New 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD, Redesign, Price – Following on from a much-needed refresh in 2022, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD seems to be resting on its laurels as the top-selling midsize SUV in the US. Available as a gas-powered or hybrid vehicle, the crossover relies on a V6 engine for most of its power – expect between 290 horsepower and 308 hp. While that may be enough for a sportier compact, the hefty midsize won’t keep up with rivals like the BMW X5 or Acura MDX. It tries to make up for this with a luxuriously appointed cabin, loads of safety tech, and the third row of seats on the L-monikered models. But with shoddy handling and lackluster acceleration, it may have trouble keeping up with the competition going forward, both literally and figuratively. Still, it has remained eminently popular for a reason, so it deserves a closer look before we prematurely shut the book on it.
2022 Lexus RX Redesign
New 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD Redesign
There have only been minor updates for the new year, but since they fall primarily under the umbrella of safety features, they are well worth mentioning. From the base model up, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now factory-installed, along with power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors. The previous Performance Package has been rebranded as the Handling Package, while the optional Luxury Package now gets a Glazed Caramel interior instead of the previous Noble Brown. This hue has also been added as an option within the Premium Package. The wireless charging pad that comes standard on the upper trim levels is now offered to the base RX 350 AWD and 450h, and, for 2022, a limited number of special edition Black Line models will be made available.
Interior
The interior is just what you would expect from the Lexus brand, which means top-notch materials and loads of style. There is enough space for five passengers, although the captain’s chairs and third-row bench on the top-tier L increase this to six and seven, respectively. Regardless, everyone is accommodated in optimum comfort, with available heated seats and standard automatic climate control ensuring as much. The infotainment system boasts a large touchscreen and plenty of speakers, and there are a variety of other conveniences and driver-assist features. However, with so many features on offer, the controls for some of these are not within easy reach.
2022 Lexus RX Interior
In its base setup, the RX can seat up to five in a great deal of comfort. Both rows of seats offer plenty of head- and legroom, but this changes when you opt for the three-row L-model. While the RX 350 seats seven, the RX 450hL trades the second-row bench for a pair of captain’s chairs, so it becomes a six-seater. The headroom in the third row is still decent, but that won’t matter to the tiny children you place there since there is not enough legroom for anyone else. Installing this third row also means those in the middle have to sacrifice some legroom, so it is not worth it.
New 2022 Lexus RX 350 Engine
Quite large and more than a little hefty, the RX struggles to live up to the ‘sport’ in its classification. The naturally aspirated V6, producing up to 295 horsepower and 268 lb – ft of torque, lacks the kick of turbocharged competitors, so the slower 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 7.7 seconds is unsurprising. The heavier AWD configurations take an extra 0.2 seconds to get up to speed. Even though the hybrid RX 450h produces 308 hp, it will go no faster than 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The combustion powertrain offers a maximum speed of 124 mph, while the top speed for the hybrids is 112 mph.
Although performance is not the primary goal of a luxury SUV, the Lexus is disappointing compared to competitors from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to their turbocharged generators, they can hit 60 mph in well under seven seconds. Similarly, the Lexus underperforms as a worker, too. In RX 350 guise, it can only tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. On the plus side, easy access to AWD means a few road conditions it cannot handle, and a mild level of off-roading is possible.
2022 Lexus RX Engine
New 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD Release Date and Price
The price of the Lexus RX is set well above the more modest models from the classic collection. The base model RX 350 opens bidding at $45,070, while the 350L ups the ante to $47,900. The RX is a bit more expensive, despite having fewer standard features, priced at $48,550. The basic FWD can be traded out for AWD on each machine for an extra $1,400. The hybrid options are naturally more expensive to start with, and they each come equipped with AWD right off the bat. The trims remain the same, though, with the 450h, 450hL, and Sport variant bearing pricing of $47,720, $51,110, and $51,200, respectively. Special editions include the RX 350 at $49,235 and the 450h version at $51,885. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or the $1,025 destination fee.
