Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing

Engine Options: 270-hp 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6; 208-hp 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with one or two electric motors

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; continuously variable automatic (CVT)

Standard Safety Equipment: multi-stage front airbags, driver's knee-protection airbag, front passenger side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, ABS w/electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: back-up camera

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada; Kyushu, Japan

Model Tested: Lexus RX 350 AWD ($38,800)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone climate control, AM/FM/CD stereo, power driver and front passenger seats, one-touch power windows, power locks with remote, power outside mirrors w/electrochromatic dimming, Homelink universal transmitter, tilt wheel, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, auto-retracting cargo cover, floor mats, automatic on/off headlamps, fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: Premium Plus package ($2,060) includes leather upholstery, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, one-touch open/close moonroof, adaptive HID headlamps, roof rack with rails, illuminated entry; Gen 5 Navigation system ($2650) includes voice activation, Bluetooth interface and back-up camera; 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 tires ($495); heated front seats with rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers ($665); Towing Prep package ($160) includes transmission cooler and heavy-duty alternator and radiator; cargo mat ($90); wheel locks ($66)

Destination Charge: 715

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: all-wheel drive

Horsepower: 270 @ 6200

Torque: 251 @ 4700

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 19/24

Wheelbase: 106.9 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 186.2/72.6/66.1 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.0/61.2 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.4 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.3/55.6/42.5 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.6/55.1/36.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 84.7 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs

Ground Clearance: 7.5 inches

Curb Weight: 4090 pounds

Towing Capacity: 3500 pounds

Tires: P235/55VR18

Brakes: vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 19.2 Gallons