Hey everyone,

I am shopping for a 2013 Lexus RX350, and will want a bit of a more aggressive, "masculine" look. I currently own an SC430 and love Lexus.

Naysayers have said the RX is not a very "manly" car, but I disagree with them.

I really like the redesigned 2013 RX350 look, but want to add some additional features that will give it an aggressive look, but without "ghettoizing" it (no blacked out wheels, no body kits, no LED windshield washers, no "low-rider" status... I'm a corporate guy...)

Based on research, here's what I've come across:

1. Removing roof rails

2. Dark window tint all around

3. Front and rear metallic "bumper guards"

4. Front and rear "underruns" (availability and cost may be an issue)

5. Mud flaps (probably won't do this, since it may reduce the luxury look of the car, plus I don't intend to take it offroad)

6. Slight tint on the tail lights

I got some great ideas from this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-accident.html

Attached is a picture of the front bumper guard I got from the web.

Please chime in with your ideas.

Thank you!

 

If i were in the market for modding..'d just get the F-sport appearance package and consider a slightly wider wheel. IMO, bull bars shown in the pic take away from the luxury look.

 

Well first of all, since you're a corporate guy, STOP with the 'manly' thought process/labels!

The RX is a great vehicle in it's class. That said, just personalize to your tastes.

Maybe all you need after your tint are some tasteful wheels.




Then enjoy!

 

I would start with AWD 2013 Rx350 nebula gray or black color with f-sport package appearance look including gun metallic grey f-sport wheels , dual exhaust and tinted windows all around and go from there.

 

Thanks for all the responses so far.

In terms of the F-Sport, based on the reviews I've read this model has a rather harsh "sport" suspension (unlike the regular RX350), F-Sport models are hard to find and seem to cost much more in the used car segment, at least the 2013 models.

I already have one very "harsh suspension" ride, (the Lexus SC430, where you feel absolutely every bump in the road) so I'm looking for the exact opposite in an RX350... a completely "disconnected from the road" feeling. I think that's what most people want in the RX350. If only the F-SPORT package included the regular suspension.

In terms of the bull bar, on second thought maybe it does retract from the luxury look, like fastnoypi wrote.

 

as i wrote, you dont need to really switch up to an actual F-sport. There is an "appearance" package that many Lexus dealers are willing to supply consisting of the front F-sport molding. You can have the sportiness without the full F-sport price and subjectively "harsh" suspension.

 

Until it comes with dual exhaust like most of it's competition it will never be "aggressive" looking in my book.

 

I think the 4th GEN does.

 

Here the photo of regular RX350 with " F-Sport appearance look only" with regular suspension.

 

The reason it is not "manly" is because it is an FWD-based crossover.
It will never be raw to be "manly". Now, the GX will fit the bill just fine.
If the appearances are important to you, then look elsewhere.
Then again, if SC430 is to your liking, the RX will be an improvement in that area, LOL.

Mud flaps look great on the RX. The OEM ones are very well executed and don't look out of place.

Harsh suspension is something that can be mitigated.
High quality shocks and softer springs can do wonders.
I had to teach my STi a few good manners, as its stock suspension was about as stiff as it gets.
The tricky part is finding the right parts.

For some reason, there's a crop of brand new cars that ride harsh, including Camry. I guess it is mfg's attempt to artificially instill a feeling of sport and handling.

 

If you want to see a manly Rx350 without looking ghetto email me and I will send you a pic of mine. I'm a corporate America guy also. Maskins1@***.net

 

I haven't figured out how to post pics yet

 

I recently changed my tires to a 245/55 19 vs the stock 235/55 19. With the slightly larger diameter and wider width it does give the RX a more "truck like" look. This is not for everyone, I've had someone say it does not look as refined or sporty and thought i should put the stock size tires back on. I like it and you may as well.

 

^^^pics Lexwerks?

 

My wife's Rx is starfire, I wanted to give it a cleaner sportier look so I painted black bottom also luggage rack and it's a F sport so that front would, WOW !!!!