2008 Lexus RX 350

Lexus's RX 350 midsize car-based luxury SUV moves into its third generation in the 2008 model year. It retains its refined powertrain, comfortable ride, and very quiet interior, but it has a freshened front grille, optional seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and new exterior chrome door handles. An additional wood trim color - Black Bird's-Eye Maple - and two new exterior colors are available.

Many reviewers emphasize the sophistication of the powertrain. The all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 produces 270 horsepower by means of the latest in electronic wizardry. For example, the engine's electronically controlled sequential fuel injection is coupled with Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence, or ETC-i. That little "i" manages idle speed, cruise control, and traction and stability control. This enables the engine to make the 0-60-mph jump in 7.3 seconds (front-wheel-drive model) or 7.4 seconds (all-wheel-drive model) while receiving EPA figures of 18 mpg city/22 mpg highway (FWD) and 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway (AWD). All this technologically sophisticated power flows through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that achieves a good balance between performance and economy. Reviewers find it a responsive and smooth drive.

The interior is also a technological wonderland, with a standard six-disc CD changer. Options include a rear-seat 9-inch-screen DVD-based entertainment system and a Mark Levinson audio system. The optional navigation system is voice activated and comes with a rearview camera. Other options include a laser-based adaptive cruise control system and rain-sensing wipers.

The RX 350 also provides technologically advanced safety equipment, with seat-mounted side-impact airbags in the front, a driver's knee airbag, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags to protect the front and rear seats all standard. Electronic stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also standard. An optional adaptive front lighting system features high-intensity-discharge headlights that automatically follow turns to improve cornering visibility.

And all of this comes with Lexus's superior reliability and great resale value. One owner commenting on the RX 350 called it a "classic Lexus ride in an SUV." The care that Lexus put into every aspect of this SUV has made it the luxury standard for this class.