2016 LEXUS RX350 F SPORT REVIEW

2016 LEXUS RX350 F SPORT REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

The wildly popular Lexus RX takes a bold turn for the 2016 model year taking the best-selling luxury crossover to new levels of excitement including this F SPORT model designed for those who crave an edgier experience.

An enormous grille, 20” wheels, blacked out appearance…what on earth is going on over at Lexus these days? Since its launch in 1998, the RX has been hugely popular clearly distinguishing itself as the brand’s most important model but its design has never been very stimulating. This all-new rendition, which is longer and taller with more ground clearance and increased rear seat room also benefits from an upgraded engine resulting in more power and slightly better fuel economy. Choices begin with the front-wheel drive RX 350 with a starting MSRP of $42,840. But if you love the dynamic design of this model as much as I do, it’s the F SPORT you’ll want to investigate. With standard all-wheel drive and a number of special visual and performance features, the F SPORT treatment presents the naughtiest RX yet. This combo of F SPORT-exclusive Ultra White and black really packs visual punch while the Adaptive Variable Suspension imparts a greater level of handling precision. Deep cuts and creases, lots of LED bling, 10-spoke wheels…this isn’t your mama’s RX. This one is a standout.

A 3.5-liter V6 remains the sole engine for gas models but it’s been updated with Toyota’s latest cylinder head design and combo fuel system which utilizes both direct and port injection. This takes horsepower from 270 to 295 and torque from 248 to 267 pound-feet, mated to an 8-speed auto resulting in usable, energetic performance. Its 0-to-60mph time of 7.9 seconds feels even quicker from behind the wheel. It’ll run on regular too to the tune of 19mpg city/26mpg highway.

The F SPORT is more about the performance look than the drive yet with a SPORT S + mode that tailors the steering, suspension, transmission and engine for a racier feel, this RX plays with far more controlled exuberance than before. It is fun to drive and buttery smooth over compliant pavement. But when the road gets choppy the F SPORT transmits a level of harshness that may make most Lexus buyers uncomfortable.

And there’s a palpable level of understeer baked in here that keeps me from completely loving the sporty side of the drive…I always end up having to crank the steering wheel just a little bit more after turning into a corner. These Michelin Premier LTX tires also are very unforgiving.

Other F SPORT touches include a sound generator to enhance engine sounds during acceleration, a very cool looking, exclusive instrument cluster, wonderfully supportive quilted seats that wrap comfortably around the upper back, a 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum trim and drilled pedals.

The screen is huge and finally the bonking sound has been made less annoying yet this mouse like control setup still falls flat.

Other than the sometimes overly firm ride, this is my biggest hang-up over the new RX. I’ve never been a big fan of this non-touchscreen setup and this mouse is the answer to a question no one ever asked.  It’s difficult to use to the point where I often avoid it.  The features are solid but other than the sheer size of it there’s nothing groundbreaking here.    The optional color heads-up display is excellent though, the around view camera is a big help, the automatic heated and cooled front seats are perfect, and the panoramic moonroof is an added touch of class.  Further safety tech such as the Pre-Collision System is optionally available but mine is stocked with simply the 2 most tangible bits; a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.  The rear seats are noticeably more spacious both in head and leg room and the seats slide and recline.  No USB port back here or other fancy features, however.

The heaviest doors I’ve ever seen.

One noticeable bummer is the reduction in cargo room. The 40/20/40 rear seats fold easily though not completely flat with these levers but the 2015 model boasted over 80 cubic feet of luggage space while this one comes in at just over 56.  For some perspective that’s considerably less than a RAV-4 and only slightly more than their own NX; the price you pay for more passenger space and cool design.

This RX 350 F SPORT AWD begins at 50 grand and goes out the door like this for $57,000. I very much like the direction Lexus is taking the brand and though this RX isn’t a home run it’s a slide in triple.