It's been more than 20 years now since the Lexus RX became a category-defining vehicle in the luxury, mid-size SUV segment.
I'm still a fan.
With its soft ride, plush interior, and seating for five, it became the gold-standard SUV for affluent empty-nesters with enough disposable income to afford a Lexus in the garage.
Over time, it has become edgier, too, with a bolder exterior design in then 4th generation model, which carries on with the minor refresh for the 2020 model year.
The RX350 is the traditional, gas-powered version of the RX, with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine making 295 horsepower. A gas-electric hybrid, the RX450h, is also available.
Late this week, Lexus of Chattanooga on Lee Highway had 22 RX350s in digital inventory and one RX450h hybrid. Visit any Lexus store and versions of the RX will dominate the lot.
Our tester, provided by the manufacturer for a one-week Chattanooga test drive, is shown in Moonbeam Beige Metallic paint, one of the most conservative colors in the Lexus paint palette. The two-tone interior is a mix of parchment and black tones that almost makes your mouth water.
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The RX 350's interior features Parchment and black surfaces.FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 Lexus RX 350 AWD SUV * Exterior color: Moonbeam Beige Metallic * Interior color: Parchment and black * Engine: 3.5-liter, six-cylinder * Horsepower: 295 * Transmission: 8-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 26 mpg highway, 19 mpg city * Local Dealer: Lexus of Chattanooga, 5800 Lee Highway * Price (as tested): $59,300
WHAT IS IT: The RX350 is a five-passenger mid-size luxury SUV. Our tester comes with optional all-wheel-drive which is a big plus if you live on Signal or Lookout mountains and have to occasionally drive up snowy hills.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
Our tester has a base price of $45,500 and an MSRP - after options are added - of $59,300. Among the major options are an enhanced suite of safety-tech features ($1,865), 20-inch dark silver alloy wheels ($1,130), special LED headlights ($1,675), a panoramic sunroof ($1,850) and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and Mark Levinson premium audio system ($3,365).
WHAT WE LIKED
Our log-book included thumbs up for the tester's blond wood steering wheel, analog gauges, soft seats and armrests, dash-mounted touchscreen and overall refinement.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The heater was a little slow to warm up on a cold morning and the mouse pad on the center console is over-sensitive to touch, i.e. the cursor darts around the screen.
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine.
DRIVING IMPRESSION
Most RX350 owners prioritize ride over performance. The sublime cabin isolation and luxurious soft-touch surfaces makes the RX350 a sanctuary for the driver.
BOTTOM LINE
The RX350 is not the most technologically advanced SUV on the market. Nor does it stand out for its performance chops. But it excels as a comfortable, reliable luxury ride with excellent resale potential.
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Photo by Mark Kennedy / The 2020 RX350 is the best-selling vehicle at Lexus stores.