Hey guys! So, you're eyeing a 2018 Lexus RX 350, huh? Excellent choice! It's a super reliable, comfortable, and stylish SUV. But now you're stuck deciding between the base and premium trims. Don't sweat it; I'm here to break it all down for you in plain English. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty, compare the features, and help you figure out which trim is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Let's get started!

Lexus RX 350: Overview

Before we jump into the specifics of the base versus premium trims, let's get a quick overview of what the 2018 Lexus RX 350 brings to the table. The RX 350 is known for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and a reputation for reliability that's hard to beat. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a solid 295 horsepower, providing plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising. It's also equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The RX 350 is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, giving you the option to choose the drivetrain that best suits your needs and climate. Inside, the RX 350 boasts a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Standard features include a rearview camera, an eight-inch display screen, and a suite of advanced safety features. Now that we have a general understanding of what the RX 350 offers, let's move on to comparing the base and premium trims.

Key Differences Between Base and Premium

Okay, let's get down to the main event: the key differences between the 2018 Lexus RX 350 base and premium trims. While both trims share the same engine and overall design, there are several notable differences in features and amenities that could sway your decision. One of the most significant differences is the seating material. The base trim comes standard with NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, which is a high-quality, durable, and comfortable alternative to genuine leather. On the other hand, the premium trim upgrades to genuine leather upholstery, providing a more luxurious and supple feel. Another key difference is the availability of certain optional packages. The premium trim opens the door to more advanced features and technologies, such as a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and intuitive parking assist. These features can enhance safety and convenience, making your driving experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Additionally, the premium trim often includes upgraded interior trim and accents, such as wood or aluminum inserts, which can elevate the overall look and feel of the cabin. Finally, the premium trim may offer additional customization options, such as different wheel designs and exterior colors, allowing you to personalize your RX 350 to your exact preferences. Understanding these key differences will help you determine which trim level best aligns with your needs and desires.

Interior Features

When it comes to interior features, both the base and premium trims of the 2018 Lexus RX 350 offer a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. However, there are some notable differences that could influence your decision. As mentioned earlier, the base trim comes standard with NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, while the premium trim upgrades to genuine leather. This is a significant difference for many buyers, as genuine leather provides a more luxurious and upscale feel. In addition to the seating material, the premium trim may also include upgraded interior trim and accents, such as wood or aluminum inserts. These details can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience. Both trims come standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat, but the premium trim may offer additional adjustments, such as lumbar support and seat extenders. This can be especially beneficial for drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel, as it allows for a more customized and comfortable seating position. Other interior features that may be exclusive to the premium trim include a heated steering wheel, which can be a lifesaver on cold winter mornings, and a panoramic sunroof, which provides an open and airy feel to the cabin. Ultimately, the choice between the base and premium trims when it comes to interior features will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value genuine leather and upgraded trim, the premium trim is the way to go. However, if you're happy with NuLuxe and don't need the extra bells and whistles, the base trim offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior at a lower price point.

Technology and Safety

In terms of technology and safety, the 2018 Lexus RX 350 offers a comprehensive suite of features in both the base and premium trims. Standard technology features include an eight-inch display screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a nine-speaker audio system. However, the premium trim may offer additional technology features, such as a larger display screen, a navigation system, and a premium audio system with more speakers and enhanced sound quality. When it comes to safety, both trims come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the premium trim may offer additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intuitive parking assist. These features can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, especially in busy urban environments. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. Intuitive parking assist helps you park safely and easily by providing visual and audible guidance. While the base trim offers a solid set of technology and safety features, the premium trim takes it a step further with additional features that can enhance convenience and safety. If you value the latest technology and advanced safety features, the premium trim may be worth the extra investment.

Performance and Fuel Economy

When it comes to performance and fuel economy, the 2018 Lexus RX 350 base and premium trims are virtually identical. Both trims are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising, and it's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. Fuel economy ratings are also very similar between the two trims. According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive RX 350 gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These fuel economy numbers are competitive for the mid-size SUV class, and they should help you save money at the pump. Whether you choose the base or premium trim, you can expect a comfortable and refined driving experience with ample power and decent fuel economy. The RX 350 is not designed to be a sporty or performance-oriented SUV, but it excels at providing a smooth and quiet ride, making it a great choice for long road trips and daily commutes. If performance and fuel economy are your top priorities, you may want to consider other SUVs in the market. However, if you're looking for a comfortable and reliable SUV with a touch of luxury, the RX 350 is a great option, regardless of whether you choose the base or premium trim.

Price and Value

Price and value are always important considerations when making a car-buying decision. The 2018 Lexus RX 350 base trim has a starting MSRP of around $43,000, while the premium trim starts at around $45,000. The exact price will vary depending on the options and packages you choose. When evaluating the value of each trim, it's important to consider the features and amenities you get for the extra money. The premium trim offers several upgrades, such as genuine leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, and additional technology and safety features. However, the base trim still offers a solid set of features and amenities at a lower price point. To determine which trim offers the best value for you, consider your personal needs and priorities. If you value genuine leather and the additional features offered by the premium trim, the extra cost may be worth it. However, if you're happy with the features offered by the base trim and want to save money, it's a great option. It's also important to consider the long-term costs of ownership, such as maintenance and insurance. Lexus vehicles are known for their reliability, which can help keep maintenance costs down. However, insurance costs may be higher for the premium trim due to its higher value and additional features. Ultimately, the best way to determine which trim offers the best value for you is to compare the features, prices, and long-term costs of ownership and choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.

Which Trim is Right for You?

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up! Deciding between the 2018 Lexus RX 350 base and premium trims really boils down to your personal preferences and budget. If you're looking for a luxurious and well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank, the base trim is a fantastic option. It offers a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and Lexus's renowned reliability. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more for genuine leather, upgraded interior trim, and additional technology and safety features, the premium trim is definitely worth considering. Think about which features are most important to you and how much you're willing to spend. Take both trims for a test drive to get a feel for the differences and see which one you prefer. And don't forget to factor in long-term costs like maintenance and insurance. Ultimately, the best trim is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget. Whichever you choose, you're getting a great SUV that's sure to provide years of reliable and comfortable service. Happy driving!