Test Drive with Kyle Ashby

2013 Lexus RX 350

Oh, the joy of finding hidden treasures. Have you every reached into a pocket of a coat or jacket that has been stored during the winter months and was surprised to pull out some money that was left behind from the previous winter season? Well, while test driving this week’s luxurious ride, I found many hidden, or not so obvious treasures inside the Lexus RX 350.

First of all, during the winter months in Northern Utah, we have plenty of opportunity to drive in snowy and icy conditions. As the snow was falling during my Saturday morning drive up Logan Canyon, I experienced the first hidden treasure when the automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers engaged and adjusted according to the different levels of visibility based on the amount of moisture collecting on the windshield. I am impressed with how intuitive this technology is and even enjoyed using the headlamp cleaning system as well.

One obvious treasure I found is the 3.5 liter 270 horsepower V6 engine which produces an ample amount of power for any highway and city driving condition. The full time active torque control all wheel drive gives the driver great confidence when driving in snowy or slick road conditions. I’m a firm believer in understanding where the breaking or tipping point is with any vehicle, especially while driving in or on different surfaces and conditions. I had a difficult time trying to get this vehicle to slide while driving in slick and wintery conditions or even lose traction while driving at different speeds. I used the “ECT Snow” switch. When activating “ECT Snow” mode and de-activating it does not change engine rpm for the same speed, but with “ECT Snow” mode the gas pedal becomes stiff, and it almost felt as if something has grabbed and held the rear end of the car. Don’t worry, I only performed these tests on a closed course in controlled driving conditions.

Lexus has taken safety to the next level with countless number of airbags for the driver and passengers including air bags in the front, rear, side curtains, seat mounted and yes, even airbags for the knees. The safety features continue throughout the small SUV with energy managing crumple zones, LED daytime running lamps and Safety Connect which includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist button (SOS) and enhanced roadside assistance (with subscription). I’m grateful for the fact that I didn’t test any of these safety features in real time, but was comforted by knowing everyone in the car was protected.

A few hidden treasures with the RX 350 include automatic folding mirrors when locking the vehicle, automatic lift gate from remote or inside the vehicle, heads up display located in windshield, SmartAccess passive entry system unlocking all doors with the touch of a finger, intuitive parking assist and even adjustable rear seats to make more room for passengers or cargo.

The outside temperatures of Cache Valley averaged about 35 degrees during the week I had this car. Even though it would have been very appropriate to wear driving gloves due to the temperatures and social status that is assumed by driving a Lexus, the heated wood and leather steering wheel eliminated this personal dilemma. The heated front seats were appreciated during the driving experience. The front seats are also ventilated for cooling purposes to add comfort during warmer driving situations, possibly during a different Utah season.

I treasure listening to music and have always enjoyed car stereos that produce good quality and “thump worthy” sound. Next year’s RX 350 has a Mark Levinson premium 15 speaker with subwoofer surround sound system. Whether its CD, DVD, Sirius XM satellite radio, MP3s, Pandora or Slacker Radio piped through my phone through Bluetooth, the raw bass and quality sound was unmatched to any other factory stereo system I have experienced. The fully functional navigation system, climate control, sound system and Lexus Enform multimedia display can access eDestination, app suite, weather, stocks, sports and fuel prices all from the convenience of a mouse located on the center console.

The Lexus RX 350 is like a treasure chest full of features, benefits, safety, comfort and luxury. I was surprised with joy while discovering these treasures. The cargo area has plenty of room to haul the chest as well.

Visit a Lexus dealer to
request a test drive.

Base MSRP: $40,710
Price as Driven: $52,974