First off, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way that is the elephant-sized chrome-rimmed spindle grille adorning the front-end of the 2016 Lexus RX. Poised to quite literally suck up the sprawling road ahead it’s a brave and bold design move and one that demands to be either loved or loathed at first sight. We think it’s rather brilliant.
Continuing the all-new anti-conservative look, a pair of angular LED L-shaped slit headlamps and protruding flared fenders emphasize this vehicle’s menace, capped by a floating roof and muscular back-end (which can be handily opened hands-free with a simple swipe so long as the key is on your person). Optional 20-inch alloys can be customized with colored inserts of titanium, black, pearl white or copper, while included with these or the standard 18-inch wheels, are long-life Michelin Premier tires.
Choose from front or all-wheel drive in available engine options which include a 3.5-liter V6 (the RX 350) mated to an eight speed automatic transmission and the RX 450h, a hybrid powered 3.5-liter V6 also. Both are available in an F Sport package. The RX 200t boasts a 2-liter inline-4 turbo engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission good for over 228-hp. Twenty miles is the cut-off distance for electric power only at less than 25mph (ideal for rush hour traffic), while the all-wheel drive hybrid will also deliver 30mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, compared to 19/26 for the RX 350. The hybrid also certainly feels faster when your first floor that accelerator pedal.
You and your passengers are unlikely to spill even a drop of morning coffee in thanks to the crossover’s independent suspension system, comprising McPherson front struts with a rear double wishbone set up, all of which has been both highly tuned and reinforced. Also available is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which automatically alters steering and suspension depending on on- or off-road conditions. All models come with Drive Mode Select with three settings: Normal, Eco and Sport.
An already generous 18.4 cubic feet of storage space can be increased thanks to electronically folding rear seats, while strategically placed seat cushions and door and center console arm rests in front guarantee comfort and reduce the risk of fatigue. Continued is the mouse-like joystick controled infotainment system with a massive 12.3-inch screen, but thankfully minus the old user-unfriendly touchpad. Other fun features available include rear seat entertainment and a Heads-Up Display system projected onto the windscreen while custom gauges, an even sportier steering wheel, intake sound generator and paddle shifters are among the included treats for those who opt for an F Sport.