2013 Lexus RX

POWER REAR DOOR
When you're juggling groceries, kids and keys, you quickly run out of limbs and digits for opening doors. For the 2013, a power opening-and-closing rear door is standard on the Lexus RX. If only those groceries would load and unload themselves with the touch of a button.

REMOTE TOUCH CONTROLLER
Think of this available console-mounted controller as a computer mouse for the car. With it, you can control commands for navigation and more on the center screen.

The RX's cabin is warm, polished and cozy, but not quite as sophisticated as some European rivals, such as the Audi Q5. Still, amenities abound, from the plush seats to the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Starting and stopping the Lexus is done with the press of a button, and even the base audio unit is impressive with its nine speakers. Rear passenger legroom is good, and the 40/20/40-folding rear seat is able to recline and slide to accommodate people or cargo. Likewise, the innovative storage bin up front slides and has dual power outlets. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to an impressive 80.3 cubic feet.

The 2013 RX takes on a more aggressive nature with its new grille, but the rest of the SUV is similar both to past designs and its many imitators. From the side, the Lexus is defined by its steeply-sloped rear window line. That sloping motif then extends to its nicely-angled rear. Hybrid models are distinguished with a subtle blue-hued L Lexus badge in front. The RX rides on 18-inch wheels, and F Sport models are on 19-inchers. It all adds up to a pretty if not cutting-edge profile, which should please the majority of buyers.

The Lexus RX 350 utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that uses direct-downshift control to allow for quick shifting when needed (such as rapid acceleration) from sixth to third, or fifth to second, skipping gears for a more immediate response. The fuel-efficient RX 450h hybrid combines the same V6 engine with an electric motor for higher power (295 horsepower channeled through a continuously-variable automatic transmission) and efficiency (32 mpg in the city for the front-wheel-drive RX 450h, 30 mpg in the all-wheel-drive form). The RX 350 F Sport adds no horsepower but does have two additional gears in its 8-speed transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for models equipped with the prep package.

3.5-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD) 18/26 mpg (F Sport)

3.5-liter V6, 123-kW electric motor
245 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine alone; 295 total system horsepower))
234 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gas engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 32/28 mpg (front-wheel drive), 30/28 mpg (AWD)

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a base 2013 Lexus RX 350 with front-wheel drive is just over $40,000. All-wheel drive adds $1,400. Hybrid RX 450h models begin around $46,800, and RX 350 F Sport models start around $47,900. A fully-loaded RX can reach the mid-$50,000 mark. Competitors in this mid-size luxury crossover segment, which include the Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lincoln MKX, have similar pricing. The Acura RDX and Cadillac SRX, meanwhile, are less. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2013 RX. As for resale value, the RX is at the top of its segment, outpacing the Q5, X3, GLK and SRX in the long run.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle