Test Drive: What You Must Know About the 2016 Lexus RX350
After much anticipation, and even a short drive around a warm and muggy South Carolina last November, I was finally able to spend a full week behind the wheel of the all-new, 2016 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD, and find out what it’s like on a daily basis.
The very first RX was unveiled at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show, and made it to showrooms a year later, most likely with animosity from traditionalists. One thing is for sure, there’s no way anyone could’ve imagined just how many of these things they would sell in the future, and not only that—but Lexus created the luxury SUV segment.
Bang for the Buck
My RX350 AWD was the upgraded F Sport model, which is no longer a package but an actual model, and it will set you back around $8,000 over the base RX350. F Sport adds a much more aggressive body treatment, attractive 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension with performance dampers, heated and ventilated front seats, and tons of F Sport badging across the interior. Although $8,000 is a lot of money, Lexus cleverly made AWD standard on the model, which means you get a more capable and better looking ride in return.
In the end, my test vehicle started out at $49,125 and ended up at $56,845, including a $940 destination fee.
Driving Experience
The 3.5 liter V6 engine in the RX350 produces 295 horsepower, but thanks to clever ECU mapping and selective driving modes, those 290 horses feel more like 315 to 320 as the RX packs a big punch everywhere on the RPM range when in Sport + mode.
The steering feel was improved massively from previous generations, and although the RX’s steering and pedals are a joy around town, they still feel a bit disconnected when pushed hard. On the other hand, the Dynamic Torque Control AWD worked its magic when faced with inches of fresh snow on the road, and always kept things under control.
Overall, this isn’t a performance SUV you can drive everyday, but an everyday SUV that can perform.
Living With the RX350
Everyday life with a luxury SUV of this caliber isn’t difficult, as it features more things than most people would ever need, but I’m glad to report that I (and my kids) throughly enjoyed our time with the RX350. The quiet and refined cabin is the perfect place for a road trip, and the height-adjustable lift gate with the double-tap lock feature is a life saver. The heated seats feature an ‘Auto’ mode which regulates your bun toasters according to cabin temperature, and the best part—the RX350 does not require premium grade fuel!
Overall
With most of the competition starting in the mid $50,000 dollar range, and lacking a boat load of features the Lexus offers standard, the only reason to not consider the RX is the hideous “remote touch” system to control the infotainment system. That’s it!
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