premium materials and plenty of modern creature comforts and features including 10-way power seats, automatic climate control, and lumbar support, as well as optional features like adaptive lighting, leather upholstery, 11-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and an expansive sunroof. The infotainment screen is really the only thing that looks a bit date here, to be honest.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Ride and Handling

The second-gen RX has always been praised for its supple ride and surprisingly sharp handling, which isn't something you generally expect from a luxury crossover. At its core, the RX shares Toyota's K platform with the Camry, Avalon, and Highlander from this generation, with MacPherson front struts and a rear multi-link suspension. Air suspension was available with AWD Performance package models, but as is often the case, those can be pricey to replace.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Safety

Another hallmark trait of Lexus is safety, and the second-gen RX lives up to that reputation. Some of the highlights here include eight standard airbags, ABS, electronic brake distribution, and electronic stability control. The RX350's predecessor, the RX330, received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every category except for rollover, where it received a four-star rating.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Conclusion

Add all of these qualities together, and it's clear that the second-generation Lexus RX350 is a great used vehicle to seek out. Luckily, it was also a very popular model when new, so there are plenty of them out there for the taking, too.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this RX350 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.