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Lexus RX 350
2007 Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is a crossover SUV manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is based heavily on the Toyota Camry platform which it shares with the Toyota Highlander. The RX 350 was introduced in 1997 as the Toyota Harrier in Japan and as the RX 300 at the North American International Auto Show. It quickly gained popularity and became Lexus's best-selling model, as it was amongst the first in the crossover SUV car market genre and serves as a model for following designs.
Recent Changes
For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new device called "bread crumbs". Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps.
Styles and Major Options
2007 RX 350
Premium Package - $2,145
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Roof rails/roof rack
Premium Plus Package - $2,960
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology
- Mark Levinson® 11-speaker 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback
Performance Package - $4,955
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
- Graphite-polished 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
- Four-wheel air suspension
- Five-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
- Rain-sensing wipers
Multipanel Moonroof Package - $3,740
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Multipanel moonroof
Individual Factory Options
- Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) - (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,740
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System [4] (includes backup camera [5] and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,650
- Dynamic Laser Cruise Control - $600
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps - $815
- Two-level heated front seats (includes rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers and headlamp washers) - $665
- 18-in alloy wheels (235/55VR18 and full-size spare) - $495
- Two-level heated front seats (includes headlamp washers) - $540
- Rain-sensing wipers - $125
- Towing Prep Package - $160
- Roof rack with rails - $220
Dealer Accessories
- All-weather floor mats
- Ashtray kit
- Car cover
- Cargo mat
- Cargo net
- Cargo tray
- Front-end mask
- Mudguards
- Paint protection film
- Tow-hitch receiver
- Roof rack attachment – bike rack
- Roof rack attachment – ski/snowboard
- SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (available Summer 2006)
- Wheel locks
- Wireless headphones
- XM® Satellite Radio (available Spring 2006)
2006 RX 400h
Individual Factory Options
- Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,840
- Heated Front Seats with Rain-Sensing Wipers - $665
- Mark Levinson® 11-speaker, 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD changer - $980
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,350
Dealer Accessories
- All-weather floor mats
- Car cover
- Cargo mat
- Cargo net
- Front-end mask
- Tow-hitch receiver
- Wheel locks
- Wireless headphones
Pricing
2007 RX 350
All Wheel Drive: MSRP $39,495
Front Wheel Drive: MSRP $38,095
2006 RX 400h
All Wheel Drive: MSRP $46,755
Front Wheel Drive: MSRP $45,355
Gas Mileage
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2007 RX 350 Front Wheel Drive averages 20 MPG City/ 25 MPG Hwy. The 2007 RX 350 All Wheel Drive averages 19 MPG City/ 24 MPG Hwy.
Visitors to GreenHybrid.com, averaged about 25 MPG with their RX 400h in the Real Hybrid Mileage Database.
Reliablity
Safety
2006 Lexus RX 400h
Airbags
The RX 400h's sophisticated network of sensors and airbags includes front seat-mounted side airbags with a larger protection area than the conventional side airbag. A driver's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deploys in one of three speeds, depending on many factors including crash severity and driver's seat-track position. Similarly, the front passenger's advanced airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. And rounding out this impressive system are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.
VDIM
The new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a technologically advanced system that uses a network of sensors throughout the RX 400h to constantly monitor the driver’s actions and vehicle movement. Anticipating vehicle control problems before they occur, VDIM helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.
ABS with Brake Assist
Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist is triggered when the brake pedal is pushed quickly and the system detects an emergency situation. Together they can help the driver reduce stopping distance in an emergency by supplementing brake power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And should you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, the computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the brakes, helping to provide greater control during braking.
Reinforced Body
The RX 400h is designed with a welded-steel unibody frame, strong box-section, side-impact door beams and impact-dissipating front and rear crumple zones. Additionally, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners with force limiters quickly cinch the front seatbelts in the event of a severe frontal impact.
Daytime Running Lights
Just in case its sleek body doesn't draw enough attention, the RX 400h comes equipped with daytime running lights, which help make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle during daylight hours.
2007 Lexus RX 350
In addition to the features listed above in the RX 400h, the RX 350 also includes the following safety features:
Vehicle Stability Control
To help keep you in control, the RX is armed with an array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) senses lateral slip in turns and helps keep the vehicle on course, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps effectively deploy power during slippery conditions.
Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
When it comes to driving safety, it helps to have your tires properly inflated. With this in mind, Lexus engineers designed the four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System to alert the driver with a light on the instrument panel when tire pressure is critically low.
Theft-Deterrent System
The RX features a sophisticated theft-deterrent system built right in. A rolling code immobilizes the engine unless the proper key is used, making the RX a very unpopular vehicle among thieves.
