What Are the Differences Between the Lexus RX 350 & RX 350 L?
The RX is one of the flagship vehicles of the Lexus lineup, and for good reason, with several models to satisfy the needs of any driver and family who’re looking for an equal measure of luxury, performance, style and modern tech. The RX 350 and RX 350 L both provide the utmost in Lexus SUV utility, but each with their own subtle differences, mostly centred around seating and interior space, which allows each to perfectly settle into their own niche. Follow along with us at Lexus of Royal Oak as we outline the major differences between the regular Lexus RX 350 and the larger RX 350 L.
Browse our research pages for the RX 350 and RX L here.
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Interior Design
| Dimensions: | RX 350 | RX 350 L |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Front Headroom (mm/in) | 1,001 / 39.4 | 983 / 38.7 |
| Rear/2nd Row Headroom (mm/in) | 993 / 39.1 | 963 / 37.9 |
| 3rd Row Headroom (mm/in) | — | 884 / 34.8 |
| Front Legroom (mm/in) | 1,120 / 44.1 | 1,049 / 41.3 |
| Rear/2nd Row Legroom (mm/in) | 964 / 37.9 | 786 / 30.9 |
| 3rd Row Legroom (mm/in) | — | 597 / 23.5 |
| Front Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,468 / 57.8 | 1,481 / 58.3 |
| Rear/2nd Row Shoulder Room (mm/in) | 1,462 / 57.6 | 1,466 / 57.7 |
| 3rd Row Shoulder Room (mm/in) | — | 1,162 / 45.7 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (kg/lbs) | 2,660.00 / 5,864.3 | 2,714.98 / 5,985.5 |
| Cargo Capacity (L/cu-ft) | 453 / 16.0 | 211 / 7.5 |
| Cargo Capacity (behind front seats) (L/cu-ft) | 923 / 32.6 | 1,656 / 58.5 |
| Cargo Capacity (behind 2nd-row seats) (L/cu-ft) | 453 / 16.0 | 652 / 23.0 |
| Cargo Capacity (behind 3rd-row seats) (L/cu-ft) | — | 211 / 7.5 |
The primary difference between these two RX trims is seating ability, with the RX 350 L introducing a 3rd row that the base RX 350 doesn’t have. That means you can seat up to 7 people in the RX L (captain’s chairs for 6 or bench for 7) and only up to 5 on the RX. This also adds up to increased cargo capacity potential in the RX L behind each row of seats, so if it’s not just passengers you’re looking to drive but with a lot of luggage and gear as well, then the RX L is the perfect large SUV for you. An advantage that the RX 350 has, though, is a little bit more spaciousness in the headroom and legroom dimensions for its first and second/rear rows. The choice between the two boils down to how much passenger and cargo space do you truly need? Decide that and there’s an RX for you.
Exterior Design
| Dimensions: | RX 350 | RX 350 L |
| Length (mm/in) | 4,880 / 192.1 | 5,000 / 196.8 |
| Width (mm/in) | 1,895 / 74.6 | 1,885 / 74.2 |
| Height (mm/in) | 1,720 / 67.7 | 1,710 / 67.3 |
| Wheelbase (mm/in) | 2,789 / 109.8 | 2,789 / 109.8 |
| Ground Clearance (mm/in) | 208 / 8.2 | 206 / 8.1 |
To help make room for that extra row inside, the RX 350 L is a little bit bigger, as you would expect, but not incredibly so. This size comes from the extended length of the vehicle, whereas the other dimensions stay right around the same as the RX 350 presents. Both trims present the same bold and striking style, led forward by the signature Lexus mesh grille, LED headlights and a brawny stance that keeps the vehicle both intimidating yet sleek thanks to its aerodynamic modern SUV design. 18-inch wheels come standard, while 20-inch wheels are available on both for a more aggressive look.
Performance
| Specifications | RX 350 | RX 350 L |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 295 | 292 |
| Fuel Consumption (city/highway/combined) (L/100 km) | 12.2 / 9.0 / 10.8 | 13.1 / 9.4 / 11.1 |
The engine performance differences are ever-so slight, but a change nonetheless between the two. While the RX L may be the champion when it comes to passenger and cargo capacity, if you’re looking for the best in engine power and efficiency, the 5-seat RX is for you. The RX 350 musters a bit more horsepower out of its engine at 295 than the RX 350 L can at 292. It’s not just in the power realm as well, but efficiency, too, with the RX 350 more considerate on gas given its smaller size, providing better fuel consumption rates on both the city and highway. If you want to maximize all you can out of the engine and performance side of the RX, the RX 350 is the option for you.
Shop the RX 350 & RX 350 L at Lexus of Royal Oak
The best way to compare something is to see them both right out in front of you, and we can easily make that a reality here at Lexus of Royal Oak with the RX 350 and RX 350 L at home in our inventory. Stop by our dealership to explore these two in more detail and take them for a test drive to truly feel their differences. If you have any further questions about the RX 350, RX 350 L or how they differ, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
