In this guide, we’re delving comprehensively into the Lexus RX 350 lineup, highlighting the finest years to buy and the ones to avoid.
We’ve done the legwork, scouring reputable sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and VehicleHistory to bring you a comprehensive view of this luxury crossover’s history.
We’ll break down each generation, giving you the inside scoop on the RX 350’s powertrain specifics, tech and safety enhancements, and typical issues that owners face. By combining user reviews, official recalls, and performance data, we’re serving up a 360-degree view of the RX 350’s journey.
Ready to hit the accelerator and find your perfect Lexus RX 350?
Let’s roll.
Table of ContentsShow
Lexus RX 350 Generations
The Lexus RX 350 burst onto the scene in 2007, making its grand entrance in the RX line’s second generation. It picked up where the RX 330 left off, but with a beefier 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. Lexus didn’t just stop there – they decked out the RX 350 with lavish interiors, state-of-the-art tech, and a performance boost that screamed luxury on wheels.
Here’s a concise overview of all Lexus RX 350 generations since 2007:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 2nd Generation (XU30) | 2007-2009 |
| 3rd Generation (AL10) | 2010-2015 |
| 4th Generation (AL20) | 2016-2022 |
| 5th Generation (ALA10/ALH10) | 2023-Present |
Knowing the generational differences is vital. From design overhauls to engine upgrades and interior tweaks, these changes can make or break your buying decision. So, pay attention – it could save you from buyer’s remorse down the road.
Lexus RX 350 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking the best and worst Lexus RX 350 model years, we don’t just pull numbers out of a hat. We delve deep, considering a whole bunch of factors:
- What owners are saying (surveys)
- How much it’ll cost you to keep it running
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to stay in one piece?)
- Consumer Reports’ reliability scores
- How satisfied owners are (according to Consumer Reports)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official stuff)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’ve crunched all this data and whipped up a chart that shows you, at a glance, how each Lexus RX 350 model year compares.
And because we know you’re occupied, we’ve boiled it all down into a straightforward table. Here’s where each model year lands: the best, the “meh,” and the worst.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd (2007-2009) | 2008 2009 | N/A | 2007 |
| 3rd (2010-2015) | 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 | N/A | 2010 |
| 4th (2016-2022) | 2018 2020 2021 2022 | 2019 | 2016 2017 |
| 5th (2023-Present) | 2023 |
Now, when we say “Neutral Years,” we’re talking about those models that don’t exactly set the world ablaze, but they won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road either. They’re the plain ice cream of cars – not terrible, just not exciting.
Keep in mind, things like NHTSA recalls and complaints can really diminish a car’s reliability and owner satisfaction scores. It’s like that one unfavorable review that ruins a restaurant’s perfect five-star rating.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the finest, neutral, and worst Lexus RX 350 years.
Best & Worst Years for Lexus RX 350 2nd Generation (2007-2009)
The 2nd Generation Lexus RX 350 hit the streets in 2004, bringing a novel serving of opulence, performance, and tech savvy to the table.
If you’re eyeing this generation, aim for 2008 and 2009 – they’re the prime years. But steer clear of 2007 – it’s the black sheep of the clan.
The Best Years: 2008, 2009
Why do 2008 and 2009 take the crown? Simple – they’ve got fewer skeletons in their closets. NHTSA complaints are comparatively low, making these the ideal picks for the second-gen RX 350.
Under the hood, you’ll find a conventional 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine. It’s not messing around with 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, all managed by a 5-speed U151E/F automatic transmission.
Fuel economy? Not too bad. The FWD version will get you 18 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Go for the AWD, and you’ll sacrifice a bit of efficiency.
Trim levels ranged from Premium (think leather and sunroof) to Ultra-Premium. The latter is where Lexus really flexed, throwing in goodies like the Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, navigation, rearview camera, and seats that’ll heat your buns and cool your back.
Safety wasn’t an afterthought either. These models came loaded with stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more airbags than a bounce house. Some even offered a fancy Pre-Collision System (PCS).
But let’s not get carried away – these years weren’t flawless. That pesky oil cooler pipe issue from 2007? Yeah, it stuck around like a stubborn cold.
The Worst Years: 2007
Now, 2007 – that’s the year you want to avoid like your ex at a family gathering. Why? It’s a muddle of issues that’ll have you questioning Lexus’s reputation for dependability.
