2014 Lexus Rx 350 Ret Frt Bumper Cover Art
The Car Connexion Practiced Review
Senior Editor
August fifteen, 2014
Likes
- Tech options like head-upwards display
- Upscale (but not highfaluting) reputation
- Plush interior, plush ride
- Fuel-efficient RX 450h hybrid
- Easy entry and exit
Dislikes
- Bearding styling
- Unengaging driving experience
- Base front seats
- Remote Touch controller feels out of place
Buying tip
features & specs
AWD 4-Door
AWD 4-Door F Sport
FWD 4-Door
While the 2014 Lexus RX may non be over-the-top luxurious, it'south a plush, lavish crossover that delivers the right premium impression.
The Lexus RX is the vehicle that essentially created the U.Due south. market for luxury crossover utility vehicles--or at least information technology was amongst the commencement. Xvi years later, it's been joined past the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLK, and loyal owners go on to buy new ones. And the RX was for many years the acknowledged Lexus of whatever kind, far outstripping the sedans with which the brand was launched in the States.
Today's RX fits the same formula as the original 1990s version. Information technology'southward a comfortable, understated, luxury-branded five-passenger SUV that'south accompanied by the Lexus reputation for both dealer service and reliability that just can't be beaten. The RX is premium, only not garish. Instead, information technology's practical, typically more affordable, oftentimes more reliable, and it has a lot of engineering packaged into a car that doesn't announced to be fiscally or environmentally irresponsible. For those who want to show their greenish credentials, the RX also pioneered the luxury hybrid crossover sector also.
For the first time since the current third-generation RX models bowed, for 2010, they've received a light refresh. The 2014 Lexus RX models wear the new "spindle grille" plant on virtually of the lineup, which makes information technology simply a little menacing in our opinion, while all the snub-nosed, edgeless-shouldered purposefulness--crossed with soft elegance--of the current generation'southward design remains. LED running lamps, new rear taillights, and a few new colors are the extent of the exterior changes, while inside there's a new steering wheel, contrast stitching for the leather, and a redesigned eye console.
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Lexus vehicles accept a reputation for beingness not but refined and comfortable, just also for beingness exceptionally well-equipped. That's definitely the case here in the 2014 RX 350 and RX 450h; you lot'll notice a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features, while options are pretty much express to interior upgrades and summit-notch infotainment systems. Major options include leather; a USB port; navigation with real-time traffic; a rear-seat DVD amusement system; and a superb Mark Levinson sound arrangement. The Remote Impact controller remains a mandatory part of the interface that we're conflicted about, but about anybody volition similar that the new Enform system enables apps for Pandora streaming audio and other data services.
New for 2014 is "Siri Eyes Gratuitous Mode," which integrates the iPhone's Siri service into the RX'south vocalisation-control system. The PCS collision avoidance system now comes with pre-braking, and in that location's a 115-volt AC adapter behind the rear seat.
If at that place'due south a clear pronouncement to brand about the RX 350 and 450h, it's that operation takes 2d stage to comfort and luxury. While parents or empty nesters will find the RX plenty responsive in either guise, it's seldom heady, edgy, or nimble, and there's a muted feeling to all of the driving inputs. Ability comes from a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed automated manual; front-bike drive is standard, with all-bike drive an selection. Even with the heavier AWD system, the RX 350 steps off the line quickly and smoothly, and shifts during passing are quick all the same downright seamless. Hybrid models perform almost as well--in an absolute sense, though they manage to mute out even more of the exterior world through the steering and brakes.
The 2014 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are costly, yet not over-the-top lavish, and simply a curt ride in ane is enough to see why information technology's such a popular choice for upscale realtors who don't want to look to filthy rich. There'southward a sure wholesomeness about the practical design, and its versatile seating is roomy and accommodating for four adults; at the same time, it's supremely smoothen and quiet, with the rider experience about every bit refined as you'll find in flagship luxury sedans similar Lexus' own LS. Our only gripe remains that the standard front seats are a little apartment and have odd back contouring, while the ride tin can exist sharper (though nevertheless not crude) with the 19-inch wheel options.
Luxury tin exist understated--that'due south how the drivers of the Lexus RX roll.
The 2014 Lexus RX doesn't necessarily utilise bold and showy design to stand out in the luxury segment, but its understated approach wins shoppers over in a large fashion.
Looking all the way back to the late 1990s, the RX's shape and silhouette hasn't changed much, which almost makes its styling iconic at this point. It'south more conservative and innocuous than edgy or aggressive, and Lexus has played it condom with the RX since the beginning.
