The 2018 Lexus RX 350 ranked #9 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Lexus RX 350 has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Coddling ride Many standard and available features
Cons Low safety scores for class Less cargo room than rivals
The RX 350 is available in just two versions, and we think it's worth spending a bit more and upgrading to the F Sport trim. The F Sport, despite its name, isn't as sporty as some vehicles in the class such as the Porsche Macan, but it does bundle several desirable options together, including the adaptive suspension dampers and heated and ventilated front seats. The F Sport also gives the RX a more aggressive look and 20-inch wheels as standard.
PROS Attractive cabin with top-quality materials and construction Ride quality makes almost any road feel smooth Advanced safety features come standard Wide cargo bay makes it easy to load luggage and groceries
CONS Less overall cargo capacity than competitors Optional tech interface is distracting to use while driving
The Lexus RX makes a style-conscious statement like never before, and it hasn’t lost its grip on good manners.
Pros Bracing design Swift acceleration Broad range of road manners Hybrid's high gas mileage High-tech safety standard
Cons That polarizing sheet metal Gets expensive in a hurry Firm F Sport ride Gas-only mileage just average
The SsangYong Tivoli is central to this aim, its built on an all-new platform to compete with cars such as the Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and the Vauxhall Mokka in the ever-popular (and still growing) small crossover market. While the Tivoli can’t match the striking styling of the Juke, this is arguably the best-looking SsangYong yet, and the company is claiming to have taken massive strides on the inside, too. The car will also come loaded with kit, including an optional seven-inch central screen on the dashboard.
Pros Spacious for its size Generous standard equipment Cheap
Cons Not as striking as the Juke Quality falls behind the best in class Bland to drive
The Ssangyong Tivoli competes in the small SUV market, alongside rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul. These cars offer the look and feel of an off-roader, but with performance and running costs more akin to a family hatchback. Do bear in mind, however, they’re better suited to on-road driving than traversing muddy lanes. That’s certainly the case with the Tivoli, although unlike its aforementioned rivals, you can order it with four-wheel drive on higher trims. A 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel is available throughout the range, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic is available for both engines on all but the entry-level SE.
You can put aside your reservations about the SsangYong badge, because the Tivoli is a thoroughly capable small crossover for the money. It’s not the most stylish inside or out, and it won’t win awards for ride comfort or refinement, but you get a lot of space and kit for little financial outlay. The latter two points are especially true of the Tivoli XLV, but it’s more expensive, and we'd go for the two-wheel-drive version to save some money. The standard Tivoli is decent to drive, while with the diesel engine and is by far the best on-road car SsangYong has built yet.
