Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016: Review & Road Test

by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016. If you're looking for a blend of luxury, performance, and sporty aesthetics in a crossover SUV, then this might just be the car for you. So buckle up as we explore everything this ride has to offer, from its striking design to its driving dynamics and all the tech features packed inside. Let's get started!

Overview of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 isn't just another luxury SUV; it's a statement. It’s designed for those who want a little extra oomph in their daily drive without sacrificing the comfort and reliability Lexus is known for. Think of it as the athletic sibling in the RX family, boasting a sport-tuned suspension, unique styling cues, and enhanced performance features. The F Sport trim sets itself apart with a distinctive mesh grille, exclusive alloy wheels, and interior upgrades like sport seats and aluminum pedals. Beyond the aesthetics, the F Sport offers a more engaging driving experience thanks to its performance-oriented tweaks. It's perfect for those who appreciate a responsive ride and a touch of sportiness in their luxury SUV. The RX 350 F Sport combines practicality with a dash of flair, making it a compelling choice in a crowded market. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this SUV provides a refined and enjoyable experience. The attention to detail in both design and engineering ensures that every drive is a pleasure, solidifying its position as a top contender in its class. For anyone seeking a vehicle that blends luxury, sportiness, and everyday usability, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is definitely worth a closer look.

Exterior Design

When it comes to exterior design, the 2016 Lexus RX 350 F Sport makes a bold statement. The most noticeable feature is the signature F Sport mesh grille, which replaces the standard horizontal slats with a more aggressive and intricate pattern. This instantly sets it apart from the regular RX 350, giving it a sportier, more dynamic look. The unique front bumper design further enhances its athletic appeal, featuring larger air intakes and sharper lines that contribute to a more assertive stance on the road. Moving to the sides, you'll find exclusive F Sport alloy wheels, typically 19 or 20 inches in diameter, designed with a distinctive spoke pattern that complements the vehicle's sporty character. These wheels not only look great but also contribute to improved handling and stability. The rear of the RX 350 F Sport also gets a touch of sportiness with a unique rear spoiler and subtle badging that identifies it as the F Sport model. These subtle yet effective design elements create a cohesive and athletic appearance. The overall silhouette of the RX 350 F Sport is sleek and modern, with a coupe-like roofline and sharp character lines that run along the body. LED headlights and taillights add a touch of sophistication and improve visibility. The attention to detail in the exterior design ensures that the RX 350 F Sport stands out from the crowd, making it a visually appealing and desirable SUV. Whether you appreciate the bold front grille, the stylish alloy wheels, or the sporty rear spoiler, the exterior design of the RX 350 F Sport is sure to impress. It perfectly balances luxury and sportiness, making it a standout choice for those who want a vehicle that looks as good as it performs.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016, you're immediately greeted with a cabin that blends luxury and sporty accents seamlessly. The F Sport trim elevates the interior with unique features designed to enhance both comfort and driving experience. The sport seats are a standout, offering enhanced bolstering to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving. These seats are not only supportive but also incredibly comfortable, making long drives a pleasure. The interior is adorned with aluminum pedals and footrest, adding a touch of sporty flair and a premium feel to the cabin. The steering wheel is another highlight, featuring a unique F Sport design with perforated leather and paddle shifters. This provides a tactile and engaging connection to the vehicle, allowing you to easily control gear changes for a more dynamic driving experience. The RX 350 F Sport also boasts a range of tech features designed to keep you connected and entertained. The infotainment system includes a high-resolution display, navigation, and smartphone integration, ensuring you have access to all your favorite apps and services on the go. The available Mark Levinson premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, transforming the cabin into a concert hall. In terms of comfort, the RX 350 F Sport offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample legroom and headroom for adults. The cargo area is generous, providing plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Overall, the interior of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is a testament to Lexus's commitment to luxury and quality. It combines sporty design elements with premium materials and advanced technology, creating a comfortable and engaging environment for both driver and passengers. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the RX 350 F Sport provides a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 packs a punch with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. This engine produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The F Sport trim enhances the performance with a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a firmer ride and improved handling compared to the standard RX 350. This makes the F Sport more engaging to drive, especially on winding roads. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, contributing to the vehicle's overall responsiveness. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow you to take manual control of gear changes, adding to the sporty feel. The RX 350 F Sport is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your preference and driving needs. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather. In terms of performance, the RX 350 F Sport accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.7 seconds, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size. The engine is refined and quiet, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The sport-tuned suspension helps to minimize body roll in corners, making the RX 350 F Sport feel more planted and confident on the road. Overall, the engine and performance of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 are well-balanced, offering a blend of power, refinement, and sporty handling. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway, the RX 350 F Sport provides a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

