Consumer Reports: 2018 Lexus RX 350L Video Review

Posted by Kevin on May 16th, 2018

Outside of visiting the dealership, this Consumer Reports video review of the 2018 Lexus RX 350L is perhaps the best look yet at the crossover’s new third row:

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Comments
M
As far as reviews go, Motor Trend gravitates towards negativity in minute detail. Concerns about usable space is one thing, but an entire paragraph slamming the 14-second time of the power-folding third row is unnecessary.
True, but why does it take so long? At sub-zero temperatures that could get annoying very quickly.
krew
Mohammed Taha
True, but why does it take so long? At sub-zero temperatures that could get annoying very quickly.
For sure. Calling it slow is one thing, writing a 100 word complaint seems petty.

Or maybe I'm the one that's being petty? :cold_sweat:
Gecko
With kids, groceries, gear and whatever else, I think 14 seconds is a little too leisurely. If you're planning ahead and putting the seats down for a road trip before you load the car, probably not a big deal, but in the moment, I can see that being fairly aggravating.

Similarly, Toyota/Lexus hatches seem to be slowest-in-class and that too can be annoying in the same circumstances.

I wish Lexus PR would do a better job of optioning up vehicles to send out to the media. This is one of their most important models and they sent it out FWD with base options and a base interior. I feel like an AWD model would have helped to negate some of the annoyances with torque steer, the 20" wheels would have surely helped the appearance and a better optioned interior never hurts either.
M
krew
For sure. Calling it slow is one thing, writing a 100 word complaint seems petty.

Or maybe I'm the one that's being petty? :cold_sweat:
He wanted to make a point. I’m guessing he succeeded.
D
Let's just cut the nonsense and point out the fact that Lexus even offers a POWERED 3rd row seat in a vehicle that does not even need one!!! 14 seconds?!? REALLY. 'OUTTA HERE with that!
S
I'm surprised some auto press even bothered reviewing this vehicle and Lexus bothered sending out review samples. At least they need to write something other than 'sure this is the money printing machine that people buy no matter what we write here', so they picked up a somewhat valid and relevant criticism.
Tragic Bronson
If anything, Lexus PR should be lining up the mommy bloggers to drive them first.
krew
Mohammed Taha
He wanted to make a point. I’m guessing he succeeded.
[offtopic]

You have the best avatar on the forum. Here's a video just for you:



[/offtopic]
M
krew
[offtopic]

You have the best avatar on the forum. Here's a video just for you:



[/offtopic]
LOL. The avatar is just a reminder for everyone of that miserable day. - Extremely off topic
C
MT's review is in line with my expectations. Usual strengths of the RX (smooth drive, quality interior) and weaknesses (Infotainment/tech, and tight 3rd row).

I do agree the time it takes to fold the 3rd row is long which is exacerbated by the fact that you need to hold the button the entire time. Rear hatch is a little slow too but I've grown accustomed to its 8-second close time on my 2-row RX and similar time when I had the NX.

Biggest surprise to me was the exposed rear window wiper which hints at the slightly rushed development of the L. Not a big deal, just an observation, but it is nicer, more refined concealed underneath the roof spoiler.
mikeavelli
In my video (go to around the 1:45 mark) where I show how long it takes for the seat to go down. I noted that to enable the seat to go flat it must raise first then fit into the rear shelf. That adds some time. Contrarily the MDX I had next to it was a manual seat which is of course fast but feels sub luxury compared to a power rear seat (note the GX and LX are power too).

Having a RX and LX now and using them with a kid the only time that would be a problem is in the rain or inclement weather when you want things to move fast. Otherwise it is SUPER PETTY to pick on it.
M
mikeavelli
Having a RX and LX now and using them with a kid the only time that would be a problem is in the rain or inclement weather when you want things to move fast. Otherwise it is SUPER PETTY to pick on it.
When you're wearing a bright white shirt, a stain stands out.
krew
Video Tour of the 2018 Three-Row Lexus RX 350L

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Including a demo of the third row.
View the original article post
krew
Autoweek Review: The Three-Row Lexus RX 350L

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Comedy relief.
View the original article post
krew
Automobile Magazine Review: The 2018 Lexus RX 350L

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The same, only bigger.
View the original article post
krew
krew

Consumer Reports: 2018 Lexus RX 350L Video Review
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A good look at the back seat.
View the original article post
Joaquin Ruhi
corradoMR2
Biggest surprise to me was the exposed rear window wiper which hints at the slightly rushed development of the L. Not a big deal, just an observation, but it is nicer, more refined concealed underneath the roof spoiler.
According to the Lexus UK Media Site, it's not so much rushed development as gaining headroom. Their release titled The New Lexus RX L: Every Millimetre Counts contains this paragraph:

But look more closely and you will notice that not only is the RX L longer at the rear, the angle of its tailgate has been made slightly steeper. That fine adjustment is actually important in making sure there’s comfortable headroom for anyone sitting in the third row of seats. Even more valuable millimetres have been gained simply by moving the rear wiper mechanism from the top to the bottom of the window.[/URL]
maiaramdan
As I said from even the spy photos time it will be dead from the start

Why with God sake they didn't wait until the next-generation TNGA based and to be designed well from the beginning by the 3 rows mentality
Ian Schmidt
My salesman said the RX L is selling, but he'd like to see a new RX designed for 3 rows sooner rather than later in order to sell more.

I