2008 Lexus RX 350 Luxury SUV review, specs, pictures

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2008 Lexus RX 350 -

Review

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 represents the third generation of the maker's luxury SUV built on a car chassis. It is a mid-sized vehicle with four doors, seating for five, and two available trim levels: front-wheel and all-wheel drive, respectively. Both versions come with a 3.5 liter, 270 horsepower V6 engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission that includes overdrive.

Aside from a bigger engine, this year's Lexus RX 350 isn't that different from the 2007 model. The front grille has been re-designed (Lexus says it has been "freshened") and the wheel wells are a bit more exaggerated, making the SUV look a little tougher, but other than that the only real changes are new door handles (chrome) and the 18-inch wheels with seven spokes which are optional while the standard wheels are 17 inches, and two new color choices that are now available for the body.

Inside the car, all the expected accessories are present. A six-disc CD changer is standard, while an optional entertainment system for the rear seats includes a 9-inch screen and a Mark Levinson audio system. A voice-activated navigational system and rear-view camera to assist with parking, are also available options. Other upgrades include cruise control, and windshield wipers with rain-sensing capability. The 2008 Lexus RX 350 also has a full appointment of protective airbags, including knee bags for the driver, and side airbags with roll-sensing technology. Both trim levels of this SUV also have a stability control system, and a monitor that that tracks tire pressure, adding to what Consumer Reports calls "a well rounded SUV" and also enhancing its smooth ride, and minimal interior road noise.

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 has 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the back seats are folded down (they have a 40/20/40 split), and the back lift-gate is powered for ease of use. The two trim levels have fuel efficiency of 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway for the front-wheel drive version and 18/city, 23/highway for the all-wheel drive version, and their starting MSRPs are $37,400 (FWD) and $38,800 (AWD).

Comparable Price Range: Hummer H3, Isuzu Ascender, Mazda CX-7,
Comparable Sport Utilitys: Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Jeep Wrangler, Isuzu Ascender,
Premium Sport Utilitys: Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Porsche Cayenne,

Doors:

Bodystyle:

Sport Utility

Drive:

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Crossover

MPG:

17/22

Wheelbase:

106.9''

Overall Length:

186.2''

Cargo Capacity:

84.7 cu. ft.

Seating Capacity:

5/5

Front Headrooom:

39.3''

Front Legroom:

42.5''

Towing Capacity:

3500/3500 lbs.

Final Assembly Location:

Japan

Engine Size:

3.50L

Number of Cylinders:

Type:

Gas

Camshaft:

DOHC

Compression Ratio:

10.80

Horespower:

270 @6200rpm

ABS Brakes:

STD

Driver Air Bag:

STD

Passenger Air Bag:

STD

Side Air Bag:

STD

Child Safety Locks:

STD

Integrated Safety Seats:

N/A

Height:

72.6''

Width:

66.1''

2009 Buick Enclave
6.9% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
GM Employee Discount for Everyone. (Customer Prices Will Vary by Trim & Equipment Level, but the Employee Discount for Everyone Price Will Be Approximately 5% Less Than the Total Model/Option MSRP Price. Other Incentives May Reduce the Price Even Further) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Lincoln MKX
Cash. Models in Florida, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Midsouth, Southeast & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard, Coast Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Models in California & Mountain West Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Models in Central Region. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% - 3.9% Financing. Models in California, Central, Midwest, Mountain West & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% - 1.9% Financing. Models in Flordia, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Midsouth & Southeast Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Models in Central & Midwest Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Models in Califonia Region. (Req's Financing or Leasing through Ford Credit) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Models in Southeast & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Models ex in Central, Northeast, Southeast & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Offer. ($399.00 per mo/39 mos/$2599.00* at Signing) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Dodge Durango
Lease Cash. Models ex in Southwest Region. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. (Req>s Financing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel or Spouse) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Loyalty Rebate. (Available to Returning Lessees of Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth or Jeep Vehicles) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Models in Southwest Region. (Req>s Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Models ex in Southwest Region. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% Financing/Cash. [Includes] Customer Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Models ex in Southwest Region. (Req>s Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Models in Southwest Region. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Models in Southwest Region. (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Military Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland. (N/A SRT8) (Req's Proof of Past or Present Military Service) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Req's Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Laredo w/EXL 3.0L Diesel in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Laredo w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Laredo w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel ex in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/EXL 3.0L Diesel ex in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% Financing. Laredo, Limited & Overland. (N/A SRT8) (Req's EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine) (Incentive Combinations & Availability May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors--See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine ex in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine ex in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine in Great Lakes Region. (N/A SRT8) (Req's Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Lease Cash. Laredo w/EXL 3.0L Diesel in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% Financing/Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland. (N/A SRT8) (N/A w/EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine) (Incentive Combinations & Availability May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors--See Dealer for Details) [Includes] Customer Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Loyalty Rebate. Laredo, Limited & Overland. (N/A SRT8) (Available to Returning Lessees of Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth & Jeep Vehicles) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/o EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine in Great Lakes Region. (N/A SRT8) (Req's Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
Bonus Cash. Laredo, Limited & Overland w/EXL 3.0L Diesel Engine in Northeast Region. (N/A SRT8) (Req's Leasing through Chrysler Financial) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
College Graduate Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2009 Acura RDX
Lease Offer. Models w/o Technology Pkg. ($419.00 per mo/36 mos/$3499.00* at Signing) (N/A Models w/Technology Pkg) ($0.20 per mi Charge Over 10,000 mi) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.9% - 2.9% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Hummer H3
Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
0.0% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
GM Employee Discount for Everyone. (Customer Prices Will Vary by Trim & Equipment Level, but the Employee Discount for Everyone Price Will Be Approximately 5% Less Than the Total Model/Option MSRP Price. Other Incentives May Reduce the Price Even Further) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
2.9% - 6.9% Financing. (Incentive Combinations & Availability May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 9/30/2008)
GM Employee Discount for Everyone. (Customer Prices Will Vary by Trim & Equipment Level, but the Employee Discount for Everyone Price Will Be Approximately 5% Less Than the Total Model/Option MSRP Price. Other Incentives May Reduce the Price Even Further) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 BMW X3
Lease Offer. ($465.00 per mo/36 mos/$3465.00* at Signing) ($0.20 per mi Charge Over 10,000 mi) (Exp: 10/31/2008)

2009 Honda Pilot
0.9% - 2.9% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 GMC Envoy
Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
2.9% - 6.9% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
GM Employee Discount for Everyone. (Customer Prices Will Vary by Trim & Equipment Level, but the Employee Discount for Everyone Price Will Be Approximately 5% Less Than the Total Model/Option MSRP Price. Other Incentives May Reduce the Price Even Further) (Exp: 9/30/2008)

2008 Nissan Pathfinder
Cash. (Exp: 9/30/2008)
2.9% Financing. (Exp: 9/30/2008)

AWD
Base Invoice Price: $34,338
Base List Price: $38,800
Destination Charge: $765>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,932
Dealer Holdback: $776
Target Price: $35,708
Options

FWD
Base Invoice Price: $33,099
Base List Price: $37,400
Destination Charge: $765>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,864
Dealer Holdback: $748
Target Price: $34,398
Options

RX 350 Reviews

2009 RX 350
2008 RX 350

Lexus Models

ES
GS
GS 450h
GX
IS
IS-F
LS
LS 600h
LX
RX 350
RX 400h
SC

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