New cars: Lexus RX350

The New York Times

This plush “isolation chamber” for the cosseted class is Lexus’ best-selling model, so great care was taken with this year’s redesign. The bulked-up exterior has a more masculine look, the V6 engine has been tweaked to increase horsepower to 275, and the headlights now swivel in the direction of a turn. While on cruise control, the new six-speed transmission seamlessly resumes speeds after braking or accelerating.

Car and Driver

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When it debuted 10 years ago, the RX had all the excitement of “buttered noodles.” This new edition is still based on the Toyota Camry, though leather-lined and refined. Still, “no one will mistake the RX for a Hummer H1.” Fuel economy has been increased to 26 mpg highway.

Motor Trend

How do you improve an icon? For starters, add lots of “interior tech tidbits,” including a rearview mirror with camera display, XM NavTraffic and Weather, intuitive parking assistance, and a Smart Key access system, “to name a few.” To name a few more: a 15-speaker Levinson audio system, standard Bluetooth, and plenty of rear-seat entertainment. But styling is still conservative compared with rivals Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60.