The Lexus RX 350 midsize utility vehicle’s 2016 model year redesign showcases new styling cues and interior embellishments. During a week-long test drive, riders showered compliments on the cabin’s finely crafted look and feel. This reviewer found interactions with the infotainment system’s controller (located in the center floor console) distracting to use while driving. Simply put: the system requires too many non-intuitive actions. The RX 350 has easy ingress/egress, comfortable seats, and a gentle ride. Occupants noted that the vehicle’s heavy doors required extra effort to close. The 109.8-inch wheelbase vehicle is offered with three unique 20-inch wheel choices.
RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower at 6300 rpm/267 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm, versus the 2015 model year’s 3.5-liter V6 engine that supplied 270 horsepower at 6200 rpm/248 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The 2015 vehicle’s 6-speed automatic transmission is replaced by an 8-speed automatic transmission. RX 350’s optional equipment list includes vehicle sway warning, intuitive parking assist, and an adaptive variable suspension system that changes the damping force based on roadway conditions. The test driven Lexus RX 350 collects estimated mpg of 19 city/26 highway and carries a base MSRP of $43,300.