There were a few cosmetic updates that came last years, bringing the company'south new "spindle" grille to the nose of the car, but little else has changed since. The electric current RX maintains its original design essence with its tall roofline, smooth details and handsome proportions–even if the vehicle has go increasingly blunt-nosed and loftier-shouldered over the years. While the front end looks a little more than menacing, its rounded fenders and curved rear belie its softer intentions.
Refinement remains the focus inside--along with a matching level of understated luxury. The interior of the RX continues with the same design that divides commuter controls visually from the passenger zone—leaving a big swath of silverish-painted plastic in place of the previous-generation'southward more subdued woods-grained look. As well, Lexus appears to have addressed a complaint of ours--that the current RX didn't feel as rich within as earlier--past adding dissimilarity stitching, and adding new Ebony Bird's Eye Maple and Saddle Leather interior options.
Ane other caution: Don't look for the RX 450h to call out your eco-conscious arrival. Equally in previous model years, there's very picayune visual differentiation between the RX 350 and the RX 450h hybrid, and for the latter information technology'due south really just a thing of badging, with the differences amounting to some hybrid logos and badges plus bluish-lit gauges and a few other subtle differences.
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Comfort is the priority in the Lexus RX; it rides well, and accelerates smoothly, merely steering and treatment are soft, with lots of body lean.
For those who want an understated luxury vehicle–one in stealth mode–both the RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid models should provide more than satisfactory performance that is both refined and responsive without getting out of paw. That may not leave much room for excitement–or agility–since operation plays 2d fiddle to comfort and refinement in these models.
The 2014 RX'due south powertrain lineup is a carryover from previous years. The standard RX 350 comes with a 275-horsepower, three.v-liter V-half dozen paired to a vi-speed automatic with standard forepart-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Fifty-fifty in heavier all-bicycle-bulldoze models, the engine provides more than plenty power–feeling potent, confident, without enough gusto to laissez passer smoothly and dash abroad from stop lights speedily, with nearly perfect shift quality.
Hybrid Lexus RX 450h models pair a 275-horsepower, three.5-liter Atkinson-bicycle V-half-dozen with a version of Toyota'south Hybrid Synergy Drive—one that, interestingly, electrically drives the rear wheels in all-bicycle-drive course. Bulldoze the hybrid gently and you lot'll glide from stops in electric-only mode, with the Five-half dozen about imperceptibly kicking on at 20 or 25 mph. Drive it a little more chop-chop, to go with the menstruation of traffic, and the V-6 thrums on and off in the background, with the continuously variable manual generally keeping the revs well below 2500 rpm unless you're close to full throttle.
In all, this is 1 of the almost numb, isolated driving experiences in a hybrid--a expert or a bad, depending on what you lot're seeking--although in that location are a few vibrations and some engine noise here and there. New for 2013 was a Sport Mode that gives yous revised throttle mapping (with more aggressive tip-in) plus different transmission shift points that let the engine rev a scrap higher. Nosotros haven't yet driven this version, only bank check back for updates.
The RX carries itself over the road with the same sort of muted, condolement-oriented feel that you'll find in the brand's other conservative models like the ES and LS sedans; the downwardly side of this is that there'southward actually no feedback to speak of through the steering wheel.
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4 adults fit hands inside the Lexus RX; we'd like a little more seat bolstering.
It won't take much time in the 2014 RX models to realize why they're then popular with folks with a luxury upkeep, but don't desire to appear filthy rich–they're plush and comfortable without feeling ostentatious. At that place's plenty of room for four adults–and a fifth if you admittedly must–and something about the RX'due south practical design just feels sensible and wholesome. It's likewise supremely quiet and smoothen, with a ride almost more fitting for cars like Lexus' flagship LS sedan.
It'southward as well very like shooting fish in a barrel to climb in and out of the RX. While there may not exist a ton of extra legroom in the rear seats, even with the front end seats gear up all the way back, there'southward enough knee room for all but the tallest adults. The rear seats are also contoured for adult-sized passengers, and those seats flip forward when you demand to haul around larger items. For more valuable items that y'all want to keep out of sight, in that location'due south also a very useful under-floor storage bin.
Tranquillity, smooth, and isolated are all means to describe the RX's ride. Motions are well damped, as they are in a adept luxury sedan, and the simply noise yous do hear is during moderate to hard dispatch—more so in 450h models. The ane circumspection is that we've noticed that with the available 19-inch wheels the ride gets somewhat harsher on some surfaces (though still not rough).
