|

2008 Lexus RX 350
Low Fleet Lexus Prices Discount Lexus Auto Leases
All Colors-Options Nationwide Delivery
Click To Build Your New 2008 Lexus RX350
View New 2008 Lexus RX 350 Vehicle Review
The 2008 edition of Lexus' popular RX350 crossover vehicle will sport the same price it did as a 2007 model. The front-drive RX 350 will be priced at $37,400, while $38,800 gets the all-wheel-drive model. Lexus confirms all optional equipment prices will remain unchanged as well. For 2008, the RX gets some minor updates, including a new grille design and new chrome door handles. Options include seven-spoke, 18-inch wheels, and black maple interior trim, along with Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic exterior colors.The standard engine in the RX350 is a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 teamed with a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The RX350 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds for the front-drive model and 7.4 seconds for the all-wheel-drive model. Fuel economy checks in at 18/23 mpg for the FWD model, 17/22 mpg for the AWD version.Stability control is standard, as are a driver's knee airbag and front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags.The RX also offers an available factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system with new-design nine-inch screen. A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires. And its optional navigation system comes with Bluetooth wireless technology. Standard amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, ten-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors and wood interior trim. Major optional equipment includes a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells -- and a wide-opening, multipanel moonroof.
Introduction
The introduction of the Lexus RX series was perfectly timed to meet affluent consumers' emerging desire for SUVs that were easy to drive in suburbia and furnished to luxury sedan standards. The first of the luxury crossover SUVs, the RX 300 quickly became the brand's best-selling vehicle. It won over shoppers with its easygoing personality, upscale cabin, virtually silent powertrain and outstanding build quality. Now badged as the RX 350, this midsize crossover is nearing the end of its second generation but remains a strong competitor in its class. Rivals surpass the 2008 Lexus RX 350 in the handling department, but for buyers seeking comfort and serenity in large helpings, it easily satisfies. Like other luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus RX 350 is built on a car chassis, in this case the 2002-'06 Toyota Camry platform. These origins provide an immediate clue to the RX 350's personality: It's a serene and forgiving highway cruiser, but has never been much of an athlete, even by sport-utility standards. That said, the current-generation RX feels a touch sportier than the original, thanks to the availability of an adaptive air suspension and 18-inch wheels. Adding to the effect is the potent 3.5-liter V6 Lexus slotted into its crossover SUV last year. Rated for 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, this V6 allows an all-wheel-drive RX 350 to accelerate to 60 mph in the mid 7-second range -- impressive for a V6-equipped midsize SUV. In addition to comfort and quickness, the current RX has always been known for its arsenal of technology, and despite a recent flurry of redesigns in the premium SUV segment, it's still up to speed in this regard. It was the first crossover SUV to offer adaptive headlights, and its optional Mark Levinson sound system rivals the best stereos in this class, provided you're not put off by the $6,200 price tag on this package option. A navigation system with a rearview camera is also available, of course, and unlike in many competitors, the interface is user-friendly and easy to understand. Overall, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 serves as an excellent example of what we think a luxury crossover utility vehicle should be. Certainly, competitors like the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Infiniti FX35 will serve you better if sporty handling dynamics are a priority, while those needing third-row accommodations should check out the Cadillac SRX, Mercedes-Benz R350 or Volvo XC90. However, for consumers interested in a plush, convenience-laden five-passenger crossover, the RX 350 remains a worthy candidate in this very competitive market segment.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV of midsize dimensions. It comes in a single trim level with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RX 350's level of standard equipment is impressive and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors all around, 10-way power front seats, wood interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, four one-touch power windows and second-row seats that slide and recline. Leather upholstery is technically optional on the Lexus RX 350, but the chances of finding a cloth-upholstered RX on a dealer lot are virtually nil. Most models will have at least the Premium Package, which supplies leather, seat memory, a power tilt/telescoping wheel, a sunroof and a roof rack. Opt for Premium Plus and you'll get all of the above, plus adaptive bi-xenon HID headlights. Or, you could go for the Performance Package, which has all the Plus Package goodies, plus an adaptive air suspension and 18-inch wheels. Other high-tech extras available on the RX 350 include a navigation system, a rearview camera, a stunning Mark Levinson audio system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The nav and entertainment systems can be purchased ? la carte, but the Mark Levinson system is only available as part of a pricey package. Stand-alone options include laser-based adaptive cruise control, front seat heaters, rain-sensing wipers and towing preparation.
Powertrains and Performance
A 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque powers the 2008 Lexus RX 350. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and buyers have a choice of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Lexus claims a 0-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 ticks for the AWD version. Fuel economy estimates are down this year due to revised EPA testing procedures, but the RX is still efficient for such a powerful SUV. The ratings are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the FWD model and 17/22 for the AWD version. Properly equipped, the RX 350 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Safety
All the latest airbags are found on the RX 350, with standard front, side, head and even driver-knee airbags. Standard stability and traction control systems are on hand to help one avoid an accident in the first place. Although NHTSA has not tested an RX 350, the structurally similar RX 330 scored a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. In side-impact tests, the RX 330 earned five stars across the board. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the current-generation RX a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in frontal-offset crash testing.
