Lexus Rx 350: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature Explained

The Lexus RX 350 is a mid-sized luxury SUV that comes equipped with a host of safety features. One of the key safety functions that drivers often look for is blind spot monitoring, which can provide either visual or audible alerts when there is a vehicle in the driver's blind spot. So, does the Lexus RX 350 have blind spot monitoring?

The 2013 RX 350 has blind spot monitoring

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 has blind spot monitoring, which was first offered on the RX model in that year. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a feature that depicts cars alongside the RX 350 in both side rear-view mirrors. The BSM system uses a series of sensors located around the vehicle to detect and warn the driver of any vehicles or objects in their blind spots.

The 2013 RX 350's BSM can be identified by an illuminated symbol in the side mirrors, which shows two cars side-by-side. This symbol will be visible whether the system is on or off. When the system is on, the symbol illuminates to indicate that a vehicle is alongside. On some models, the BSM system can be turned on and off via a button on the left, near the rear door and gas buttons. On other models, the BSM can be turned on and off via the settings menu in the dashboard, next to the speedometer.

It is important to note that the BSM system is not the same as the Lexus Safety System +. The Lexus Safety System + includes a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warns the driver of vehicles or objects approaching or positioned in their blind spots, as well as providing assistance when reversing out of a driveway or parking space. While the 2013 RX 350 offered BSM, it is unclear whether it included the Lexus Safety System + with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Some drivers prefer to have both visual and audible alerts when a vehicle enters their blind spot. While the 2013 RX 350's BSM provides a visual alert, it is unclear whether an audible alert is also included. Some newer models of the RX 350, such as the 2022 version, have been noted to only provide a visual alert, with no audible beep. However, other drivers have mentioned that their RX 350 does produce an audible alert when changing lanes with a vehicle in the blind spot.

Overall, the 2013 RX 350's inclusion of BSM enhances the safety and convenience of the vehicle, providing drivers with valuable assistance when changing lanes or merging.

RX 350's blind spot monitoring features

The Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring. This system is designed to assist drivers in changing lanes and merging by providing alerts about vehicles or objects in the blind spot, which is the area of the road that is not easily visible in the side-view or rear-view mirrors.

The blind-spot monitoring system in the RX 350 uses a combination of visual and audible alerts to warn the driver of potential hazards. The visual alerts are displayed in the side-view mirrors, with the symbol of two cars side-by-side illuminating when the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot. These lights flash to notify the driver, and some models also include an audible beep for further warning. The audible alert is activated when the driver signals a lane change or begins to merge, and there is a vehicle in the blind spot or approaching it.

The RX 350's blind-spot monitoring system can be customised to suit the driver's preferences. The system can be turned on or off, and the alerts can be set to either visual or audible notifications, depending on the driver's preference. This flexibility allows drivers to choose the type of alert that best suits their driving style and provides a more personalised driving experience.

In addition to the standard blind-spot monitoring, the RX 350 also offers other safety features, such as Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which assists with backing out of driveways or parking spaces by detecting vehicles or objects approaching from the sides. This feature is particularly useful in busy parking lots or residential areas, providing an extra layer of safety.

The inclusion of advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert demonstrates Lexus' commitment to providing a safe driving experience for both drivers and passengers. These systems offer peace of mind and help mitigate potential accidents, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.

Other safety features of the RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is a sturdy and safe vehicle, with a range of features to ensure the security of its passengers.

The 2022 model has a host of safety features, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, radar cruise control, and intuitive parking assist. It also has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and triple-beam LED headlights. The RX 350 has a range of airbags, including front-impact, side impact, and overhead airbags, as well as knee airbags to protect the lower extremities. The seatbelts are also equipped with pretensioners, which automatically tighten to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision. The vehicle is also designed with anti-whiplash head restraints that cradle the occupant's head to reduce the likelihood of whiplash in a rear collision.

The RX 350 also has ABS brakes, which automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking and modulate the brake pressure to allow the tire to rotate and increase the vehicle's ability to turn while braking. The vehicle is also equipped with stability control, which senses when the vehicle's handling limits have been exceeded and reduces engine power and/or applies select brakes to prevent the driver from losing control.

The RX 350 has an ignition disable device to prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used, and a content theft-deterrent alarm system. The exterior lights are adaptive and directionally controlled, and the vehicle is also equipped with daytime running lights and a low tire pressure warning system.

The RX 350 has a range of convenient features, such as remote keyless entry, a power keyless access system, and a height-adjustable safety belt. The rear child safety door locks and the theft-deterrent radio are also notable features.

RX 350's safety ratings

The Lexus RX 350 comes with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has excellent safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2024 RX 350 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It earned the highest rating of Good in three original crash tests and the lowest rating of Poor in the updated moderate overlap front test. The RX 350 also earned a Good rating for its headlights and standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 RX 350 with all-wheel drive an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, while front-wheel-drive models received four stars. Both models received five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.

The RX 350 has standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, safe exit assist, intersection assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Optional driver-assistance features include front cross-traffic alert, hands-free parallel and perpendicular park assist, a rearview mirror with an integrated camera display, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.

The RX 350 also has a good predicted reliability rating of 81 out of 100 from J.D. Power.

RX 350's safety compared to other cars

The 2024 Lexus RX 350 has been rated #12 out of 22 in the category of luxury midsize SUVs. It comes with standard safety features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has excellent ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The RX 350 earned the highest rating of Good in three original crash tests and a Poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. The RX 350 also earned a Good rating for its headlights and standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 RX 350 with all-wheel drive an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, while front-wheel-drive models received four stars. Both models received five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.

The RX 350 has standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Available driver-assistance features include a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and traffic-jam assist.

When compared to other cars in its class, the RX 350 falls short in terms of performance and cargo capacity. It is also less luxurious and engaging than its rivals. However, it offers a quiet and comfortable ride, excellent safety ratings, and a reputation for quality. The RX 350 is also more affordable than many other luxury midsize SUVs.

Some alternatives to the Lexus RX 350 include the Acura MDX, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Genesis GV80, BMW X3, Audi Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. These vehicles offer similar features and ride quality, but may differ in terms of pricing, reliability, and maintenance costs.

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