The largest headache? A faulty VVT-i oil hose that could leak faster than a sieve, potentially leaving you with a very costly paperweight where your engine used to be.
But wait, there’s more! Water pump defects could turn your engine into a steam engine (not in a positive way), rack and pinion issues could leave you grappling with the steering wheel, and brake actuator failures could make stopping an adventure you didn’t sign up for.
Oh, and let’s not forget the fractured dashboards. Nothing says luxury like a dashboard that looks like it’s been through a war, right?
To top it off, there was a recall for floor carpet covers and retention clips. If not installed correctly, they could mess with your accelerator pedal. Sudden acceleration – just what you want in your luxury SUV. Not.
Want the official scoop?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2007, 2008, and 2009 Lexus RX 350 models. It’s a genuine page-turner.
Best & Worst Years for Lexus RX 350 3rd Generation (2010-2015)
The 3rd Generation Lexus RX 350 rolled out in 2010, and boy, did Lexus step up their game. We’re talking a significant glow-up in design, comfort, and tech – Lexus was clearly not here to mess around.
Looking for the finest of the greatest? Set your sights on 2011-2015. But if you see a 2010 model? Run. Quickly.
The Best Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
What makes these years the greatest of the bunch? Well, they’re basically the popular kids in school – everyone likes them. J.D. Power, VehicleHistory, Cars.com, Consumer Reports – they all gave these models a big thumbs up.
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine flexing with 275 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed U660E/F automatic transmission that’s smoother than butter on a scorching pan.
Fuel economy? Not bad for a high-end SUV. The FWD version will get you 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Go for the AWD, and you’ll sacrifice a bit of efficiency, but hey, that’s the price of power.
These years also introduced the F Sport package. Think of it as the RX 350’s gym membership – an eight-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, athletic-tuned suspension, and some stylish design tweaks.
Step inside, and you’re surrounded by the lap of luxury. We’re talking semi-aniline leather seats, a Mark Levinson sound system that’ll make your ears weep with joy, voice-controlled navigation, and Lexus Enform – your personal car concierge for emergencies and other fancy car stuff.
Safety-wise, these models came loaded. Ten airbags, stability control, and options like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 2013 model even snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Not too shoddy.
The Worst Years: 2010
Now, 2010 – that’s the year you want to avoid like a pothole on a rainy day. Why? Two words: oil leaks. Enormous, nasty, engine-killing oil leaks.
Remember that VVT-i oil line issue from the preceding generation? Well, it decided to make a comeback tour in 2010. This problematic concern could cause your engine to lose oil faster than a novice chef drops eggs, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure.
But wait, there’s more! This year also got caught up in the whole unintended acceleration debacle. Lexus had to recall a bunch of these models to fix floor mat and pedal problems that could trap the accelerator. Because nothing says “luxurious driving experience” like a car that won’t stop, right?
The hits keep coming with cooling system issues (overheating, anyone?), electrical gremlins that could leave you with a dead battery or a fried alternator, and some owners reported transmission shifts harsher than a teenager learning to drive stick.
Want to dive deeper into this car crash of a model year?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2010 Lexus RX 350. It’s quite the perusal.
Best & Worst Years for Lexus RX 350 4th Generation (2016-2022)
The 4th-generation Lexus RX 350 burst onto the scene in 2016, and boy, did it make an entrance. We’re talking a complete style overhaul – all angles and demeanor, like it had something to prove. Inside, it was opulence cranked up to 11, with enough new tech to make a Silicon Valley startup jealous.
But not all that glitters is gold. 2016 and 2017? They’re the problem children of this generation. But fear not – 2018 and 2020-2022 are where it’s at.
The Best Years: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022
Looking for the most dependable Lexus RX 350? You’ve hit the jackpot with 2018 and 2020-2022. These models are like the straight-A students of the Lexus world – VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and Consumer Reports can’t stop singing their praises.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine that’s not fooling around. We’re talking 295 horses and 268 lb-ft of torque, all managed by an 8-speed automatic Aisin AWF8F35 transmission. It’s like a well-tuned machine… because it is.
Fuel economy? Pretty impressive for a luxury SUV. The 2020 model will get you about 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Not too shabby for something that weighs as much as a small elephant.