Interior Design and Special Features
Looking at the cabin of the Lexus RX 350, you'd never guess this is an entry-level luxury SUV. Real wood and leather trim on the console, door panels and steering wheel come standard and make for a rich ambience. Available features such as a rearview camera, adaptive headlights (which swivel slightly in the direction you are turning) and a voice-activated navigation system mean that this midsize luxury sport-ute gives up nothing to the more expensive prestige-brand SUVs when it comes to technology. The second-row seat reclines, slides fore and aft and is split 40/20/40 to optimize both passenger comfort and cargo-carrying flexibility. Behind that seat there are 38.3 cubic feet of luggage space; flip the seat down and cargo capacity increases to 85 cubes. Highly refined it its operation, the standard power liftgate makes life easier when the RX 350 is used as a beast of burden.
Driving Impressions
In true Lexus fashion, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 possesses a smooth and sophisticated personality. Performance is swift and silent. This is first and foremost a luxury vehicle, and as such the suspension is tuned more for a plush ride than sporty handling. Although the RX never feels floaty, those seeking a firmer dynamic should consider the Performance Package, which includes an air suspension along with 18-inch wheels fitted with lower-profile (235/55VR18 vs. 225/65SR17) performance tires.
What's New
A new grille design and chrome exterior door handles distinguish the 2008 Lexus RX 350 from last year's model. In addition, there's a new graphite-finish 18-inch wheel design on the options list, and in models with a gray interior, you'll find black bird's eye maple trim.
Pro
High-grade cabin furnishings, luxury sedan ride, user-friendly high-tech features, rock-solid reliability history, excellent dealer service.
| 2008 Lexus RX 350 |

|
| |
| |
| FleetRates.com |
| 1-888-861-8080 1-888-831-8080 |
| |
| |
| Base MSRP: $37,400 |
| Model Code: 9420 |
| Transmission: Automatic |
| Doors: 5 Door |
| Max Power: 270hp |
|
|
 |
| Available Options |
 |
| Body Exterior |
|
- Tow Hitch Receiver with Ball Mount (PIO) - $415
Trailer towing preparation includes tow hook
|
 |
| Convenience |
|
- Dynamic Laser Cruise Control - $600
Cruise control with distance sensors
|
 |
| Lights |
|
- HID Headlamps w/Adaptive Front Lighting - $815
Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights Headlight control active
|
 |
| Non Coded Item |
|
- Cargo Mat (PIO) - $92
Cargo mat
|
- Wheel Locks (PIO) - $69
Wheel locks
|
- DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System - $1,740
DVD/VCD Display screen single rear middle Mains power supply 2 wireless headphones
|
 |
| Other |
|
- Heated Front Seats/Rain Sense Wipers - $665
[HS] Multi-Stage Heated Front Seats And [RS] Rain-Sensing Wipers
|
 |
| Paint |
|
- Standard Paint Type - $0
Metallic paint [J004] Standard Paint Type And [J005] Standard Paint Type And [J002] Standard Paint Type
|
- Standard Paint Type - $0
Black paint [J005] Standard Paint Type And [J003] Standard Paint Type And [J002] Standard Paint Type
|
- Standard Paint Type - $0
Pearl paint [J004] Standard Paint Type And [J005] Standard Paint Type And [J003] Standard Paint Type
|
- Standard Paint Type - $0
Gloss paint [J004] Standard Paint Type And [J003] Standard Paint Type And [J002] Standard Paint Type
|
 |
| Roof |
|
- Roof Rails with Rack - $220
Removable roof rails
|
 |
| Seats |
|
- Multi-Stage Heated Front Seats - $540
Heated driver and passenger seat High pressure headlight cleaners
|
 |
| Visibility |
|
- Rain-Sensing Wipers - $125
Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor
|
 |
| Wheels |
|
- 18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels - $495
Front and rear alloy wheels with 18 inch rim diam and 7.0 inch rim width Front and rear tires with 235 mm tire width, 55% tire profile and V tire rating [VP] Performance Package And [FV] Liquid Graphite Finish 18" Alloy Wheels
|
- Liquid Graphite Finish 18" Alloy Wheels - $605
Front and rear alloy wheels with 18 inch rim diam and 7.0 inch rim width Front and rear tires with 235 mm tire width, 55% tire profile and V tire rating [FT] 18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels And [VP] Performance Package
|
 |
|
 |
| Standard Features |
 |
| Exterior |
| |
| Body Exterior |
| Trailer towing preparation |
| Underbody protection for fuel tank and for engine |
| Body side molding |
| Roof spoiler |
| Bumpers |
| Body color front and rear bumpers |
| Paint |
| Mica paint |
|
| Interior |
| |
| Convenience |
| 12v power outlet: front and 2 , 12v power outlet: cargo and 1 |
| Electric trunk/hatch pull down |
| Remote fuel filler door release |
| Cruise control |
| Delayed/fade courtesy lights |
| Front reading lights |
| Illuminated entry system |
| Cargo area light |
| Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror |
| Garage door opener |
| Coming home device |
| Interior Trim |
| Luxury trim wood & leather on gearknob, wood/woodgrain on doors and alloy look on dashboard |
| Floor covering: carpet in load area |
| Floor mats |
| Seats |
| Upgraded cloth/velour seat upholstery with additional upgraded cloth/velour |
| Front seat center armrest |
| Rear seat center armrest |
| Bucket electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment |
| Three asymmetrical 40/20/40 front facing reclining rear seats with fore/aft adjustment and zero adjustments |
| Storage |
| Lockable glove compartment |
| Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats |
| Front seat back storage |
| Front seats and rear seats cup holders pop out |
| Full dashboard console , partial floor console with covered storage box , partial overhead console with covered storage box |
| Ventilation |
| Ventilation system with recirculation setting and micro filter |
| Passenger seat secondary ventilation controls |
| Air conditioning with climate control and rear outlet 2 |
|
| Electronics |
| |
| Audio |
| Eight speaker(s) |
| Diversity antenna |
| Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with AM/FM, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer CD player reads MP3 |
| Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls |
| Audio anti-theft protection: integrated in dash |
| Instrumentation |
| Dashboard |
| Service interval indicator |
| Automatic drive indicator on dashboard |
| Tachometer |
| Oil pressure warning light |
| External temperature |
| Door ajar warning |
| Low fuel level warning |
| Low washer fluid level warning |
| Clock |
| Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel |
| Compass |
| Low tire pressure indicator |
| Lights |
| Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights |
| Headlight control with time delay switch-off and dusk sensor |
| Front fog lights |
| Day time running lights |
| Door entry light |
|
| Safety |
| |
| Visibility |
| Automatic operation rear view mirror |
| Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors with automatic operation |
| Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent |
| Tinted glass on cabin, rear and side |
| Heat reflective glass |
| Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe |
| Front and rear power windows with two one-touch |
| Safety |
| Front and rear roof airbag |
| Driver and passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment |
| Front side airbag |
| Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats |
| Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners |
| 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side |
|
| Warranty and Fixed Charges |
| |
| Charges |
| Fixed delivery charges: 695 |
| Warranty |
| Full car warranty: duration (months): 48 or distance (miles): 50,000 |
| Powertrain warranty: duration (months): 72 or distance (miles): 70,000 |
| Anticorrosion warranty: duration (months): 72 or distance (miles): unlimited |
| Road-side assistance warranty: duration (months): 48 or distance (miles): unlimited |
|
|
 |
| Technical Specifications |
 |
| Version |
| |
Trim level: |
| |
Five-door sport utility vehicle body style 300N |
| |
Seating: five seats |
| |
| Engine |
| |
3,456 cc 3.5 liters V 6 front engine with 94 mm bore, 83 mm stroke, 10.8 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 2GR-FE |
| |
Emission control level ULEV |
| |
| Engine Performance |
| |
Power: 166 kW , 270 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 251 ft lb , 323 Nm @ 4,700 rpm |
| |
Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 23 and EPA city (mpg): 18 |
| |
| Transmission |
| |
Front-wheel drive with descent control system |
| |
3.29:1 axle ratio |
| |
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management |
| |
Automatic five-speed transmission with mode select, lock-up, electronic control, shift lever on dash, 4.235:1 first gear ratio, 2.36:1 second gear ratio, 1.517:1 third gear ratio, 1.047:1 fourth gear ratio, 0.756:1 fifth gear ratio and 3.378:1 reverse gear ratio U151E and automatic |
| |
Stability control |
| |
| Wheels |
| |
Front and rear all seasons tires with 225 mm tire width, 65% tire profile, S tire rating and black sidewall official brochure tyre size |
| |
Front and rear alloy wheels with 17 inch rim diam and 6.5 inch rim width |
| |
Fullsize alloy rim internal spare wheel |
| |
| Brakes |
| |
Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs |
| |
Four-wheel ABS |
| |
Electronic brake distribution |
| |
Brake assist system |
| |
| Steering |
| |
Wood & leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment |
| |
Power steering |
| |
| Fuel |
| |
Multi-point injection fuel system |
| |
Premium unleaded fuel 91 |
| |
19.2 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank |
| |
| Weights |
| |
Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 5,269, curb weight (lbs) 3,870, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 2,000 and max payload (lbs) 1,399 |
| |
| Dimensions |
| |
SUV specifics approach angle (degrees): 28.9 and departure angle (degrees): 22.8 |
| |
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 186.2, overall width (inches): 72.6, overall height (inches): 66.1, ground clearance (inches): 7.1, wheelbase (inches): 106.9, front track (inches): 62, rear track (inches): 61.2 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.4 |
| |
Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 39.3, rear headroom (inches): 38.6, front hip room (inches): 55.6, rear hip room (inches): 55.1, front leg room (inches): 42.5, rear leg room (inches): 36.4, front shoulder room (inches): 57.9, rear shoulder room (inches): 57.1 and interior volume (cu ft): 102.5 |
| |
Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 84.7 and all seats in place (cu ft): 38.3 |
|
|