2016 Lexus RX Review: Design and Driving Features

2016 Lexus RX Review: Design and Driving Features

The Lexus RX has become an icon since its inception, emerging as the perfect choice for families seeking luxury at a relatively reasonable price. Expectations are high for the 2016 model, so let’s delve into our detailed experience.

Exterior Design

After eight years, it was time for an update to the RX's appearance! It received a facelift in 2013, but we would call this more of a “refresh” rather than a complete redesign. The front grille, now a signature look for Toyota and Lexus, gives this RX a fierce and confident demeanor, which I personally find appealing. Sharp edges are prevalent throughout the vehicle, even on the headlights and taillights.

I tested the F-Sport, which is considered the most refined model. The front grille dominates the face of the car, while the sporty daytime running lights add a stylish touch, which is uncommon in crossover vehicles. Additionally, features like a sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhausts transform it into a sporty crossover.

Interior

The interior colors are a striking combination of red and black. The sporty red seats contrast beautifully with the black interior, reminiscent of offerings from Mercedes, which is undoubtedly a compliment. You'll also notice aluminum accents that add a touch of luxury to the cabin.

One standout feature is the 12.3-inch display, which is elegant and offers vivid colors. However, it's important to mention that it is not a touchscreen. While the design is impressive, the usability leaves much to be desired, and Lexus should address this issue. I believe they could replace the control knob with a more intuitive touchscreen interface like other automakers. Using the controls on the steering wheel was easier and quicker than using the knob, making it difficult to focus on driving while operating it. Improvement is necessary.

Aside from that, the vehicle is packed with the safety features and amenities that Lexus is known for. I particularly appreciated the wireless charging pad. The 360-degree camera was the best I've ever experienced, making my time in heavy traffic much more enjoyable.

Driving Experience

The model I drove was the RX350, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It performs admirably for daily driving and can easily overtake when necessary. The RX offers one of the smoothest rides in the market today, a hallmark of Lexus. The transmission, adaptive suspension, and accelerator pedal work in harmony, providing such comfort that I almost dozed off!

However, it’s essential to note that this is not a sporty vehicle, so the performance numbers are not extraordinary. In my experience, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds and came to a stop from 100 to 0 in 3.2 seconds. Switching to sport mode does provide a bit more power and stiffens the suspension, but not significantly.

Overall, the RX does what it's expected to do as a crossover: it transports you from point A to point B in comfort.

Conclusion

The RX is built on the same principles as its predecessor, with the only difference being its sportier appearance.