Photos
Colors
The 2007 RX 350 and 2006 RX 400h are available in the following colors:
- Neptune Blue Mica
- Flint Mica
- Savannah Metallic
- Bamboo Pearl
- Crystal White
- Millenium Silver Metallic
- Black Onyx
The 2007 RX 350 is also available in these colors (The RX 400h is not):
- Black Forest Pearl
- Breakwater Blue Metallic
Main Competitors
Acura: RDX
BMW: X3
Hummer: H3
Infiniti: FX35
Land Rover: LR3
Mercedes Benz: ML350
Volvo: XC90
Hybrid Models
The Lexus RX 400h is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand name using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is called the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan. After first being introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, it would become the world's second mass-produced hybrid SUV, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. In November 2004, Toyota announced the American launch of hybrid Lexus/Toyota SUV will be delayed to the 2006 model year, with European and Asian launches during 2006. The Toyota version of the same car debuted in Japan on March 22, 2005, the same day as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Toyota will price the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid [[[RX 350|RX300/RX330/Harrier]]. The list price in Japan ranges from 4.095 million Yen to 4.62 million Yen. In US, it will be priced at $49,185, which is a $5,600 premium over a similarly-equipped RX 350.
The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 350. It produced, in the case of the Harrier Hybrid, 211 hp JIS (155 kW) and 288 Nm (212 ft·lbf). The petrol engine is aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167 hp JIS (123 kW) and 333 Nm (245 ft·lbf) and connected to the CVT gearbox, and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68 hp JIS (50 kW) and 130 Nm (95 ft·lbf). The whole system, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, produces a maximum of 272 hp JIS (200 kW). Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and petrol engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction. The petrol engine will switch off automatically and the car will be electrically driven when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration.
The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance; the [[[RX 350|400h/Harrier Hybrid]] can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 8 s, quicker than the petrol-only RX. Despite the increased performance, the [[[RX 350|RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid]] consumes roughly the same amount of petrol as a compact four-cylinder saloon and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in America. Under the Japanese "10.15 mode" fuel consumption standard, the [[[RX 350|Harrier Hybrid]] can run 17.8 km per litre of fuel (compared with the standard coil-sprung V6 3.0 L Harrier, which returned 9.4 km/L). In Japan, it qualifies as a "4-star" LEV-car, where it produces 75% fewer emissions than the standard specified in Heisei 17 (i.e. year 2005).
Unique Attributes
Engine
The 2007 Lexus RX 350 features a 24-valve V6 engine with 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 RPM.
Five Speed Automatic
To ensure the most comfortable driving experience, the RX comes standard with a five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), which provides improved acceleration at lower speeds. And on the highway, a smoother, quieter ride.
Front- or All-Wheel Drive
The RX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) featuring a viscous limited-slip center differential. With an advanced drivetrain and standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), you get improved handling in even the most challenging driving conditions.
Dual Variable Valve Timing
The engine of the RX is intensified by dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a system that continuously monitors the engine's speed and load, and responds by delivering optimum power in each situation. It increases torque at lower speeds for better pulling power, and boosts overall power at higher speeds for better acceleration.
Four-Wheel Air Suspension
The available Four-Wheel Air Suspension controls vehicle height, depending on driving conditions and needs. At speeds higher than 62 mph, the vehicle lowers 0.3 inches automatically (Normal mode), providing increased control and lower drag coefficient. For additional control during sport driving, you can select Low mode, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches. For low-speed emergency driving on rough terrain, you're able to switch to High mode to raise the ground clearance to a full 8.3 inches. Or, for easy passenger access or loading, the vehicle will lower an additional 1.2 inches (Access mode).
Ventilated Disc Brakes
The RX comes standard with ventilated front disc brakes--which help the RX inspire just as much confidence while stopping as it does while accelerating. In addition, the RX is equipped with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help you be ready for most any situation.
Superb Handling
The RX is equipped with fully independent MacPherson strut suspension, front and rear anti-vibration subframes, and engine-speed-sensing, progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Additionally, a turning radius of 18.7 feet makes the RX easy to maneuver in tight spaces. All of which assures the ride and luxury of a sedan.
Ultra-Low Emissions
The RX is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) that everyone can feel good about.
Resale Values
As mentioned in the October 2005 issue of SmartMoney, the resale value of the Lexus RX remains to be high due to Lexus's "reputation for reliablity".
Criticisms
Lexus RX Generations
Current (Second) Generation: (2004-present)
First Generation: (1998-2003)
Worldwide
For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.
The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the Hybrid RX during 2006.
Design quirks and oddities
Awards
The RX 300 was MotorTrend magazine's Sport Utility of the Year for 1999.
Winner Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2004 - Lexus RX 330
See also
| Lexus, a marque of Toyota, road car timeline, 1989-present [edit] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 80s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Compact | IS 200/300 | IS 250/350 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | ES 250 | ES 300 | ES 300 | ES 300/330 | ES 350 | ||||||||||||||||
| GS 300 | GS 300/400/430 | GS 300/430/450h | |||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | LS 400 | LS 400 | LS 430 | LS 460/600h | |||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | RX 300 | RX 330/350/400h | |||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | GX 470 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| LX 450 | LX 470 | JX 470 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | SC 300/400 | SC 430 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Concept | LF | ||||||||||||||||||||
