2010 Lexus RX 350 Review - Safe is Good

For years, the Lexus RX has been the company's best selling vehicle - more people buy it than any other Lexus car or truck.

Best sellers are not usually very compelling, the reason they're best sellers is because everyone loves them and everyone loving them usually makes them a bit safe or boring. Well, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 is safe alright. Standard equipment includes side curtain airbags, knee airbag up front, stability control and HID headlights. But the RX is also safe is that other way, as in sort of conservative. There's really nothing wrong with that, in fact those interested in the Infiniti FX won't find much to like with the Lexus RX and those that really like the Lexus will be turned off by the Infiniti's overly harsh ride, narrow sporty seats and limited rear leg room. Compare the Lexus RX 350 to the 2010 Acura MDX and now you'll see a lot of the same people interested in both.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 that makes 275 hp. That translates into plenty of power for everyday use with a little extra in case you need to merge or enter an expressway. The engine is remarkably smooth and quiet and the ride is supple and composed on smooth pavement - It seems like previous RXs were softer because this one handles well for a luxury SUV but the ride was occasionally too bumpy at low speeds on rough roads or freeway surfaces with low frequency bumps.

The real highlight inside is the Remote Touch controller - it works a lot like a computer mouse and is therefore easy to use right away with very little learning curve. Gold Star for that one Lexus! Comfort features included on even the $37,000 base front wheel drive model include dual zone climate control, 10-way power driver's seat, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 9 speaker stereo and iPod connection.

Sometimes a best seller is more than just a so-so book or car made popular by flashy ads and placement in a movie. Stephen King fans don't seem to mind that he's popular. But the 2010 Lexus RX 350 has a lot more substance than a Stephen King novel - it's luxurious without being over the top or overly expensive and does all that you'd expect a luxury SUV to do with few surprises - and that's exactly why the RX 350 is so popular.

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