It’s a complete redesign this year for the 2016 Lexus RX 350 and that means more comfort, and an upgraded interior and exterior. For a midsize luxury SUV crossover it’s a car like driving experience with a quieter than usual ride, excellent handling and an overall good bang for the buck as compared to the competition.
And that competition includes the Lincoln MKX, Mercedes GLE-Class, Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5, but this Lexus redesign is definitely worth a hard look when shopping for your next midsize crossover.
With room for five passengers, the Lexus RX 350 comes in a regular or F Sport trim. You get 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and fog lights with a rear privacy glass. There is also a power liftgate, an eight-way power front seat, power tilt-and-telescoping and leather wrapped steering wheel, various drive mode options and keyless ignition and entry. In the back there is a 40/20/40-split rear seat that reclines, slides and folds. Techie inclusions are a Bluetooth phone and audio connect, audio tech interface with an eight-inch screen, nine speakers, satellite and HD radio and two USB ports.
On the F Sport it’s the same as the regular trim but add a sportier exterior vibe with 20-inch wheels and more drive mode options. There are transmission paddle shifters, an engine noise enhancer and heated and air-conditioned sport seats with leather upholstery.
You can choose from a few optional packages and some stand-alone features too.
The Premium package includes roof rails, automatic wipers, wood trim and leather upholstery and a rear armrest storage compartment.
The Luxury package is the Premium package plus 20-inch wheels, heated and air-conditioned seats with heated seats in the rear and a heated steering wheel. There is a power operation function for folding and reclining the rear seats and you can choose to include rear seat entertainment with two 11.6-inch screens, a DVD player and a 120-volt power outlet.
With the Navigation package you get a Remote Touch electronics feature, larger display screen and 12 speakers.
A variety of options that are stand-alone, but that require one of the additional packages include blind-spot monitoring, panoramic-view back-up camera and a panoramic sunroof.
Under the hood you get a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267-pound-feet of torque. That includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive on the regular or the all-wheel drive on the F Sport trim. The all-wheel-drive is an option on the regular trim.
Safety features on the 2016 Lexus RX 350 include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side, full-length side curtain and front knee airbags. There is also a rearview camera with the Lexus Enform safety system with automatic collision notification and an emergency assist button. The optional features are diverse like blind spot warning and with the optional packages there is the chance to include adaptive cruise control, frontal collision and mitigation with automatic braking and lane-departure warning and intervention.
The wheelbase and length is longer in the 2016 redesign and that gives passengers more room both length and height. The sliding and reclining backseats are a standout and the cargo space is 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row or with all the seats folded you get a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet.
In the front seats both the driver and passenger will find comfort with a plush upholstery that offers a luxurious feel. It does take a bit of getting use to when learning the ins and outs of the Remote Touch functions.
It’s an easy ride and while you aren’t going to win any races with the acceleration, you will safe on the turns and curves. For a sportier ride the F Sport is recommended as it does give a firm and quiet ride and when playing with the various driving modes you will definitely find your sweet spot.
Final answer: the Lexus offers luxury, handling and power and that combines for the perfect trifecta package.
Should You Need to Know: When properly equipped the 2016 Lexus RX 350 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Lexus RX 350 I drove came in at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Lexus RX 350 I drove had a price tag of $59,244.
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