2019 Lexus RX350 Crafted Edition: Extreme Power and Comfort
The RX350 Crafted Line is the most subtle of the tweaks that are also offered on the IS, ES, GS and LS. Where the others have a deep and rich obsidian finish to many surfaces, the RX350 Crafted Line has graphite wheels and a less-thorough grille overhaul. The RX 350 L is the latest addition to the RX family, where Lexus has to lengthen the vehicle by 120 millimeters to accommodate the third row of seats, making it a 7-seater luxury SUV. The third row offers good space for adults up to 1.6-meters tall.
The SUV version of the Lexus RS 350 sedan transitions to 2019 largely unchanged from last year. Like its sedan counterpart, the RX 350 is not only good value for the money but luxuriously satisfying to drive. Instead of supplying an anemic turbocharged 4 cylinder motor (the norm in many mid-size SUVs these days), Lexus resolutely refuses to follow the downsizing script. Under the prominent hood of the bulbous Lexus, you’ll discover a sizable (3.5 liter) V6 enhanced with all the latest tuning tricks (DOHC, 24 valves, variable valve timing). The configuration of this 2GR-FKS powerplant, with its large bore (94mm) and comparatively small stroke (83mm), puts a premium on high rpm output. To extract that 295hp boot, Lexus has provided a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. For maximum acceleration, you’ll want to play those paddles like a musical instrument, running the potent V6 through its performance range in each gear.
Where the Crafted sets itself apart is via its standard features list, which for the most part mirrors that of the entry-level RX350 Luxury, along with additions including a colour head-up display, keyless entry, moonroof (though not the panoramic roof otherwise optional on the Luxury), front door puddle lamps, upgraded 15-speaker premium audio and 12.3-inch infotainment screen, black 20-inch alloy wheels, and a black grille insert.
Inside, the LS 460 F Sport, GS 350 F Sport, and IS 250 F Sport come with black and scarlet two-tone seat and headrest trim, while the ES 350 and RX 350 F Sport feature black and Cabernet trim. The Lexus LS, GS, and RX Crafted Line contain a leather interior, while the IS, ES instead receives Lexus NuLuxe interior. All Crafted Line models come with navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert technologies. The LS gets a premium sound system and a heated leather steering wheel for all-wheel-drive models, and the ES gets heated and ventilated front seats as well as HID headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. Park-assist is also included with the Crafted Line versions of the GS, ES, and RX.
The 2019 Lexus RX 450h is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV. Although there is officially only one base trim level, the F Sport package deserves a special mention, as it drastically changes the character of the SUV. It features different styling, an upgraded suspension and lower ride height. Otherwise, both the regular and F Sport versions of the RX 450h come well equipped and are available with the same option packages. Just keep in mind that the availability of those options can vary based on the region of the country you live in.
A fresh take on the compact luxury SUV with city-smart technology and bold urban style – designed to enable your active lifestyle. Built on an all-new chassis with a low center of gravity, UX fuses SUV-versatility with the agility of a hatchback. And UX is filled with intuitive technology to keep you connected to the wider world. Available with an advanced 2.0-L dynamic force gas engine, or as an even more powerful and fuel-efficient Self-Charging Hybrid Electric vehicle with All Wheel Drive (AWD). Both are available with F SPORT packages.