Lexus RX 350L 2021 Review

The 2021 Lexus RX 350L is a midsize crossover identical to the RX 350 except for one key differentiator: The RX 350L has a stretched wheelbase and adds a third row of seating. That means it has many of the RX 350's strengths — namely, that model's penchant for passenger and ride comfort. It also offers surprisingly nimble handling for such a big vehicle, and it's especially shocking since this elongated version isn't available with the RX 350's performance-minded F Sport package. Once you consider its relatively low cost for the class, the RX 350L makes a lot of sense on paper.

But the Lexus RX 350L doesn't make the most of its extended wheelbase. Many purpose-built three-row competitors have a more spacious back seat, and there's little cargo room behind the RX's third row. And, like with the standard RX 350, you have to spec the L just right. If you don't opt for the Navigation package, for instance, you'll be stuck with a small central display without touchscreen capability. You'll instead have to use a trackpad controller, and this combination makes for one of our least favorite infotainment systems on the market. Though pricier, the RX's rivals generally do not ask you to compromise this much or pay such close attention to the options list.

Which RX 350L does MatoCar recommend?

The RX 350L comes pretty well loaded out of the gate, so we don't think you have to go wild on the options. The most significant stand-alone options require the addition of the Premium package, but from there you can add worthy and relatively inexpensive features such as heated and ventilated front seats. The Navigation package is also worth checking out since it includes an eye-popping central display with touchscreen capability — something the standard display lacks. If you opt for the Navigation package, spend a little extra and get the Mark Levinson hi-fi audio system. Your ears will thank you.

The 2021 Lexus RX 350L is a three-row midsize crossover sold in a single trim level. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 263 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The RX 350L comes standard with seven-passenger seating, though the second-row bench can be switched out for captain's chairs, which reduces seating to six.

RX 350L The RX 350L comes standard with:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Power liftgate
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Auto-dimming exterior and rearview mirrors
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable steering column
• 40/20/40-split second row
• Power-folding 50/50-split third row
• Simulated leather upholstery
• 8-inch central display screen
• Nine-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Six USB ports
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration

Standard safety features and driver aids include:

• Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

The Lexus RX 350L offers a number of features packages and stand-alone options. Note that some options require certain packages and other options to be added first. Additional extras include:

• Premium package
• Sunroof
• Wood trim
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Luxury package
• 20-inch wheels
• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated steering wheel
• Front-seat thigh extension and four-way lumbar support
• Leather upholstery
• Rear armrest storage
• Rear sunshades
• Navigation package
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 12-speaker audio system
• Lexus Enform app suite (Yelp, iHeartRadio, Movietickets.com and more)
• Available with or without a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
• Upgraded headlights with auto-leveling feature
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Hands-free liftgate
• Wireless charging pad
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Available with or without 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RX 350L and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Towing package