What Changed for 2008:

• Available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)


• Hybrid model available


• V-6 engine in RX 350 FWD or AWD is ULEV-II rated by EPA


• Standard stability, traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist


• Five option packages available


• Optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system


• Optional heated front seats


• Optional 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels


• Optional roof rack/roof rails


• Optional car cover


• Optional satellite radio

Overview
The Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h Hybrid are virtually unchanged from 2007. Both are available in FWD or AWD). RX 350 models are classified by the EPA as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII), while the 400h (introduced in 2006) is a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). The 5-passenger crossover SUV can be optioned up with five different packages, including towing capability.

Model Lineup
Consumers can choose a 2008 Lexus RX 350 or RX 400h Hybrid in either FWD or AWD, and five available trim packages. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels; integrated rear spoiler; wood and leather trim interior; stability and traction control; and 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist. Options include a rear-seat entertainment system; heated front seats; 5- or 7-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels; dynamic laser cruise control; roof rails/roof rack; moonroof; navigation system; premium audio system; and a car cover. The RX 400h Hybrid has virtually the same packages and available options.

Powertrain
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 in FWD or AWD is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, 4-cam V-6 engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates 270 hp at 6200 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Power is transferred through a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, along with viscous limited-slip differential are standard. The EPA fuel economy estimates for the RX 350 FWD are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the AWD. Both are classified by the EPA as Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVII).

Available in FWD or AWD, the RX 400h Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter, 24-valve, 4-cam V-6 engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and electric drive motors that combine to produce 268 hp. EPA fuel economy estimates for the RX 400h Hybrid FWD are 27 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the AWD model gets an EPA estimated 26 mpg city/24 mpg highway. It is classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) by the EPA.

Safety
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 and 400h Hybrid feature standard stability and traction control, and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist. Additional safety features include dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags; driver knee air bag; front and rear roll-sensing side curtain air bags; daytime running lights; direct tire-pressure-monitoring system; and theft-deterrent system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Lexus RX 350 and 400h Hybrid receive a 5-star rating for frontal and front and rear side-impact testing. The RX 350 receives a NHTSA 4-star rollover test rating for FWD and AWD models, while the RX 400h Hybrid was not subjected to rollover tests.

Technology
Lexus offers a navigation system/Mark Levinson audio system package for the 2008 RX models that includes a voice-activated DVD entertainment system with backup camera; Bluetooth connectivity; and a Mark Levinson 11-speaker, 210-watt premium sound system with in-dash single-feed 6-disc DVD/CD player. Also available are an optional adaptive front lighting system and dynamic laser cruise control. Satellite radio is available through either Sirius or XM.