Is the Lexus RX 350 a full size SUV?
The Lexus RX 350 is not a full-size SUV; it is a midsize luxury crossover. In Lexus’ lineup, the larger, full-size option is the LX, while the RX sits in the mid-size segment and is typically configured for five passengers (with an optional three-row RX L version).
Size categories explained
Automakers usually classify SUVs by exterior dimensions, seating capacity, and the intended market segment. Here are the broad distinctions used by reviewers and manufacturers to separate mid-size luxury crossovers from full-size SUVs.
- Exterior length: full-size models typically exceed about 200 inches in length, while midsize SUVs are shorter.
- Seating: full-size SUVs commonly offer 7–8 passenger seating; midsize crossovers usually seat 5, with some models offering a compact third row.
- Towing and capability: full-size SUVs tend to provide higher towing capacities and more rugged chassis options (though there are exceptions in premium crossovers).
- Platform and construction: many traditional full-size SUVs use a body-on-frame design, whereas many midsize crossovers use a unibody construction for a smoother ride.
In general, these criteria place the RX 350 outside the full-size category, reinforcing its placement as a midsize luxury crossover.
The RX 350 in the Lexus lineup
The RX 350 is designed as a midsize luxury crossover, positioned below Lexus’s full-size flagship, the LX. It emphasizes comfort, refinement, and everyday practicality rather than the extended footprint and traditional three-row versatility of full-size SUVs. There is also an RX L variant that stretches the platform to accommodate a third row, but it remains a midsize offering.
RX 350L: a 3-row option
The RX L extends the wheelbase and adds a third row of seats to increase overall capacity to seven. However, the third row is best suited for children or occasional passengers, and available cargo space behind the third row is modest compared with true full-size SUVs.
Key points to understand the RX 350 family within its segment:
- RX 350 standard configuration seats five passengers; suitable for everyday use with ample passenger room in the front and second rows.
- RX 350L adds a third row, increasing seating to seven, but with tighter third-row space and diminished luggage capacity behind it.
- Overall dimensions remain compact relative to full-size rivals, contributing to easier city driving and better maneuverability.
- Powertrains have evolved across generations, with current models offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option in related trims; performance leans toward refined rather than rugged capability.
In summary, the RX 350 is a midsize luxury crossover. The RX L provides a rare seven-passenger option in this line, but it does not shift the model into the full-size SUV category.
Dimensions and comparisons
Dimension metrics vary by model year, but the Lexus RX line generally measures under 200 inches in overall length for standard versions and sits well below the typical full-size SUV footprint. This size positioning influences interior packaging, cargo capacity, and benchmark comparisons with peers in the midsize luxury segment.
- Typical RX 350 length: about 192–195 inches, depending on year and trim.
- RX L length: slightly longer due to the added rear overhang and third row.
- Full-size competitors (e.g., Tahoe/Suburban, Expedition, Escalade, LX) are usually 200 inches or longer and emphasize max seating and cargo capacity.
For buyers who prioritize interior space and three-row practicality at a premium but still want a vehicle within the midsize class, the RX L offers a compromise. For true full-size SUV capability, Lexus reserves the LX or other large SUVs in its lineup.
Bottom line
Is the Lexus RX 350 a full-size SUV? No. It is a midsize luxury crossover, with the RX L offering optional third-row seating without moving into the full-size category. If full-size space, seating, and towing are priorities, the LX or another full-size model would be a more fitting choice within Lexus’s lineup.
Summary
The RX 350 remains a cornerstone of Lexus’s midsize crossover family, prized for quality, comfort, and everyday usability. While the RX L expands seating options, it does not redefine the model as a full-size SUV. For shoppers seeking larger, traditional full-size SUVs, Lexus’ LX line is the direct equivalent in size and capability.
