2007 Lexus RX 350 SUV

2007 Lexus RX 350 crossover SUV

The redesigned 2007 Lexus RX 350 finally goes on sale in Canada. The car-based SUV now comes equipped with a more powerful 3.5-liter engine, satellite-ready audio system and better noise-killing capabilities.

The model that sells on Canadian market will be assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) plant, the only one outside Japan that has a privilege to build Lexus cars.

The new Lexus RX 350 is all about engine.

I mean, Lexus sells comfort and vanity, all right, but the main reason to buy this new model is its even more powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine that provides 270 hp at 6,200 rpm and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.

To make handling this beast easier, Lexus‘ engineers equipped the car with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle control that allows for smoother performance and quicker acceleration.

The engine is mated with a five-speed Super ECT automatic transmission which is cleaver enough to provide the RX 350 with an ULEV2 and pretty low fuel consumption rating of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway.

Standard features also include satellite-ready eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with 6-CD autochanger, MP3/WMA compatibility, RDS, DSP and steering wheel audio controls.

A dual zone, automatic climate control with air filter and rear seat heater ducts makes life of the car’s inhabitants a little bit easier, and 40/20/40 split folding rear seats that, when lowered, provide 84.7 cubic feet of cargo area, make the car even more suitable for family traveling.

According to specs, the list also includes a set of rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires, etc.

Prices for the new new 2007 Lexus RX 350 SUV start at mere $51,550 with standard package and go as high as $64,200 for the Ultra-Premium package which incorporates such features as custom-designed Mark Levinson sound system, factory-installed DVD combined with Lexus Navigation System, back-up camera, and, sure, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, mounted with P235/55R18 all-season tires.

Photos: Lexus

2007 Lexus RX 350 SUV specifications:

Price Range (estimated MSRP): $51,550 – $64,200 (Ultra-Premium package)
Body Type: 5-door SUV
Layout: front engine
Engine: 270 hp @ 6200 rpm, 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque @ 4700 rpm, 3.5-liter, V6, DOHC
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Super ECT
Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 186.2 / 72.6 / 66.1 / 106.9 in
Ground clearance: 7.1 in
Track (frt/rr): 62.0 / 61.2 in
Curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.4
Approach Angle (degrees): 29.0
Breakover Angle (degrees): 16.0
Departure Angle (degrees): 24.0
Curb Weight: 4090 lbs (1855 kg)
Coefficient of Drag (Cd): 0.35
Seating Capacity: 5 (2/3)
Cargo Volume (seats upright/folded): 38.3 / 84.7 cu.ft
Payload (max w/ occupants and cargo): 1399 lbs
Towing Capacity (max): 3500 lbs
Direct Competitors: Acura RDX, GMC Acadia, Infiniti EX, BMW X3

See also: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser available for test-drive