Add traction-heavy all-wheel drive (AWD) to the already well-wrought 2012 Lexus RX 350 to behold the RX 350 AWD. In addition to boasting 80 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, this 5-passenger midsize luxury crossover boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a roof rack and heated power-adjustable mirrors enhancing its already handsome profile. Inside this useful ute is graced with cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a leather steering wheel, as well as plenty of leather, alloy and wood cabin accents. Remote power door locks and windows, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a universal remote garage door opener manage convenience tasks, with dual-zone climate control to help keep everyone comfortable. The Lexus Safety Connect telecommunications system uses Enform/Bluetooth hands-free technology, while tunes are presented by an MP3-capable 6-CD player with 9 speakers. Satellite radio and a USB connection also come standard.
Options, many of which are tossed in a number of packages, include remote engine start, a head-up display, heated front seats and a Mark Levinson audio system boasting 12 premium speakers.
Packages include the Rear-Seat Entertainment with Navigation grouping that stars a GPS navigation suite with a rear-view camera, music streaming and the touted Remote Touch module and dash-mounted display to control navigation, communications and audio functions. The Luxury Package boasts leather-trimmed upholstery, a power liftgate, driver memory settings and a power moonroof, while the Towing Prep Package features heavy-duty transmission cooling and a larger alternator. Finally, the Sports Package offers a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and Lexus’ traction-boosting and driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) technology, while the new Appearance Package flaunts 19-inch chromed wheels, upgraded headlights and black headlight bezels.
The ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6 powerplant mates with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to produce 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, good enough to tow up to 3,500 pounds with the proper equipment. With variable valve timing (VVT), mileage is estimated at 18 mpg city/24 highway, while the AWD system is geared to front-wheel drive (FWD) for normal driving, but transfers power automatically and instantly from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip when conditions warrant.
Standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 RX 350 AWD includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm also come standard with this useful ute. Safety options, meantime, include dynamic cruise control with pre-collision brake preparation, a glass breakage sensor and Intuitive Parking Assist, which is just that.
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