The Lexus RX essentially dominates the mid-size luxury SUV sales charts but it
could be more dominant. To help make that happen Lexus has introduced the RX L. You
probably noticed this doesn't look much different from the standard RX but bust
out the side-by-side imagery and yes, the L is slightly longer, 4.3 inches to be
specific. That extra length has been tastefully grafted to the RX L's rear,
which if you're wondering shares the same wheelbase as the standard RX. What's
this 4.3 inches get you? A slightly steeper rear window, two more seats, and
slightly more luggage space. Lower its standard power third-row and cargo space
behind the RX L's 2nd row handily tops the regular RX, an advantage that drops
to about two cubic feet with all the seats folded. Speaking of the RX L's
rear seats, a quick analysis reveals a notable lack of legroom versus the
competition. But numbers do not always tell the entire story let's see how I
fit in the third row. I don't fit in the third row. Hey Tim, can you sit in the
second row for me? How much leg space do you have? Can you can you move up at all?
Cuz my knees are touching the seat back. This doesn't work...okay it works if we
needed to get somewhere we could get somewhere like this but it's not
pleasant. Adult worthy it is not but for occasional kid-use the RX L's third-row
could work. Interestingly, adding a third row to the RX has squeezed second-row
legroom from 38 inches to a cozy 30.9, placing the seven-seat Lexus well
behind its previously mentioned competition. With the second row slid to
the most forward position this is as much leg room as I have. I'm also told
that the second row sits up a little bit higher than in the five passenger RX, so
there's a little more foot space beneath here. So my feet do technically slide
underneath the second row but my knees are just jammed into the seat back.
Not great. Oh, climate controls! You might also be wondering if the RX L drives
differently than the original two row RX. Nope. To be somewhat more incisive the RX 350 L
uses the same V6 as the RX 350 but weighs about 240 pounds more and that
weight has an effect on performance. A modest effect. Acceleration from 0 to 60
in the RX L is 2/10ths of a second slower than in the regular RX. I'm not sure I'd
noticed the difference from the driver's seat and I get paid to do this.
Also, I get paid to occasionally jump RX Ls.
Like the RX, the RX L can tow 3500 pounds, though the L's extra heft does reduce
city and highway efficiency by one MPG. I suppose you might also detect the extra
weight of the L during aggressive cornering but as an RX buyer I don't
know how that affects you. See I don't own the RX, that's why I can drive so
aggressively. Seven seats of fury. Starting at $48,665,
including destination charges, the front-wheel drive
RX 350 L costs $4,400 dollars more than a two-row RX 350. When
it arrives in dealerships, the RX 450h L hybrid will cost fifty one and a half
thousand dollars and come exclusively with all-wheel drive and a six seat
cabin that's optional on the gasoline-powered RX 350 L. If you love
the lexus RX and based on sales numbers you probably do the RX L with his
occasional use third-row seats and expanded storage space might make it a
winner. But if you want a luxury midsize three row SUV with truly usable seating
in all rows, you've got better choices
Oh, hai!