The 2011 Lexus RX 350 has not changed much since 2010, when the luxury SUV was re-designed, but a new braking system may be all drivers need to remember how the RX 350 has led the class in some respects for a decade. Several reviewers have called the RX 350 one of the strongest luxury SUV candidates because of its occupant comfort levels and smooth drive. While it can still carry the driver and four passengers, the 2011 maintains the new lower, wider look that provides a more car-like appearance in spite of its heft.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that provides 275 horsepower or enough acceleration to get from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds and enough torque to tow 3,500 pounds. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted as needed. Fuel economy varies, but averages about 21 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive variants and 20 in all-wheel-drive versions.

Changes from the 2010 model year are small: Safe Stop technology now cuts gas flow to the engine when brakes are applied to limit the possibility of unintended acceleration issues. New colors are available for the exterior, notably Satin Cashmere Mica and Stargazer Black. Golden Almond Pearl, Truffle Mica, and Black Sapphire Pearl have been removed.

A Sport Package adds larger wheels, 19-inch diameter versus the stock 18-inchers, as well as high-intensity-discharge headlights. The all-wheel-drive system provides torque distribution to minimize wheel spin in poor driving conditions such as wet weather or snowy roads.

On the inside, the key focus for the driver is the new navigation system, which dominates the center stack of instruments. It operates with a device similar to a mouse to minimize its learning curve. Other electronics available in the Lexus RX 350 include a standard 12-speaker system or a 15-speaker Mark Levinson setup that adds a powered subwoofer in the trunk and two more speakers for rear occupants.

Safety systems are unchanged from the 2010 model, but still extensive. One computer controls the antilock brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability control. More importantly, 10 standard airbags include front, side, and curtain airbags for all occupants as well as knee-level airbags for the driver and front passenger. Optional is an adaptive cruise control system that uses radar to determine whether or not to use the brakes and pretention the seat belt(s) in anticipation of a possible collision.

While front-seat occupants in the Lexus RX 350 can adjust their seats 10 ways, rear seats also recline and slide to improve comfort, and each rear seat can fold down for improved cargo storage. This allows for 80 cubic feet of storage with all back seats folded down and 40 cubic feet if they are up. The numbers have both increased thanks to a re-designed, smaller rear suspension.

The Lexus RX 350 is not as fast or as nimble as other luxury SUVs in its class because of its larger track for safety and it's relatively moderate engine. For shoppers who want a comfortable cruiser and don't require a third row for more passengers, but want to travel in the lap of luxury, however, the 2011 Lexus RX 350 might be the right fit.