These years came in three varieties: the standard RX (for the classic luxury lover), the F Sport (for those who like their luxury with a hint of spice), and the RX L (for those who need a third row to separate the youngsters).
Step inside, and it’s like entering a sci-fi movie set. Ambient lighting, high-end materials, and options like a 12.3-inch infotainment display that’s practically a tablet, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that’ll make you feel like you’re at an exclusive concert, and a panoramic sunroof for when you want to pretend you’re driving a convertible.
Tech-wise, these models are packed. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus’s sophisticated safety system suite come standard from 2020 onwards. It’s like having a personal assistant and bodyguard rolled into one.
And the best part? These years are relatively drama-free. Sure, you might hear the occasional grumble about an infotainment glitch or a minor technical issue, but nothing that’ll make you want to pull your hair out.
The Neutral Years: 2019
Ah, 2019 – the middle child of the 4th generation. It’s not awful, but it’s not winning any “Greatest Lexus RX 350” competitions either.
It’s got all the features and bells of the 2018 model, which is superb. But it also got caught up in that low-pressure fuel pump recall that affected a bunch of models. Not so great.
And if you opt for the RX L with its third row? Well, let’s just say it’s better suited for hobbits than humans. Some owners found it a bit cramped back there.
But hey, it’s still a Lexus. Most owners are satisfied campers, with only the occasional grumble here and there.
The Worst Years: 2016, 2017
Now, 2016 and 2017 – these are the years you want to avoid like that one relative at family gatherings who always asks why you’re still single.
The biggest headache? Defective fuel pumps that could cause your engine to stall faster than your dating life after that question. Not exactly what you want when you’re cruising down the highway.
The 2016 model had its own special problem – a recall for ABS actuators with a damaged O-ring. In plain English? It could mess with your brake fluid pressure control when you really need it. Like when you’re trying to avoid that deer that came out of nowhere.
And 2017? It got hit with a recall for the brake assist vacuum pump. If it fails, you get reduced braking performance. Because who needs fully functional brakes, right?
Want to dive deeper into this automotive soap opera? Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2016, 2017, and 2019 Lexus RX 350. It’s quite the gripping page-turner.
Best & Worst Years for Lexus RX 350 5th Generation (2023-Present)
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is like the new kid in school – fresh, exciting, and full of potential. It’s kicking off the fifth generation with a bang, showing off advances in performance, comfort, and safety that’ll make you wonder if you’re driving a car or piloting a futuristic spaceship.
Now, it’s too early to tell if this model year will be the valedictorian or the class clown in the long run. But based on what we’re seeing so far, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 is setting a rather high bar for the rest of the fifth generation.
The Best Years: 2023
Under the hood, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 is flexing a polished 2.4-liter T24A-FTS turbo I4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. With 275 horses under the hood, it’s got some substantial pep in its step.
Fuel economy? Initial estimates are looking quite nice – around 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. But remember, your mileage may vary depending on how heavy your right foot is.
If you’re into the athletic look, the F Sport trim is where it’s at. It’s got sport-tuned suspension and some fancy exterior and interior bits that’ll make you feel like you’re in a racecar (even if you’re just picking up groceries).
More into the lap of luxury? The Luxury package has got you covered with premium materials and comfort features that’ll make you feel like royalty.
Safety-wise, Lexus isn’t fooling around. The new Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes standard, packed with goodies like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing, and road sign assist. It’s like having a protective angel riding shotgun.
And it’s not just us saying it’s secure – the 2023 Lexus RX snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. That’s like getting straight A’s on your safety report card.
Inside, it’s tech central. The star of the show is a 14-inch responsive display that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It’s like having a smartphone, but bigger and built into your car.
Lexus RX 350 Average Resale Values
Inquisitive about how well these luxe rides hold their value? Check out our graph below for a comprehensive look at average list prices for each Lexus RX 350 model.
Conclusion
The verdict?
The 2011-2015 and 2018-2021 Lexus RX 350 models are your golden tickets – dependable, peppy, and packed with innovation. The 2023 model? It’s looking pretty outstanding too.
So, what’s your must-have in an RX 350? Rock-solid reliability, tech that’ll make your head spin, or safety features galore?
Drop your thoughts below and let’s rev up this discussion!
