Lexus RX 350

Our verdict

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, 272bhp, an auto 'box and 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 124mph. 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; 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds (beating the petrol-only car)and a similar 124mph 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 439litres, but if you aren't carrying rear-seat passengers the seats can be folded for extra space.

Running costs

Insurance is steep at 16/17 and high emissions and low fuel economy (25.2mpg) get the 3.5-litre clobbered for 35-pecent tax. The 400h does better, with 192g/km and around 35mpg giving it a 23-percent value score for taxation. It also has better residuals when it comes to getting rid.