Yahoo Autos 2018 Lexus RX350L / RX450hL: The Extra-Long RX Has Room for Seven
Lexus is aiming to further the success of its huge-selling RX crossover SUV with the introduction of the longer, three-row 2018 Lexus RX350L and RX450hL. Equipped with seating for up to seven, the RX L models boast an additional 4.3 inches of overall length compared with their two-row counterparts, although the wheelbase is unchanged from the regular RX. The stretched RX also provides the brand with a competitor to three-row crossovers such as the Acura MDX and the Infiniti QX60; the Acura is 0.6 inch shorter than the 196.8-inch-long Lexus, while the Infiniti is 3.3 inches longer.
The longer RX also features a redesigned tail with a more upright rear window, the better to maximize third-row seat space. The new two-passenger, 50/50 split power-folding third-row bench seat has two integrated cupholders, and there are separate climate controls and air vents for those in the rearmost row. While leather upholstery is standard, it doesn’t extend to the third row; vinyl is used there instead. The standard 40/20/40 split second-row bench seat has room for three; alternatively, a pair of available bucket seats drops the maximum passenger capacity to six.
With all three rows of seats upright, there’s just seven cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Fold down the third row, and that volume increases to 23 cubic feet, which betters the standard-length model by five cubes. With all seats folded, the bigger RX has 58 cubic feet of cargo space, versus 56 in the regular RX.
Like the standard RX, the longer model is available with a 3.5-liter V-6 in the RX350L or as a hybrid that supplements the V-6 with a pair of electric motors in the RX450hL. The RX350L pushes a formidable 290 horses to its front wheels courtesy of an eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is a $1400 option. The hybrid, which musters a total of 308 horsepower, comes standard with all-wheel drive and second-row captain’s chairs.
With a base price of $48,665, the RX350L is pricier than both the MDX ($45,175) and the QX60 ($44,295), although it does include niceties such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a proximity key with push-button start. Pricing for the hybrid version is not out yet, but both the RX350L and the RX450hL should reach showrooms in December.
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