Test drove the 2021 Lexus RX 350 - feels like a slug

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:lexus isn’t luxury or quick. If you want those look at mercedes.

Pfffffffft.
No.

[Anonymous]

Agree. Loud, road noise, sluggish and boring. I drove a 2003 lx RX 300 and loved the pick up and comfort and smoothness of the ride. The newer models drive like trash. Switched brands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree. Loud, road noise, sluggish and boring. I drove a 2003 lx RX 300 and loved the pick up and comfort and smoothness of the ride. The newer models drive like trash. Switched brands.

Pp again. Bought Mercedes over Audi and BMW. Didn’t like Volvo.

[Anonymous]

OP, go drive the RX450h instead of the RX350. Quieter, smoother, not sluggish.

Also be aware that there is a huge difference between the base model RX and the top-trim which they refer to as the Luxury Package. I suspect you may have test driven a base-model RX350, when you might want a mid or higher trim RX450h.

Re: similarly sized but more powerful and sporty offerings from BMW, Audi, Mercedes...those are definitely stronger in the fun-to-drive category so get one if that's most important to you. They are all also going to depreciate more rapidly, cost more to service, and break down more often after the first handful of years of ownership. Neither route is bad; just different choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, go drive the RX450h instead of the RX350. Quieter, smoother, not sluggish.

Also be aware that there is a huge difference between the base model RX and the top-trim which they refer to as the Luxury Package. I suspect you may have test driven a base-model RX350, when you might want a mid or higher trim RX450h.

Re: similarly sized but more powerful and sporty offerings from BMW, Audi, Mercedes...those are definitely stronger in the fun-to-drive category so get one if that's most important to you. They are all also going to depreciate more rapidly, cost more to service, and break down more often after the first handful of years of ownership. Neither route is bad; just different choices.

What are the major differences? The acceleration numbers are similar for the two cars, so it won’t change OPs perception of the speed. We have the previous generation RX and the drove newer service vehicle RX which felt quicker so it depends on your perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are the major differences? The acceleration numbers are similar for the two cars, so it won’t change OPs perception of the speed. We have the previous generation RX and the drove newer service vehicle RX which felt quicker so it depends on your perspective.

The massive electric battery in the hybrid RX450h (I think the battery is ~500 lbs) and the ultra-reliable e-CVT means instant + smooth torque and a very quiet ride without engine droning. It doesn't really change the length of time it takes to go from 0 to 60; it does give you more instant access to the vehicle's power on tap...which translates into not feeling sluggish at all on onramps or when passing.

It's a situation where the specs on paper don't always tell the full story of what the vehicle is like to drive. I test drove both last year and highly preferred the hybrid, though the Hybrids are a bit harder to find since they make up something like ~10 or 20% of total RX production volume.

But all that said, if someone is looking for an all-out athletic sexy performance SUV, the RX or RX hybrid is not trying to be that. The hybrid RX is a good premium all-around vehicle that's super pleasant, comfortable and chill to drive and own for a long period of time without the maintenance headaches of other even higher-end brands. It's not an accident that it sells ~100,000/year in the U.S. But no, it won't smoke an X5M at the stoplight.