2015 Lexus RX350 F Sport

The premium mid-sized SUV segment is without doubt one of the most saturated segments in the market with many great vehicles one can to pick to own. Lexus has been a very strong contender for the last 15 years or so, with their best-selling RX series. 2015 will be the last year for the third generation model, as in 2016, the all-new fourth generation is due. So in its last year of production and facing really strong competition, the question is; is the RX still worth buying?

For 2015, the yearly refresh brings the aggressive spindle grill, LED daylight and fog lights, while the available drivetrain options remain the same. The RX350 F Sport is the top of the line trim and comes with a price tag of $58,900. Standard features are leather trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, sunroof, dual zone climate control, cruise control, navigation, a clever mouse-like infotainment control, blind spot monitors, power adjustable seats and steering, keyless entry with push button start, sliding and reclining rear seats, power tailgate, HID headlights, 8 airbags including knee airbags, stability control, intuitive parking assist, heads-up-display, 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes-free and 19″ alloys.

The exterior design is sleek, but seems very conservative when compared to the latest fluid design language the newer models have. Next to the NX and IS, it looks a bit out of date but at least it is a safer design that is not threatened by the “love it or hate it” risk. For 2016 though, the first pictures seem to disclose the risk being taken as the very aggressive and intensely sculptured design is fully there.

Inside the cabin, is where the vehicle’s age is most evident; forget about double stitched leather on the dash and futuristic angular design lines like the ones found in the NX. Conservative and well put together is what it is and it definitely will appeal to individuals that appreciate simplicity and genuinely good ergonomics. The feel is elegant and upmarket but also a bit parochial. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, the infotainment system with the mouse-like control is very simple and intuitive to use and all switch gear and buttons feel expensive. The seats don’t provide much side support, but in a vehicle made for comfort, there is no real case to complain about it. What matters is that the seats are big and comfortable.

Roominess is good and on par with the category average, although some of the rivals offer more rear legroom. Three adults can sit in the back, subject to the height average between front and rear passenger not exceeding 6ft. The trunk however is generous, as at 1,132 L (floor to ceiling) it is large and fully usable thanks to its normalized shape. Sliding the rear seats forward increases the trunk capacity even further if needed but really compromises rear legroom at the same time.

Under the hood, the 3.5L V6 engine outputs 270 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to make it feel lively and responsive. The bassy note that reaches the cabin thankfully sounds good and as such its presence is not considered intrusive. From a standstill, it can hit 100km/h in just 7.1″ and then come to a complete stop in 50m. Performance is good, but the driving experience would’ve been better if the gearbox was quicker to shift in sequential mode, when using the paddle shifters. Granted, this is not a sporty SUV despite the F Sport badging. Handling in the corners can only be described as safe, progressive and predictable. Grip limits are not too high, making any and all reactions passed its limits progressive enough in order to not scare the driver. The steering might have good weight at speed, but it delivers very limited feedback classifying the driving enjoyment as only average. Fuel economy on the other hand is better than average, as our combined average was 12.7lt/100km in very cold weather (-10C).

Refinement, elegance and a very smooth ride are right up its alley, conditional to the quality of the road surface though. On a smooth stretch, you’ll immediately be impressed by how good the rolling quality is, producing minimal noise and vibrations, but hit a regular road with bumps and pot holes on it, and the experience quickly becomes less enjoyable. The suspension feels firmer than it should be in such a vehicle and harsh bumps tend to unsettle the chassis momentarily. The dynamics recover quickly but a good amount of shock still shakes-up the passengers. Also, some minor rattles can be heard at that time which is a discord to the interior’s harmony.

It’s not that the RX is bad, but competition has leaped forward so quickly (even within the same brand) that the full replacement next year might be a year too late. The RX became a best seller because it was refined, reliable and comfortable aside from being luxurious. Today though, it seems to be struggling to hold its grounds despite being priced below its competition and equipped more generously.

Towing Capacity: 1587kg (3500lbs)