2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD model has it all

You know when you’re driving a solid vehicle when the wind is blowing across the freeway at speeds up to 70 mph. Such was the case last week on the foothill’s highway last week when the winds were blowing tumble weeks and trash across the freeway. While I could feel the wind blasts against the Lexus RX350h the drive was steady and solid with little wind sway.

Getting to trust your car or truck is almost a love affair. While I only had the RX35h for a week, it was almost instant love. What an elegant and well-engineered SUV model.

This model is a crossover hybrid with 246 horsepower 2.4L engine with a hybrid Atkinson cycle. The CVT versatile transmission was perfect and the combination of hybrid economy and a gas engine produced a remarkable combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. While the price of gas has gone down, world events indicate a much higher price on future oil and fuel prices. This is a large SUV with power seats for three rear seat passengers.

The exterior features “Iridium” paint and the interior “Macadamia” with “Ash Brown” Bamboo finish. The driver and passenger seats are leather trimmed, heated and cooled, with 4-way lumbar controls for both front seats, along with l0-way power seats.

A 14” color touchscreen displays controls that are easy to manage. The Mark-Levinson “Pure Play” sound system provides the great music on satellite radio chan nels. Passengers have the use of six USB charging ports and a front dash wireless charger. There is all of the Bluetooth and USB smartphone connec tivity.

The steering wheel is leather heated, and leath er wrapped with tilt and telescopic steering column controls. There are many buttons for special options.

The Lexus Safety System offers many safety features that include pre-collision, intersection and motorcycle detection, and all-speed radar cruise control with corner speed management. Additional features include lane departure alert and steering assist that keeps the car centered in traffic lanes.

There is a long menu of special options that can include a cold area for drinks, and a 120 AC inverter for hooking up electric equipment for outdoor usage.

The suggested manufacturer’s list price is $57,000 but a list of attractive accessories can add to the price.

This is a sleek, modern designed vehicle, with many safety features along with special locking security interior doors. The ride is on 21” all-weather tires and independent MacPherson front struts and multilink rear suspension that provides the road stability and fights off the winter winds.

This will make any owner proud to own and drive.