If you need to traverse some dirt or gravel roads to reach a campsite, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 should be up to the task, but it’s best to leave the serious off-roading to other vehicles.

The ability to drive off-road opens up a world of possibilities. Though the Lexus RX won’t be able to do any intense mudding, rock crawling, or trailblazing, it still has plenty of power to go off the beaten path. So, what makes the RX 350 good for dirt roads?

Here with the answers you’re looking for is

Jerry

, our super app that saves folks money on

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. We’ll walk through all the specs of your RX 350: ground clearance, torque, tires—you name it! And, if you hang around, we’ll even show you how to land some incredible savings on your

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Can the 2022 Lexus RX 350 go off road?

Here’s the bottom line: the Lexus RX 350 can go off-road, but it’s designed for highway driving.

With a starting price of just under $47,000, the RX 350 lives up to the luxurious

Lexus

name. It’s equipped with tons of safety features, a fuel-efficient V6 engine, and a supple suspension that makes for a smooth and easy ride.

That said, if you absolutely need to take it off the pavement, you should have no major problems. Let’s take a closer look at the specs that make the RX 350 a solid all-terrain option.

MORE:

Lexus RX 350 towing capacity

Ground clearance

Ground clearance—the distance between your car’s chassis and the ground—is perhaps the most important consideration for off-roading success. With a clearance of 8.2 inches, the RX 350 will easily overcome roots, ruts, and bumps in the road, but it’ll have trouble with steep inclines and large rocks.

Ideally, an off-road vehicle will stand somewhere between 8.8 and 10.8 inches above the ground. At 9.7 inches, the

Jeep Wrangler

is a stellar example of a ride that’s built to blaze trails.

Torque

Low-end torque is another key ingredient for all-terrain greatness. Simply put, a car with low-end torque produces high torque at a low rpm, which allows it to access lots of power when traveling slowly.

The RX’s 3.5L V6 generates 268 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for off-roading. Unfortunately, though, that peak torque measurement is at a lofty 4700 rpm. Since you need to be traveling at a high speed to achieve maximum power, you won’t be able to conquer serious obstacles when you’re crawling along the mountainside.

Tires

Of course, low-end torque is pointless if you don’t have the traction to put it to good use! To do that, you’ll need a sturdy set of

all-terrain tires

The Lexus RX 350 comes with Michelin Premier LTX tires. They’re designed for highway driving, and they’re excellent in rainy conditions but not great for off-roading! Though all-terrain tires won’t last quite as long, they’ll give you the grip you need when you’re on the trail.

MORE: Winter tires vs. all-season tires: Which are better?

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive is essential for off-roading. Fortunately, the RX 350 comes with FWD and AWD options. It’ll set you back $1,400 to upgrade to AWD, but you’ll need it when off-roading. Come rain, snow, sleet, or mud, you’ll be ready to rise to the occasion.

Angles

Last, let’s take a look at the RX 350’s approach and departure angles:

Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference

Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference

The RX 350 features approach and departure angles of 17.0 and 24.9 degrees, respectively. If you try to go rock crawling with those stats, you’ll probably be leaving lots of car paint on the trail! Better to leave the intense climbing to Jeeps, Fords, and

Toyota 4Runners

Off-road rating: In a Pinch

So, where does all of this leave the Lexus RX 350? Check out Jerry’s highly technical DIRT rating system:

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain

We think the Lexus RX 350 earns an I rating, or In a Pinch. It doesn’t have the off-roading chops of true trail warriors, but it can handle a bit of light off-roading. At the end of the day, though, all-terrain enthusiasts should look for a more capable vehicle.

MORE:

Car Loan for Lexus 2022

The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Lexus RX 350

Okay, the RX 350 can handle some casual off-roading—but what if you need a vehicle that’s prepared to tackle any terrain? Or a crossover that’s a bit cheaper but just as sturdy? Don’t worry: Jerry has put together three killer alternatives for you to consider:

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best affordable alternative	2022 BMW X3	$45,700	With higher ground clearance, better climbing angles, and a price tag that’s more than $1,000 lower, the X3 is an awesome option for off-roading.
Best stylish alternative	2022 Infiniti QX60	$47,350	It’s not fantastic for all-terrain driving, but the QX60 will get you where you need to go in style.
Best alternative for serious off-roading	2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak	$48,475	Now we’re in Trail Boss territory! With a formidable V6 engine, four-wheel drive, and exceptional climbing angles, the Bronco Wildtrak is a world-class off-roader.

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest SUVs to insure

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

There are plenty of thrilling things about off-roading—the wind in your hair, dirt on your shoes, a radio cranked all the way up—know what’s not great, though? The higher insurance premiums that come with off-roading and luxury vehicles like the Lexus RX.

Thankfully, we’ve got a secret weapon for anyone who needs cheap insurance: Jerry’s top-rated insurance app. Sign up in just 45 seconds, then

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The kicker? The average Jerry user saves over $800 on car insurance! That’s plenty for some top-notch off-roading upgrades.