Item: 2016 Lexus RX 350
Author: Malcolm Hogan

Overview

When it debuted more than 15 years ago, the Lexus RX essentially defined the luxury crossover category. A consistent best-seller among luxury SUVs, it’s still a refined premium, midsize vehicle for five passengers. Lexus has tried to emphasize the “sport” element in the RX 350, including adding an F Sport edition, but it's mainly a vehicle for families who enjoy a strong taste of luxury in their travels.

What's New for 2016

Lexus has fully redesigned the RX 350 for 2016, brandishing a new look, adapted from the smaller NX series, that’s boldly dramatic and stylish. Especially up front, where sharply acute angles clash with curves, framing a massive new grille, RX 350 appearance might also be described as radical. Nearly 5 inches longer than before, the RX 350 is more driver-focused and offers more interior space.

Choosing Your Lexus RX 350

Beneath the RX 350 hood, in either base or F Sport trim, the 3.5-liter V6 engine develops 295 horsepower (up 25 for 2016), mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel-economy is EPA-estimated at 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway with front-drive. All-wheel drive drops the estimate to 19/26 mpg.

Base

Standard RX 350 equipment includes NuLuxe-trimmed seats, 10-way power front seats, reclining rear seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, power tailgate, heated power mirrors, Smart Access key, rearview camera, 8-inch screen, and 9-speaker audio. Start/stop technology, and electronic parking brake also are standard, along with LED headlights, daytime running lights, foglamps, and brake lights.

Lexus has a massive options list for the RX. Available features include a navigation system with built-in hard drive and 8-inch or 12.3-inch screen, Lexus Enform telematics, panoramic moonroof, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with 7.1 surround sound. Optional active-safety features include blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, Intuitive Park Assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and a panoramic-view backup monitor.

The Luxury Package includes semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating, 20-inch chromed wheels, a heated steering wheel, rear-door sunshades, heated/ventilated front seats or power-folding/heated rear seats, and wood/aluminum interior trim. A Premium Package adds aluminum roof rails, driver’s memory, leather-trimmed front seats, and rain-sensing wipers.

F Sport

Gets a sportier look and revised suspension tuning with performance dampers. F Sport standard equipment includes paddle shifters, F Sport instruments, heated/ventilated leather-trimmed front seats with unique stitching, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The adaptive variable suspension includes Sport+ drive mode. Active sound generation gives the F Sport a distinctive tone.

CarsDirect Tip

Picking an F Sport doesn't transform the RX 350 into a sporty crossover, especially since both versions use the same powertrain. Fuel economy isn’t exactly a strong point, but it’s acceptable for this class. When consulting the huge option list, it pays to focus on those that promise a more satisfying road experience, such as the Mark Levinson audio system and Lexus’ appealing navigation system.

Get your price on a Lexus RX 350 »

Read our review on the Lexus RX 350 »

James Flammang

Contributing Editor - December 08, 2015

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Malcolm Hogan

Contributing Editor - November 05, 2015

The Lexus RX 350 continues to set a benchmark for mainstream five-passenger luxury crossovers. The new 2016 Lexus RX 350 gets a full redesign embodying the same top-notch quality attributes that the brand signifies with the addition of bold new styling and a long list of forward-thinking luxury and safety features.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 is available in a variety of trims: the RX 350 base starting at $41,900, $49,125 for the RX 350 F Sport, $52,235 for the RX 450h hybrid model and $55,645 for the RX 450h Hybrid F Sport.

An all-wheel drive system with active torque control is standard in the RX 350 F Sport and optional in the base RX 350 and RX 450h Hybrid.

Our favorite RX 350 F Sport comes bundled with several upscale features that exude an extra level of sport, luxury and performance featuring the following add-ons:

20-inch alloy wheels
Additional drive mode settings: Eco, Standard, Sport S, Sport S+
Adaptive suspension dampers
Leather upholstery with special interior trim
Heated and ventilated front sport seats
Steering wheel-mounted transmission shift paddles
Special instrument cluster gauges

The redesigned 2016 Lexus RX 350 gets many new available features, such as a panoramic-view backup camera system and a large 12.3-inch infotainment display screen. A full array of active safety and assist features are now available bundled in option packages for all trim levels of the RX 350.

Performance Pros

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 has one engine choice, a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F Sport trim improves upon the RX 350’s sporty driving traits with adaptive variable suspension that can be dialed up through the drive mode setting, and allows manually shifting of the eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension system in the RX 350 F Sport delivers a controlled and smooth ride.
The RX is rated for 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and runs on now-recommended regular unleaded fuel.
There's added stability thanks to the all-wheel drive system's active torque control.

Performance Cons

The additional 25 horsepower over its predecessor doesn't yield improved straight-line acceleration
The base RX 350 lacks manual shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Interior Pros

Expect impeccable fit and finish with several soft-touch surfaces and and array of available accenting color choices.
Seats in all RX trims are supportive and exceptionally comfortable, with additional bolstering support in the F Sport trim, which also boasts its heated and ventilated sport front seats.
Sliding and reclining back seats provide ample legroom for virtually any sized occupants.

Interior Cons

There's less cargo space than competitors
Remote touch interface can be cumbersome and requires too much attention, potentially distracting the drive from the road.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 has a bold style that is in your face -- a welcome departure from the mediocrity of its predecessor. Moreover, the attention to details within the sharp design lines, all-LED exterior lighting and aggressive F Sport trim accents set the RX 350 apart from the mundane.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Acceleration leaves us wanting more, especially in the F Sport trim, which does not offer any additional oomph.

The Bottom Line

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 with its bold redesign tries something new for the brand’s top-seller. It shows that Lexus is listening to consumers and offering something far away from ordinary. The expected Lexus quality will carry the new RX 350 into a new mold that garners attention and value to justify its consistent pricing.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.5L V-6 / 295 HP / 267 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Standard: 8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

20 / 27 / 23 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.5L V-6 / 295 HP / 267 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	19.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$73

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	56.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	121 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	192.5 "
Exterior Width	74.6 "
Exterior Height	67.7 "
Front Headroom	39.4 "
Rear Headroom	39.1 "
Front Legroom	44.1 "
Rear Legroom	38.0 "
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room	57.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,222 Lbs.
Wheel Base	110 "
Turning Radius	22.6 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Colored W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Nuluxe Leatherette / Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	40-20-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	9 / 15 Mark Levinson
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	4

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag	Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Intuitive Park Assist Front And Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles

2016 Lexus RX 350