I’m participating in Santa Monica’s “One Car Challenge,” requiring my girlfriend and me to use only one car for daily commutes and errands. We chose her 2017 Lexus RX 350, a vehicle I initially considered the most boring car imaginable. However, despite my preconceived notions, I find myself in a constant state of internal conflict every time I drive it. There’s something undeniably excellent about this Lexus RX. It might just be the ultimate luxury SUV that cuts straight to the chase, offering exactly what it promises without any unnecessary frills. Here’s why this “boring” car has won me over, aligning with what publications like Car and Driver highlight in their reviews of the Lexus RX.
Driving a car that doesn’t resonate with you personally can be a truly uninspiring experience. I learned this firsthand when I acquired a 1995 Honda Accord as a winter vehicle, prioritizing cheapness and a manual transmission over anything else.
The reality was, I felt absolutely no connection to that 1995 Honda Accord. Even when it was running smoothly, driving it was never enjoyable. Later, I bought a far more dilapidated 1965 Plymouth Valiant, which was objectively worse in every way, yet I adored driving it. It felt like an extension of myself.
My girlfriend’s 2017 Lexus RX 350, in contrast, initially felt more akin to the Honda than the Valiant. It didn’t represent me at all; it seemed like just a functional appliance. Yet, unlike the Honda, a part of me genuinely enjoys driving the RX 350. This enjoyment stems from a deep respect for how objectively well-engineered it is. Lexus truly hit the mark with this car, a fact that’s impossible to ignore, and something consistently noted in Lexus RX 350 reviews from sources like Car and Driver.
The Undeniable Excellence of the Lexus RX 350
Publications like Motor Trend use a metric called “Performance of Intended Function” to judge Car of the Year contenders. This boils down to: “How effectively does a vehicle fulfill its designers’ goals?” With the Lexus RX 350, the answer is a resounding, “Incredibly well.” This is the core of my internal conflict while driving it. There’s the car enthusiast in me who typically disdains driving what appears to be just another luxury-branded Toyota, and then there’s the automotive journalist side that assesses vehicles based on their ability to perform their intended function. While I wouldn’t say I “love” the Lexus RX 350 in an emotional sense, I deeply respect it. It delivers precisely what consumers like my girlfriend seek in a vehicle, achieving a level of near-flawlessness in that regard. This aligns perfectly with Car and Driver’s assessments, which often praise the RX for its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations in the luxury SUV segment.
Under the hood, the RX 350 boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the engine’s accessible low-end torque and the transmission’s short 5.25:1 first gear ratio, the RX 350 is surprisingly responsive. Unlike many modern cars with overly-dampened pedals tuned for maximum fuel efficiency, the RX’s throttle calibration feels refreshingly old-school. A slight press on the pedal, and the car reacts immediately – a desirable trait in a no-nonsense vehicle like the Lexus. You expect it to do what you command, instantly. This responsiveness was unexpected. I anticipated the RX to feel muted and detached, simply a means to an end – commuting to work or running errands. However, the engine feels surprisingly eager, even if its 0-60 mph time is a respectable, but not blistering, 7.9 seconds, according to Lexus.
This responsive engine and the seamlessly smooth transmission, combined with all-wheel drive and a competent traction control system, instill a sense of confidence and capability. It performs exactly as intended. It’s responsive, adequately quick, and everything operates with a refined smoothness that perfectly caters to the preferences of drivers like my girlfriend.
Crucially, this powertrain is renowned for its reliability. The 3.5-liter V6 belongs to an engine family known for its longevity, often exceeding 250,000 miles. Also found in previous generation Toyota Tacomas, this engine is well-engineered, smooth, and requires minimal maintenance. When maintenance is needed, parts are often shared with Toyotas, keeping costs relatively affordable. This reputation for reliability is a cornerstone of the Lexus brand and a key factor in why models like the RX 350 consistently receive positive reviews from Car and Driver and other automotive authorities.
Stepping inside, the Lexus RX 350’s interior is genuinely pleasant. The three-spoke steering wheel is, in my opinion, close to design perfection. All frequently touched surfaces are soft-touch and well-assembled. The user interface is also excellently designed with a generous array of physical buttons for infotainment and climate control. The gauge cluster is clean and easily readable. While the traditional automatic shifter might not be the most cutting-edge design, it’s undeniably functional and intuitive – everyone understands how to use it: push to P for park, pull to D for drive. Car and Driver often highlight the user-friendliness and quality of Lexus interiors, and the RX 350 is a prime example.
The leather seats are not only comfortable but also feel durable. They are equipped with heating, cooling, and power adjustability with memory functions. These are truly excellent seats within an excellent cabin, contributing to the car’s magic carpet-like ride quality. The Lexus RX 350 is designed for comfort and a serene driving experience, qualities frequently praised in car reviews, including those from Car and Driver.
Space is abundant inside the RX 350. Forward visibility is good. While the D-pillars do create a blind spot, the vehicle is equipped with effective blind spot monitoring, minimizing any real-world issues.
The Ultimate No-Bullshit Luxury SUV Experience
My girlfriend sometimes takes offense when people describe her car as “boring.” She sees it as a slight against a car she genuinely appreciates. Are these critics wrong in their assessment?
Not at all. She’s absolutely right in her appreciation. The Lexus RX 350 is an outstanding vehicle, and Lexus deserves praise for creating something that perfectly aligns with the needs of her and many other consumers: the ultimate no-nonsense luxury SUV. That’s precisely what the Lexus RX350 embodies. You purchase it, and you gain comfort, confidence, and safety. Significant mechanical worries are rare. The Lexus dealership experience is known for excellent service – my girlfriend actually enjoys visiting the Lexus dealer, which speaks volumes about Lexus’s customer service approach. Every time you drive the RX 350, it simply demonstrates its competence. It seamlessly integrates into your life, allowing you to focus on things beyond just the car itself.
While car enthusiasts might struggle to understand this perspective, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone prioritizes driving excitement above all else.
Certainly, numerous vehicles on the market check similar boxes – comfortable, safe, reliable, easy to maintain, and relatively luxurious. However, the average consumer likely places more trust in Toyota’s renowned reliability than any other brand. For those seeking luxury coupled with that Toyota dependability, a Lexus becomes the natural choice. Factor in the consistently positive dealership experiences, and it’s no surprise that RX models are a common sight, as evidenced by a short drive in Santa Monica where I spotted numerous RXs.
And it’s not just my personal opinion. Autoweek’s review of this generation Lexus RX is aptly titled “2017 Lexus RX350 Review: Best-Seller For A Reason.” And Car and Driver themselves noted:
Assessed in terms of the goals laid down for this latest redesign, the fourth-generation RX sustains and augments the virtues that have made this vehicle a perennial strong seller: a posh interior, enduring comfort, quiet operation, contemporary safety features, the latest infotainment, and now a bolder exterior.
This unassuming beige Lexus SUV, which I’m committed to driving for the next five weeks, might be considered “boring.” It’s not designed for thrilling handling or blistering acceleration, the styling isn’t overtly dramatic, and it may lack a certain “soul” that car enthusiasts crave. However, in fulfilling its intended purpose as a comfortable, reliable, and luxurious SUV, it is genuinely exceptional. And that level of functional excellence is something truly worthy of respect, perfectly aligning with the practical and insightful reviews you’d expect from Car and Driver.
