Following the last year’s extensive refresh, the next 2021 Lexus RX 350 is not expected to come with any significant upgrade. The model arrived with the revised front and rear styling and more standard features for the 2020 model year. The part of the update was also a new touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The current version benefits also form the revised suspension. There were no changes related to the model’s mechanics.
The Lexus RX 350 is a well-rounded, luxury, mid-size crossover SUV with edgy and eye-catchy styling mixed with a high-quality and comfortable cabin. It comes well-equipped starting from the entry-level version. The modern safety equipment is standard as well as a large center screen. Available packages add more premium and luxury features while the F Sport version gets attention with the sportier appearance and suspension tuning. The model is also very comfortable while riding and there is also a hybrid powertrain with a good fuel economy.
2021 Lexus RX 350: Design
The next 2021 Lexus RX 350 comes on the market just a year after an extensive refresh and there won’t be any notable styling or interior upgrade until the next redesign.
Lexus updated the styling of the fast-selling RX with the larger spindle grille, revised front bumper and headlights for the 2020 model year. The rear received an updated rear bumper and taillight design. The F Sport version adds additional body cladding with larger wheels and specific color options for even more aggressive appearance.
The base RX 350 comes on the 18-inch wheels while optional packages open possibility for larger 20-inch wheels.
Interior, Equipment:
The upcoming Lexus RX 350 will return with the same in-cab design. The model has an up-to-date infotainment system thanks to last year’s refresh and comes with high-quality materials and finishes in all versions. All versions are also equipped with driver-assist systems.
The mid-sized RX 350 offers also good cargo capacity combined with very comfortable and supportive seats. The dash design is also modern with well-organized controls and driver-focused style.
At the equipment level, the entry-level RX 350 gets dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery, nine speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, etc. Every Lexus RX 350 come also with an array of active safety systems including adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic high beams, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Available packages add premium features such as real leather, wood trim inserts, heated and cooled seats, larger wheels, a 12.3-inch high-definition screen, rear-seat entertainment and more.
The F Sport version combines a sportier exterior styling, sport seats, unique interior trim with a sport-tuned suspension. The F Sport Performance package adds adaptive suspension dampers and retuned steering.
Other available features are 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a hands-free tailgate, blind-spot monitoring, etc.
2021 Lexus RX 350: Performance
The upcoming 2021 Lexus RX 350 will rely on the same powertrain options. There won’t likely be any changes in the performance and fuel efficiency either.
The base and F Sport models get 295 hp and torque of 267 lb-ft from the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The engine operates with the 8-speed automatic transmission and the front-wheel drive is standard. Buyers can also get the all-wheel-drive version. The F Sport model has a sport-tuned suspension while the F Sport Performance Package adds also sport-tuned steering and adaptive dampers.
The V-6-powered, front-wheel-drive RX 350 should return 20 mpg city and 27 highways as the current version. The all-wheel-drive models should manage 19/26 mpg city/highway.
The hybrid RX 450h combines a V-6 engine with a pair of electric motors and battery pack to get a better fuel economy. The combined output is 306 hp. The hybrid versions should score 31 mpg city 28 highways or 30 combined.
2021 Lexus RX 350: Release, Price
The 2021 Lexus RX 350 will go on sale later in the year. The current version starts at $44, 150 and goes over $50, 000. The hybrid RX 450h starts at $46, 800. The next version should stay close to that range.
The Lexus RX 350 competes against similarly sized and equipped models such as BMW X3, Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5, Volvo XC60, Acura MDX, etc.