Among the few things we wish for in the RX are amend-contoured front seats. An odd contouring that digs into shoulder blades has made it difficult to go completely comfortable for our taller-than-typical editors and exam staff, and in front headroom can be surprisingly tight. If you click the right boxes and ante up for some upgrades, the optional seats are worth it as they have the boosted long-distance support of length-adjustable lower cushions.
With available semi-aniline leather upholstery (the softer, less treated hides), plenty of soft-impact surfaces, OLED gauges and plenty of soft-touch surfaces, the RX models feel almost opulent, with the upgraded wood trim that's optional in the RX 350 bringing a richer, better-coordinated look in our opinion.
Last year, the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h models received a redesigned center console, along with a new steering-wheel pattern. Too, there's contrast stitching for the leather seats and center-console trim, and there were a few new materials
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Swell side-impact crash-test scores and some avant-garde safety technology protect Lexus RX passengers.
The 2014 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h models are both solid choices for families looking for safe, sensible, luxurious crossovers.
The Lexus RX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, receiving a rating of "Good" in frontal, side and rollover crash tests. In tests by the National Highway Traffic Safe Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 RX 350 received four out of five stars in frontal and rollover crashes, and five out of five starts for side impacts, for an overall rating of five out of five stars.
Both models include all the usual condom features–10 airbags, side bags for the rear seats, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes–but there'due south a least a scattering of features that really stand up out. A hill-hold function helps allow for shine launches when stopped on glace, steep terrain, and the rearview camera helps with parking and bankroll out of the driveway, especially since the rear pillar can go far the way of visibility.
Among the RX'due south many advanced-tech accident-abstention features are a Pre-Collision System that uses radar sensors to detect a possible touch on, then readies the brakes and seatbelts for an imminent crash. Adaptive lighting and automatic high beams are also optional.
Lexus has a lock on Mark Levinson sound and other premium options, but they can make the RX quite expensive.
There's no denying Lexus' reputation for delivering exceptionally well-equipped models, and that definitely applies to the 2014 RX lineup, as well. Yous'll find that the standard equipment in the RX both comfortable and comprehensive, and most of the options are limited interior upgrades and high-end infotainment systems.
Every RX comes standard with a Bluetooth, x-fashion power front seats, dual-zone climate command and a 12-speaker sound organisation–along with more animate being comfort features than can be optioned onto most mass-market cars.
Options include a 15-speak Mark Levinson audio system, hard-drive based navigation, softer leather, rear seat entertainment for the kids, remote commencement, ventilated front seats, LED adaptive headlamps, and a head-up display that projects basic information about your trip onto the windshield to reduce distracted driving.
Our one characteristic complaint is that Lexus has adopted a "Remote Touch on" controller bundled with its navigation organisation; this mandatory interface is part mouse, function trackpad, and we tin can't assist but think of information technology every bit being somewhat distracting, every bit information technology requires one'southward eyes to be looking at the screen while making selections (tactile feedback is included in some menus).
The RX as well now comes with the Lexus Enform arrangement, which has the capability to run apps for information or amusement purposes—Pandora streaming radio, for example. Voice-control recognition is also included, as is a year of the Safety Connect concierge service (there'southward a subscription fee after that).
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With its hybrid version, the RX can be i of the nigh fuel-conscious SUVs--if you tin hit the numbers.
If you're looking for fuel economy, the 2014 Lexus RX 450h is the better selection hither. It's 1 of the greenest family unit-sized vehicles, and with its well-coordinated powertrain and a pricetag that isn't all that much higher than the RX 350. EPA ratings place the RX 450h at up to 32 mpg city, 28 highway, but the last time we drove an RX 450h, over mixed driving conditions, nosotros didn't meet anything close to that EPA rating—about 23 mpg overall, with all-bicycle-bulldoze model (rated xxx/28).
Standard RX 350 models are a little more than consistent with other mid-size crossovers in the segment. Keep in mind that information technology does only have two rows of seating, for a total of v, at a time when many vehicles around its size are offering a 3rd row. But the key is that you're likely to use the second row on a regular basis; this is a vehicle that can carry four adults around in comfort. And that makes the RX 350'due south fuel economy--in the upper teens, as we've seen it--non all bad.
All RX 350 models now include an 'eco driving' light that simply highlights when yous're driving mindfully.
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Keep Reading
The Auto Connection Consumer Review
Apr 12, 2016
For 2014 Lexus RX
poor style, dated, non up to current exterior looks , terrible looking wheels
people found this helpful.
April eighteen, 2015
For 2014 Lexus RX
could not ask for a more reliable, dependable, and safe car
people plant this helpful.
Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/lexus_rx_2014
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