2015 Lexus Rx 350 Awd F Sport Review
SUV Review: 2015 Lexus RX 350 F Sport
Lexus'due south granddaddy of luxury crossovers even so holds its ain
Let'southward call this a requiem for a heavyweight middleweight. On Apr i, Lexus volition introduce the all-new, fourth-generation, 2016 RX at the New York International Auto Show, signifying the terminate to the third-generation version, which has, for the past six years, been an all-star — the luxury brand'due south most successful model within its diverse lineup.
And so, why should anyone care about a route examination of this final case of the sometime guard, clearly by its prime number, when the Shiny New RX is set to make its stunning debut? Well, setting aside for 1 infinitesimal what will be an impassioned defence of a nevertheless well-engineered, quiet and comfy, mid-sized, upscale crossover, there's the bottom line: Lexus dealers will be clearing their lots of their 2015 inventory to make room for the impending arrival of "RX 4.0," and that means discounts and deals to exist had.
Information technology's non as if the existing model is bargain basement, all-sales-final trade, though. Yes, the contest is unyielding and there are newer, fresher models to await at. But, six years in, the current, built-in-Ontario RX remains a decent driving unit — proof that Lexus got it right when it first launched the model line 17 years ago, defining a new luxury segment and consequently becoming a dominant actor.
Final seeing a major revamp in 2013, when the controversial Lexus signature spindle grille was added, the RX got a distinctive mesh finish to that grille terminal year along with a revised front bumper design and cool-looking 19-inch wheels. The 2015 model is unaltered on the outside simply sees a tweaking of features and upgrade packages. For my F Sport test vehicle, that ways the inclusion of the Series two package — 15-speaker Marker Levinson environment-sound audio organisation, blind spot monitor, intuitive parking assist and head-up display — its former toll of $3,450 rolled into the F Sport's $59,400 MSRP.
Other than that, at that place is little different since the terminal time I drove an RX 350. It'southward still powered past Lexus's ubiquitous three.5-litre V6, a smooth-running engine that puts out a solid 270 horsepower, which will motivate the 1,970-kilogram SUV to 100 kilometres an hr in less than eight seconds, quick enough for most needs. The just thing I don't care for is the sharp throttle tip-in that occurs when pulling away from a cease. 1 has to be extra calorie-free on the gas pedal to avoid a jerky starting time.
Though at that place is some consecration racket when under load, that V6 is, for the most part, a commendably quiet engine. And, in F Sport form, information technology's mated to an viii-speed manumatic with paddle shifters (the RX 350 SportDesign makes do with a six-speed automatic). Left to its own devices, the eight-speed's shifts are all merely imperceptible, the transmission electronically configured more for fuel economy than overt sportiness. Using the paddles to self-shift didn't add annihilation to the driving experience so, after a couple of attempts, I just left information technology in Drive. As for fuel economic system, the 12 litres per 100 km I achieved during my time with the crossover — while quite acceptable because the weight of the RX and the engine displacement — was generally due to the fact that virtually 75% of the driving was on primary and secondary highways. Of course, if fuel economy is a big consideration and you don't mind forking over more bucks, there's always the hybrid-powered RX 450h ($63,250).
F Sport models come with front and rear lateral dampers on a sport-tuned suspension, which, along with Lexus'due south Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management arrangement, tweaks the RX 350'south chassis to be just a lilliputian more, well, sporting. So, ride and handling are fairly taut while not totally excluding the well-known Lexus comfort bona fides. The F Sport didn't exactly float over the winter-ravaged tarmac, only neither did the bumps send stupor waves throughout the cabin.
In addition to the all-wheel drivetrain, the Lexus features a full suite of safety systems, including vehicle stability and traction controls, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, back-up camera, fast-interim LED brake lamps and more.
Strictly a five-seater, the RX's cabin treats its passengers to a quiet and cozy surroundings, with the requisite mod cons and upscale touches befitting a Lexus.
As an F Sport, the interior comes with black leather accented by contrasting silver stitching, ebony bird's-eye maple wood trim, black headliner and aluminum pedals and footrest along with F Sport steering bicycle, shift knob and scuff plates. As I've noted in the by, the dash setup is a fiddling dated and somewhat retro in comparison to newer crossovers and their graphically flashier driver interactive services — specifically Lexus'south Remote Touch controller on the centre panel, which changes/controls functions such equally navigation, climate and audio via the display screen. Still, once you get the feel for the mouse-like controller, the services provided are easy to access, which is more tin can be said for many of the competition'southward systems.
The third-generation RX, similar its ii predecessors (and most Lexuses in general) is designed to relax, not excite, something it is very good at. It's never been flashy or exceptionally quick and it'south about to be ushered out the door. Yet, equally an upscale luxury-oriented crossover, it still has the legs to compete with fresher rivals — as demonstrated by continued strong sales. If you're not one who needs "the next big thing" to make your life complete and you would like to have advantage of the deals that volition undoubtedly come your way, then take hold of this model while you tin.
It's likely the 2016 Shiny New RX will showcase bolder styling — as demonstrated by a teaser photo or ii also as the recently released, smaller NX — and there have been rumours information technology will besides offer a third-row option. But, other than that, I can't see Lexus wanting to mess as well much with a proven formula.
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Source: https://driving.ca/reviews/road-test/suv-review-2015-lexus-rx-350-f-sport
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