Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury 2019 review

Big and bold, the Lexus RX 350 is all sharp lines and angles, thankfully though, more like a sculpted artwork than just thrown together in haphazard fashion like the three-year-old's finger-painting masterpiece.

We like that it stands out from its competitors with a noticeable 'spindle grille', a stately behind and a proud stance on its 20-inch alloys. It takes a certain kind of swagger to do things a touch differently, but it is easy to see why the RX 350 is the luxury brand's most popular SUV.

It has a stately behind and a proud stance on its 20-inch alloys. (image credit: Vani Naidoo)

The interior of the RX 350 is less dramatic, but the console still sports the odd sweeping line which adds interest. Fit and finish is excellent, and it is quite obvious that quality dials and buttons have been used which not only adds durability but means the console is nice to look at, too.

The leather seats are super comfortable, padded in all the right spots and wide enough across the top to accommodate my husband's shoulders. Not only are the front seats electronically adjustable, making it easy to find that perfect driving position, they are heated and cooled, which was a luxury in the late summer heat.

Fit and finish is excellent, and it is quite obvious that quality dials and buttons have been used. (image credit: Vani Naidoo)

Our test car was built for five. If you need a third row, you have the option of the RX 350L which adds two more seats.

Lodgings in the RX 350 are pretty dope according to the 11-year-old. That's cool or awesome to you and me. There is room to stretch out, front and back, with supportive seating improving the overall experience.

The rear seats move forward and aft depending on your needs and can recline a touch, too, which adds to the comfort for those in the back.

The rear seats move forward and aft depending on your needs and can recline a touch, too, which adds to the comfort for those in the back. (image credit: Vani Naidoo)

Strictly speaking, there is room for three adults in the second pew although the middle passenger will sit slightly higher than his friends.

My two girls lolled around back there with space aplenty for all that stuff they can't seem to leave the house without including seven hairbrushes, your water bottle and about five pairs of shoes, none of which happen to be on their feet when they actually exit the car.

There are also ISOFIX points on the outboard seats which are easy to clip onto

At first glance the boot (539-litres) seems a touch shallow but easily handled the shopping, school bags and musical instruments with the dog also muscling in on the action.

Actually, two of their friends packed their stuff in there too joining us on the regular Friday afternoon after-school beach swim. Oh, the net pockets on the side of the boot and the underfloor storage are great for wet towels and swimmers, too.

The 40/20/40 backseat drops down easily from a one-touch button in the boot should you need to transport larger objects.

Comfortable, flexible and versatile, the Lexus RX 350 is one of those cars that fits easily into your life. Wider door openings facilitate easy entry and exit and you can step into it rather than have to climb up to it.

There are two cupholders up front, although their position on the left of the gearshift means they can feel a bit far from the driver. You can vary the depth of cupholder though which is useful if you prefer a small coffee to a medium.

The deepish door pockets will fit a reasonably-sized water bottle or an iPad while handy compartments dotted around the cabin will accept your keys and wallet if needed.

It takes a certain kind of swagger to do things a touch differently, but it is easy to see why the RX 350 is the luxury brand’s most popular SUV. (image credit: Vani Naidoo)

Those in the back have two cupholders, too, as well as a storage compartment to share, back of the seats pockets and their own climate control buttons. Our test car also had easy pull up/down rear window shades which are invaluable when the sun is beating down.

Our range-topping RX 350 Sports Luxury comes equipped with a host of well, luxuries, including soft leather trim, head up display, power tailgate which is great for the kids at school drop-off, dual-zone climate control and a huge 12.3-inch screen for the multimedia system.

Buyers of family cars, more than most, look for superior safety elements in their purchase and the Lexus RX 350 certainly doesn't disappoint.

Standard fare includes 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, reversing camera, rear-cross traffic alert, radar active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and mitigation.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system works at speed of 10-80km/h for pedestrians and 10-180km/h for vehicles which gives some added assurance. We found the surround-view camera just as reassuring especially when reversing out the driveway with kids and pets around.

The RX 350 Sports Luxury is top model in this range and will set you back $99,500, plus on-road costs.

Fuel consumption during our week in the driver's seat sat at the 10.5L/100km mark, pretty close to the claimed 9.6L/100km, but that can escalate should your week be made up of a number of shorter trips.

When you are handing over close to $100,000 for a chunk of metal, even a luxurious one, you want to feel confident that someone has your back should something go awry.

Lexus is known for great attention to detail and one of the best after-sales customer experiences around. The RX 350 has a four year/100,000km warranty with services at 10,000km or six months.