Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Lexus RX 350 F Sport. If you're considering upgrading your ride or just curious about what Lexus has to offer in the sporty SUV department, you’re in the right place. We'll cover everything from performance and styling to comfort and tech, helping you decide if this luxury SUV is the right fit for you.

What is the Lexus RX 350 F Sport?

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport isn't just your run-of-the-mill luxury SUV; it's the sportier sibling in the RX family. Lexus takes the already impressive RX 350 and injects a dose of athletic flair, both in terms of aesthetics and performance. Think of it as the RX 350 wearing workout gear – it looks sharper and promises a more engaging driving experience. The F Sport trim typically includes unique exterior styling elements like a distinctive mesh grille, exclusive alloy wheel designs, and special badging. Inside, you'll find sport seats offering enhanced bolstering, aluminum pedals, and unique interior trim options. But it's not just about looks; the F Sport often boasts a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling and a more connected feel to the road. All these enhancements add up to a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and caters to drivers who crave a bit more excitement in their daily drive. It's the perfect blend of luxury and athleticism, designed to make every journey a memorable one. The F Sport isn't just a trim level; it's a statement.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Lexus RX 350 F Sport generally features the same reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the standard RX 350. This engine delivers a smooth and responsive 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and confident acceleration when you need it. The F Sport doesn't necessarily get a power boost over the standard model, but it's the way that power is delivered and managed that sets it apart. Lexus typically pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers quick and seamless gear changes. This transmission is tuned to provide a sportier feel in the F Sport, with more aggressive downshifts and quicker responses to throttle inputs. The result is a driving experience that feels more engaging and connected. One of the key enhancements in the F Sport is its sport-tuned suspension. This suspension system typically includes stiffer springs and dampers, which reduce body roll and improve handling. This means the F Sport feels more planted and stable in corners, giving you more confidence behind the wheel. The steering is also often tweaked for a more precise and direct feel, further enhancing the driving experience. While it's not a full-blown sports car, the RX 350 F Sport offers a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics compared to the standard model, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a more spirited drive.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the Lexus RX 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a cabin that blends luxury with sporty design elements. The seats are often unique to the F Sport trim, featuring enhanced bolstering to keep you snug during spirited driving. These seats are typically wrapped in premium leather or NuLuxe upholstery, with contrasting stitching and F Sport badging adding a touch of exclusivity. Aluminum pedals and unique interior trim accents further enhance the sporty ambiance. The overall design is modern and sophisticated, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. In terms of technology, the RX 350 F Sport comes loaded with features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe. The centerpiece is typically a large infotainment display, which can range from 8 inches to 12.3 inches depending on the configuration and model year. This display integrates navigation, audio controls, smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and various vehicle settings. Lexus' Enform suite of connected services provides access to features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency assistance. A premium audio system, often from Mark Levinson, delivers exceptional sound quality. Standard safety features include Lexus Safety System+, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The interior of the RX 350 F Sport is a comfortable and technologically advanced space, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

Exterior Styling

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport distinguishes itself from the standard RX 350 with a range of sporty exterior enhancements. The most noticeable difference is the unique mesh grille, which replaces the horizontal slats of the standard model with a more aggressive and dynamic design. This grille gives the F Sport a bolder and more athletic look. The front bumper is also often redesigned with larger air intakes and aerodynamic accents, further enhancing the sporty appearance. Exclusive alloy wheel designs are another hallmark of the F Sport trim. These wheels are typically larger and more intricate than those found on the standard RX 350, adding to the vehicle's overall visual appeal. The F Sport also features special badging on the exterior, indicating its sporty nature. These badges are typically located on the front fenders and rear liftgate. At the rear, the F Sport may feature a unique bumper design and a subtle rear spoiler, which adds to the vehicle's aerodynamic profile. The overall effect of these exterior styling enhancements is a vehicle that looks more aggressive, athletic, and distinctive than the standard RX 350. The F Sport stands out from the crowd and makes a statement about its sporty intentions. It's a design that appeals to those who want their luxury SUV to have a bit more visual flair and personality. The RX 350 F Sport is a head-turner, combining Lexus's signature elegance with a sporty edge that sets it apart.

Driving Experience

Okay, let’s talk about what it's really like to drive the Lexus RX 350 F Sport. While it shares the same engine as the standard RX 350, the F Sport offers a noticeably different driving experience thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and other enhancements. The first thing you'll notice is the improved handling. The F Sport feels more planted and stable in corners, with less body roll than the standard model. This gives you more confidence behind the wheel and makes the driving experience more engaging. The steering is also more precise and direct, providing better feedback from the road. This allows you to feel more connected to the vehicle and makes it easier to place the RX 350 F Sport exactly where you want it on the road. The ride quality is firmer than the standard RX 350, but it's not overly harsh. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, while still providing a sporty feel. The engine is responsive and provides ample power for everyday driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and it's tuned to provide a sportier feel in the F Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively, further enhancing the driving experience. While the RX 350 F Sport is not a sports car, it offers a fun and engaging driving experience that's perfect for those who enjoy a more spirited drive. It's a great balance of comfort and performance, making it a compelling choice for those who want a luxury SUV that's also fun to drive.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the Lexus RX 350 F Sport with a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Sporty Styling: The F Sport boasts aggressive exterior and interior styling, setting it apart from the standard RX 350.
• Enhanced Handling: The sport-tuned suspension provides improved handling and a more engaging driving experience.
• Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and comfortable seats.
• Advanced Technology: The RX 350 F Sport comes loaded with technology features, including a large infotainment display and advanced safety systems.
• Reliability: Lexus is known for its reliability, so you can expect the RX 350 F Sport to be a dependable vehicle.

Cons:

• No Power Boost: The F Sport doesn't get a power increase over the standard RX 350.
• Ride Quality: The ride is firmer than the standard RX 350, which may not be to everyone's liking.
• Price: The F Sport is more expensive than the standard RX 350.
• Infotainment System: Some users may find the Lexus infotainment system to be less intuitive than those of some competitors.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is average for the class, but not exceptional.

Is the Lexus RX 350 F Sport Worth It?

So, here’s the big question: Is the Lexus RX 350 F Sport worth it? The answer, like with most things, depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value sporty styling, enhanced handling, and a more engaging driving experience, then the F Sport is definitely worth considering. It offers a noticeable improvement in driving dynamics compared to the standard RX 350, making it a fun and enjoyable vehicle to drive. The interior is also well-appointed and comfortable, with plenty of technology features to keep you connected and entertained. However, if you prioritize comfort and a smooth ride above all else, the standard RX 350 may be a better choice. The F Sport's firmer suspension may not be to everyone's liking, especially on rough roads. Additionally, the F Sport is more expensive than the standard RX 350, so you'll need to factor that into your decision. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the RX 350 F Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels. If you're looking for a luxury SUV that's both sporty and refined, the F Sport is definitely worth a look. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and style. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your final decision. You won't regret it!