Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX is a very honest road-biased SUV. It doesn’t claim to be a mud-plugger and makes mincemeat of cityscapes. Not the most subtle, or indeed the most stylish of cars though.

• Comfort

  The ride on the RX is why a lot of people decide to buy it, because it deals with the modern urban environment with ease. Speed humps don't bother it, potholes can't faze it, and the vision is excellent. As an all-rounder it's pretty hard to beat; quiet, comfy and tall.

  

• Performance

  The ‘normal' RX350 comes equipped with a 3.5-litre V6, 203kW, an auto 'box and 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h. The more complicated RX400h gets the usual Lexus/Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and a 3.3-litre V6 almost identical to the 3.5, except boosted by two small electric motors and a battery pack. These help out when full power is demanded and the 400h runs on pure electric whenever it can. Which, to be honest, isn't often. Acceleration from the electrically-assisted hybrid is punchy despite extra weight; 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds (beating the petrol-only car)and a similar 200km/h-ish top end.

  

• Cool

  Used to be the urban SUV of choice. But time and styling have moved on apace, and the RX (in any form) looks a bit early '90s.

  

• Quality

  Regularly comes top in Top Gear's reliability and customer satisfaction surveys, and the RX lives up to the hype; it's built exceptionally well even if it can stray into the ‘Japanese market' detailing a bit too readily - just take a look at the shiny silver plastic airvents in the centre of the dash.

  

• Handling

  The RX comes with either conventional steel coil springs or adjustable air-suspension on the SE-L versions. Both manage pretty well with the RX's bulk, but there's more body roll than you might be used to, even though the car actually holds on pretty hard when pushed.

  

• Practicality

  A tall SUV that carries five in comfort and doesn't have to worry about poor roads is a good thing. The boot's only average at 439 litres, but if you aren't carrying rear-seat passengers the seats can be folded for extra space.

  

• Running costs

  11.2L/100km for the for the 3.5 litre, just 8.1L/100km for the hybrid. So it's faster and cheaper to run....