Driving Experience

The driving experience in the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is where this SUV truly shines. Thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, the F Sport trim delivers a more engaging and dynamic ride compared to the standard RX 350. The suspension is firmer, providing better control and reduced body roll in corners, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The steering is precise and responsive, offering good feedback and a confident feel behind the wheel. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power for quick acceleration and smooth cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, and the paddle shifters allow you to take control of gear changes for a more sporty driving experience. One of the standout features of the RX 350 F Sport is its ability to balance comfort and performance. The ride is firm enough to provide a sporty feel, but it's also comfortable enough for long drives. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the cabin is quiet and refined, making it a relaxing place to spend time. The RX 350 F Sport also comes with a variety of driving modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and firms up the steering, providing a more engaging driving experience. Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Normal mode offers a balance of comfort and performance. Overall, the driving experience in the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is excellent. It's a comfortable and refined SUV that's also fun to drive, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and responsive engine. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the open road, the RX 350 F Sport provides a rewarding and enjoyable driving experience.

Technology and Safety Features

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is packed with technology and safety features designed to enhance both the driving experience and overall safety. The infotainment system includes a high-resolution display, navigation, smartphone integration, and a variety of apps and services to keep you connected on the go. The available Mark Levinson premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, making every drive a concert-like experience. In terms of safety, the RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including:

  • Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you to potential collisions with vehicles ahead.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to help avoid or mitigate collisions.
  • Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane.
  • Lane Keep Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if you start to drift.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed.

These safety features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. In addition to these standard features, the RX 350 F Sport is also available with a variety of optional safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. These features provide additional peace of mind and help to make driving easier and safer. The RX 350 F Sport also includes a variety of convenience features, such as a power liftgate, keyless entry, and push-button start. These features make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle and to load and unload cargo. Overall, the technology and safety features of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 are impressive, providing a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance both safety and convenience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the RX 350 F Sport provides a safe, comfortable, and connected driving experience.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let’s break down the pros and cons of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016. This will help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.

Pros:

  • Sporty Design: The F Sport trim features a distinctive mesh grille, unique alloy wheels, and sporty interior accents that set it apart from the standard RX 350.
  • Engaging Driving Experience: The sport-tuned suspension provides a firmer ride and improved handling, making it more fun to drive.
  • Comfortable Interior: The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the cabin is quiet and refined.
  • Advanced Technology: The infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features, and the available Mark Levinson audio system delivers exceptional sound quality.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: The RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, providing peace of mind on the road.

Cons:

  • Ride Quality: The sport-tuned suspension can be a bit firm for some drivers, especially on rough roads.
  • Infotainment System: While the infotainment system is user-friendly, some may find the touchpad interface a bit clunky.
  • Fuel Economy: The RX 350 F Sport's fuel economy is average for its class, but it's not the most fuel-efficient option available.

Overall, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and comfort. While it may not be perfect for everyone, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a top contender in its class.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016? This SUV is a solid choice if you're after a blend of luxury, sporty flair, and everyday practicality. The F Sport trim definitely kicks things up a notch with its unique styling and enhanced driving dynamics. You get that signature Lexus reliability and comfort, but with a bit more oomph in the performance department. Sure, the ride might be a tad firm for some, and the fuel economy isn't the best in its class, but overall, the RX 350 F Sport delivers a premium driving experience. It’s perfect for those who want a luxury SUV that stands out from the crowd and offers a bit of excitement behind the wheel. Whether you're cruising through city streets or hitting the open highway, the RX 350 F Sport provides a comfortable, refined, and engaging ride. If you value a sporty aesthetic, responsive handling, and a well-appointed interior, the 2016 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering. It’s a well-rounded package that combines luxury and sportiness in a way that few other SUVs can match. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. But if you're looking for a luxury SUV that offers a bit of everything, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport 2016 is a strong contender. Go take it for a spin and see for yourself!