Lexus is confident that the 2013 RX 350 will help the model retain its top spot in popularity among luxury crossovers. Both the exterior and the interior have been upgraded, and an F Sport model has been added to the line.
New exterior features include an updated spindle grille, a new bumper with redesigned headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a power back door. Lexus has also added four new color options: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica, and Fire Agate Pearl.
On the interior, in addition to several changes in the standard and optional trim and upholstery, the RX 350 has a redesigned steering wheel and center console, and USB iPod/mp3 control.
The RX 350 AWD F Sport comes with 19-inch split five-spoke wheels, specially-tuned suspension, its own bumper and mesh grille, and all features from Lexus's Premium and Comfort packages. The F Sport has an eight-speed transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and paddle shifters.
The 2013 RX 350 continues the 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with electronically controlled transmission and dual variable valve timing. The driver of the 2013 still has the option of shifting manually with the Multi-Mode Sequential Shift Automatic Transmission, and fuel economy continues to be optimized by a torque converter that utilizes a low-speed lockup damper to engage lock-up from first to sixth gear. Intelligent Shift Control analyzes speed, throttle, and road condition factors to control the shift pattern automatically.
The model has all-wheel drive available that distributes torque as needed, based on road surface, driving condition, and speed.
Continuing safety features include hill-start assist control that prevents the RX 350 from moving backwards when starting out on an incline, active front headrests that help to reduce the risk of whiplash, and smart stop technology that reduces engine power if the brake pedal and accelerator are engaged simultaneously.
The 2013 RX 350 has a starting MSRP of $39,310; while the F Sport has a base MSRP of $47,000.
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