2016 Lexus RX 350 review from Family Wheels

A family friendly look at the new fourth generation RX from Lexus. Looks great... but does it have the performance to match? Take a look

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[faizsani]

Most people buy these things due to comfort and luxury as first priority, bullet proof reliability comes close second (or could be first priority), and resale value as their third priority. Mostly would be repeat customers who love their previous Lexus. They want to see something slightly different but not too different from the outside but expects top notch quality on the inside. They expect zero rattle on the inside and buttery smooth ride. Nothing wrong with the previous generation engine, still smooth and quiet, so it can soldier on, so many of the would be repeat customers won't be concerned with it.

So all in all, this is the perfect upgrade for the previous owners. For the newcomers, this vehicle is an acquired taste. If one owns this just as it was designed for (smooth luxury, mile eating capability, reliability and problem free ownership experience, great resale value), there are many things about the vehicle to be happy. For those who bought this for size and family practicality, it's too much money for the vehicle.

[Progmium]

I'm more concerned about reliability and none of the other makers can even come close to a Lexus.

[samsonokoro]

U r the first guy to say the seats aren't that comfortable, that's what Lexus is known for and what most reviewers say. The competition have harder firmer seats which aren't comfortable for long drives. Lexuses are known for soft plush leather seats that are very comfortable. I own an Es350 and I can say for a fact the seats of my 2010 model is better than What's in the prevailing E class model, c lass and bmw 3 series. I have tested them out with several European rivals and really unless u go for the top range S class or Range Rover u won't find seats as comfortable on those on a Lexus from my own experience with these cars.

[jasonalpha]

It’s a long distance cruiser. It’s not supposed to go round corners on rails like a sports car. I’m always frustrated at these reviewers who say it should be more exciting to drive. But that’s not the point of it. You need to stop comparing it with a sports car.

[MrYoonjy]

I love lexus product! Especially, new rx this generation looks perfect!

[omgitsme]

58 years old wtf? I'm 28 and I think this is a car I'd cross shop.

[LisafCox]

I am a 56 yr old social worker w/ no kids & $56, 000 year income. Had a 2015 NXt(fsport), 2019 are way too expensive for my budget..
Wanted vehicle more comfortable & more peppy. Ended up w/ a Lexus certified 2016 Luxury package RX, not fsport. I am disappointed, in that, it is not lively like the NXt. However, comfort is nice & actually gets better gas mileage than my old NXt fsport. Plus, maintenance isn't as costly as the turbo engine on the NXt. Plus, as a mobile social worker, the RX is really more handy for passengers. 👍 Reliable to the max!!!

[rickysandhu]

I drive a 2016 RX350 Executive Edition and I have to agree that just a few days after I realized how uncomfortable the front seats are. In fact I mentioned this to my wife only 3 days into driving this vehicle that I miss the last RX for it's front seats. Before this I had a 2009 RX350 Pebble Beach Edition which had some good comfortable front row seating. However this model does lack in that. My wife and I take long trips with kids (8+ hrs) and the front seats really start to feel flat like a board. BUT it's certainly not a deal breaker for that as I've been a long time fan of RX.

[supersasquatch]

You guys all miss the point that this car offers unique reliability and durability

[juancortes]

I bought brand new 2017 rx350 exactly like the one in the vid. And it has given me problems staring the vehicle. The car dealership just keep on checking the battery and connecting it to the computer but cannot fix the problem. Ironic that I did not buy the Audi Q7 to not deal with automotive problems but I ended up with a faulty Lexus vehicle. It just suck that the Santa Monica CA Lexus dealership just makes up excuses to not replace the faulty vehicle parts.

[cradlemonsterp]

L/100km instead of MPG? Kilometers instead of miles? I'm falling in love with Canadian car reviews now!

[tungol]

The one thing I don't like about the rx350 is the powerplant like how can you have the same engine in the cheaper venza.

[brianhennings]

Came to this video hoping to see a bit more detail on securing RFCS with LATCH and seat belt in this vehicle. Have a 2017 RX F-Sport and starting a family in 2018. Bought the vehicle knowing this was possible, but would be good to see a video going through the motions and discussing the 18.5” center LATCH limitations. We are below the age demo and above the income demo you cite - still picked Lexus over Audi or MB equivalent for reliability & build quality. Younger folks considering this vehicle should look at the F-Sport models over the Luxury (or Executive) trims, the former of which appears to be your demo vehicle, which are definitely more suited to more ‘mature’ buyers.

[stea]

Yeah I just bought the 2018 executive and im 10 years younger than the target age. Agree that seats could be better, no issues With analog clock it is a staple of luxury cars don’t F.. with it, make it more premium however. USB and 120v for rear... Lexus got lazy there as well. The L version added the USB in rear. Otherwise a phenomenal suv.

[betsyabshire]

Bought my first Lexus 2 months ago, an RX350,  and love it!  I'm female, 68 years old.  I thought the driver's seat was uncomfortable in the beginning but have gotten used to it.  The gas mileage is poor, the drive is excellent, and the cargo space is very adequate for someone without children. I dislike the interior color, but the quality of materials used is very good.  My focus was the safety features, and they have lived up to my expectations.  At this age, our driving does not continue to improve, so the blind spot monitor, lane deviation correction, and cruise control distance keeper are most beneficial.

[islamyoussrey]

thanks alot for the cool review here in moscow we have RX 200 t which kind of better price and fuel eco than others cars which we could compare

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Looking forward to when you finally upgrade to 4K or at least 1080P. :)

[Trades]

I think you might have made too much preconceptions due to the tester. The Lexus F-sport package is deceiving; it is sold like an appearance package but what is hidden is lots of fine suspension, seats and steering tuning bundled with the exterior styling. I fallen victim to this personally; I test drove a luxury IS350 in early 2015 and I was left cold; numb steering, throttle and so-so dynamics. Then later that year Lexus invited me back in a IS350 F-sport for a driving event. Heck I might as have well been driving two completely different cars; their engine & drivetrain is the same but otherwise the drive itself felt nothing alike.

The luxury RX you were given is probably what most families would take if ride comfort, build quality & refinement was their priority. More younger buyers might be enticed to drive the F-sport model for that more hard-edged driving feel more akin to the Germans.

As for the ~$68k price tag, have you seen how much BMW, Mercedes and Audi are charging for their SUVs these days? A comparably loaded X5, GLE450 and Q7 will easily top ~$80k before tax with some options ticked. The only better deal I can think of is the Lincoln MKX (because nobody buys them) and Volvo XC90 (which is aggressively priced to get people back into Volvo dealers).

[keepitsimple]

I own an 2016 RX350 with the luxury package. The look is awesome, the interior, I like a lot. I do have the Noble Brown. My number 1 issue is the technology, NO APPLE CARPLAY!!! I have to handle my phone way too much. I would expect a car at this price point to include an up to date technology package. My second issue is that it has no get up and go.

[eganfo]

Great informative video. The look of this Lexus is growing on me. Did you film parts of this review in Portland, Oregon?