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2008 Lexus RX 350
2008 Lexus RX 350
More Car Than Truck
Lexus' RX 350 is a crossover SUV meant for on-road cruising.
The RX 350 is Lexus' smallest and most affordable SUV. It is based on a car platform, meaning it's most at home on paved roads.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine generates a brisk 270 hp and takes the vehicle to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Not only does the new V6 produce 47 hp more than the previous V6, it gets slightly better fuel economy.
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The Lexus RX 350 is a handsome, luxurious, and versatile SUV with a taut but compliant car-like ride. It's not intended for serious off-road use or work duties but is a practical and comfortable city runner and long-distance cruiser.
A gas/electric hybrid version, the RX 400h, is also available.
Because it’s based on a car platform, rather than a truck chassis, it offers a smoother ride and crisper handling than truck-based SUVs while also having a lower step-in height. The Lexus RX 350 isn’t capable of tackling rough terrain, but when equipped with optional all-wheel drive it can traverse moderate trails and handle slippery roads in stride. A slick-shifting five-speed automatic transmission is standard and has been revised to help maximize the engine’s power and fuel economy. A sequential-shift gearbox that allows manual shifting is optional.The available all-wheel-drive system can distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels to maintain traction. It has a viscous limited-slip center differential, which is said to enhance the Lexus RX 350's traction and drivability on dry or wet roads.
• Lexus RX 350 Vehicle Summary
Stability control is standard. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes feature brake assist, which automatically applies full power if the system detects the driver is panic braking. An optional air-suspension system offers four selectable ride heights for a tauter ride or added ground clearance. The wood- and leather-trimmed interior is comfortable and well equipped. Additional sound-isolating measures make the cabin even quieter than before. Ventilation, stereo, and other controls are intuitive. Front side, side-curtain, and driver’s-side knee-height airbags are standard, as is a power-operated rear liftgate.Convenient and ingenious storage bins are sprinkled throughout the cabin. The audio system comes with an in-dash six-disc CD changer that can play MP3 or WPA-encoded discs. The available backseat DVD system.
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The Lexus RX 350 seats five, with the rear seat back able to easily fold forward in two sections to expand cargo capacity. A third-row seat is not available.
Several high-tech features are on the options list: adaptive headlights that illuminate the road around turns; a back-up camera that displays the rear view to aid parking maneuvers; and an adaptive cruise-control system that can automatically maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. The available voice-activated navigation system has high-resolution graphics and is tri-lingual, offering a choice of English, French, or Spanish text displays.
You want a comfy, capable, reliable, and luxurious SUV that seats five; you need to haul bulky loads; you prefer a car-like ride.
You want a more powerful and robust SUV with true off-road capabilities; you need to tow or haul heavy loads; you need seating for seven.
Four adults can take the RX 350 on long trips without complaint, and a fifth can squeeze in the back for shorter excursions; a low ride height for an SUV affords easy ingress and egress, while the electronically adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel ensure that a wide variety of builds can find a comfortable driving position.
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