Reader Review: 2021 Lexus RX350 Black Line Edition

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Since 1998, the mid-sized RX luxury crossover utility vehicle by Lexus has plied Canadian roads. Fourth generation RX models were launched in 2015, and 2020 ushered in a slightly refreshed design. New for 2021, however, is the addition of the Black Line Edition – a special trim the automaker suggests adds, “unique styling and more spirited performance to the RX line.”

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There are now 16 model and trim configurations available in the RX series. These include five-seat (RX 350) and seven-seat (RX 350 L) variants, plus hybrid powertrains in the RX 450h. All RXs, except for the hybrid models, are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard across the range.

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Calgary drivers Dionne and Darren Dillabaugh and their nine-year-old twins, daughter Avery and son Grayson, spent a week with the RX 350 Black Line Edition. Neither Dionne nor Darren had ever experienced Lexus before, and both were pleasantly surprised.

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First though, just what is a Black Line Edition? The model has Lexus’s performance F Sport body style, and adds special blacked-out features, including the 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the upholstery is a black and white combination strikingly contrasted by blue stitching. Other upgrades include a larger 12.3-inch touch screen, F Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and front and rear performance dampers. A well-equipped base model RX 350 costs $56,650, and the Black Line Edition adds $8,850 to the price tag. The Dillabaugh’s vehicle, with destination charge but before any taxes, was almost $68,000.

Currently, Dionne is driving a 2011 Audi Q5. She bought it new, prior to the arrival of the twins, while Darren maintains a 2012 Ford F150.

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“I didn’t Google the Lexus RX model before arriving to pick it up,” Dionne says, and adds, “I am aware of Lexus as a brand, but have never owned or driven one before. When I first saw the RX 350, I thought it looked super sharp and sporty, and I really liked the blacked-out wheels.”

The corporate face of all Lexus models is the spindle grille, and for many, it’s a polarizing feature. As though to prove that, Darren is one member of society who does not appreciate the style. Dionne, however, does not find it a detraction. Opening the driver’s door, Dionne says her attention was immediately pulled to the black and white upholstery with blue stitching. Darren, too, was captivated.

“That really stood out, and really set off the vehicle,” she says. “Once in the driver’s seat, it was very straightforward to configure to my liking. It was really easy to find the controls, and they were all intuitive to operate, including the heating and cooling controls.”

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The navigation system proved easy to set up and follow, too. At five-foot eight-inches tall, Dionne says the RX 350 fit her well. Grayson sits behind her in a small booster seat, and she says he had plenty of room.

“The cabin spoke luxury to me,” she continues. “The seats were comfortable, it wasn’t plasticky at all, and I found it easy to shoulder check in both directions – visibility was really good.”

After a few days on the road, Dionne says she found the 295-horsepower provided by the V6 engine was ample in all conditions.

She says, “We are always accessing Deerfoot Trail, and do a lot of merging onto the freeway. It was very smooth and powerful, and getting up to speed wasn’t a problem while the transmission always shifted when I expected it to.”

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During their time in the RX 350, the weather conditions ranged from below freezing to well above. This gave the Dillabaughs the opportunity to experiment with the climate controls, including the heated seats and steering wheel and the air conditioning. All proved simple to use and kept the family happy in all conditions. Dionne says the RX 350 has a tight turning radius and mentions she did not have to perform a three-point turn at the end of their tight suburban cul-de-sac. On city streets and on the freeway, steering inputs were precise, and she always felt confident in the vehicle.

Overall, Dionne says the RX 350 is a great family vehicle. Her twins felt that they were in something special and there was plenty of room to haul their gear. Both play hockey, and their bags and sticks were easily stored in the rear cargo area that is conveniently accessed by a power liftgate. Cupholders were in abundance, and Dionne says, “They’ll hold your Starbucks and your Wet Ones.”

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She adds, “My Audi will be replaced at some point, and I wasn’t previously familiar with Lexus and wouldn’t likely have looked at the brand. Now, I would consider a Lexus.”

Last word, however, goes to son Grayson. He concludes, “I wanted my mom to buy the car because it has a smooth ride, the music sounded great, and I liked everything else about it.”

DRIVER’S JOURNAL

Day 1

Dionne notes: Wow, this car looks so sharp. I love the profile and am looking forward to driving it for the week. Drives super smooth. Great, comfortable driver’s seat and I notice the ease of visibility right away during shoulder checks. Darren notes: When I first saw the car, I thought it looked really sharp. I liked the black mag wheels, but I wasn’t a fan of the front grille, just never have been a fan of that styling. But it’s got a nice ride, comfortable seats, good sound system and found it easy to sync my phone.

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Day 2

Dionne notes: Still as nice to drive on day two. Tried out the navigation system, it was quick to enter the address and the instructions were clear (although it didn’t recognize I was in a left turning lane and directed me to go straight and do a U-turn). Love the sporty look of the seats.

Day 3

Dionne notes: Today the car alerted me when I turned it off. One of the kids had opened the window in back a tiny bit, and I would have missed that it wasn’t shut. That was a cool feature.

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Day 4

Dionne notes: The kids are enjoying the extra legroom in their small booster seats. I can also sit comfortably in the back seat. So far, any cons aren’t worth mentioning, but I did think the location of the heated steering wheel switch (on the dash, and not on the wheel) a little odd.

Day 5

Dionne notes: Today it suddenly got cold and snowy. I was able to test the heated seats and heated steering wheel. The seats heated instantly, and the steering wheel was a wonderful (and new to me) feature.

Driver visibility for shoulder checks was great.

Day 6

Darren notes: I had not driven a Lexus before, but would look at that brand in the future now that I have experienced it. The car drove excellent, it had good handling and hugged the road. Driver visibility for shoulder checks was great. Dionne notes: It’s very spacious for our family’s needs, and everyone was comfortable at all times.

Day 7

Darren notes: I liked the blue stitching on the leather seats and thought they heated up quickly, and they were really comfortable. And, son Grayson notes: I liked the colours of the car on the outside and inside, and I could see well out of the back passenger seat. I also had a lot of room. I was there the first time mom sync’d her phone and it was quick compared to the vehicles we’re currently driving. I basically liked everything!