It’s time for a new Lexus RX. The compact luxury SUV is the company’s best-selling SUV but has seen minimal changes since the fourth generation was introduced in 2015. It almost doubles sales of the smaller NX, which is new for 2022 and features an upgraded infotainment system and a livelier turbocharged engine. Meanwhile, the RX is one of the few non-turbocharged vehicles among its closest luxury competitors, all of which offer a better driving experience than the RX350 F Sport AWD model tested here.
Lexus uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in the RX350 that makes 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive models are available, as is an RX450h hybrid that combines the V-6 with three electric motors for 308 horsepower. While the hybrid is rated at 30mpg combined by the EPA, the all-wheel-drive RX350, like the one tested here, is estimated at 22mpg. The RX350’s free-breathing six lacks the urgency found in more turbocharged rivals. And there’s no extra grunt to be had in the F-Sport model. In our tests, it reached 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, considerably slower than its German and Korean competitors. The RX also took a sluggish 5.0 seconds to accelerate from 50 to 70 mph.
Michael Simaricar and driver
HIGHS: Comfortable seats, great view, it sells.
Our test car came equipped with the F Sport handling package, which adds 20-inch wheels and adaptive dampers, but rides on standard all-season rubber. Lexus adjusted the RX’s suspension for the 2020 model year, stiffening the anti-roll bars and retuning the damping and spring rates, resulting in 0.82g of grip on the test track. On lumpy dual carriageways, however, we found the ride to be a bit bumpy and also noticed some uncomfortable body roll. On the freeway, however, we had no complaints with the ride, which was smooth and confident, as we’ve come to expect from a luxury crossover. The RX also took a fairly long 178 feet to stop from 70 mph.
Michael Simaricar and driver
The RX350’s mediocre performance doesn’t do justice to its extrovert looks. That’s especially true of the F Sport, which adds unique bumper and grille designs, black mirrors and F Sport badging, but still looks awkward and somewhat minivan-like. And our test car had optional running boards, which were obtrusive. The car’s subdued Nebula Gray Pearl paint job didn’t draw too much attention (a vibrant Greek water blue is new), in contrast to the bright red interior that greets you as you open the door.
We feel like a record broken as we beg Lexus to ditch the touchpad that controls the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It was removed on the 2022 NX, which introduced Lexus’ new Interface multimedia system. So we assume it will be gone by the time the new RX launches. For now, however, using the touchpad to navigate the menus and buttons of the Lexus system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is far from intuitive. Lexus is aware of this, however, as the screen is now touch-sensitive, but the way it juts out of the dash at the top makes it inconvenient to select icons on the lower part of the display.
Michael Simaricar and driver
LOWS: Overwhelming drivetrain, touchpad remains wobbly, awkwardly extrovert looks.
The Lexus has plenty of rear seat space and a large cargo area compared to some others in this segment. With the rear seats up, the RX swallows nine carry-on size boxes, two more than BMW’s X2 and one more than the Genesis GV70. If you’re looking for extra luggage space, Lexus offers a longer RX350L. The third row of seats isn’t particularly roomy as Lexus doesn’t extend the wheelbase, but the extra length behind the C-pillar adds a few cubic feet of cargo space over the standard model.
Lexus continues to dominate the compact luxury SUV segment with the RX, moving a whopping 115,320 units last year, but the competition is heating up. The latest addition comes from Genesis with its new GV70. Those who appreciate performance can even hop into a base Porsche Macan for less than our RX350 F Sport’s tested price of $63,155. That doesn’t mean we’re not excited for the next-gen RX, though. We are, and we hope that a more modern RX will offer a more compelling driving experience.
specifications
specifications
2022 Lexus RX350F Sport Handling AWD
Vehicle Type: Front Engine, 4WD, 5 Passenger, 4 Door Wagon
PRICE
Base/as tested: $53,925/$63,155
Options: Premium Sound by Mark Levinson with Navigation, $3365; LED headlights, turn signals and headlight washers, $1675; 360-degree camera with park assist and cross-traffic alert, $1365; running boards, $650; head-up display, $600; panoramic sunroof, $500; cold-weather package (wiper deicers and quick-acting interior heater), $200; wireless charger, $200; fender, $170; electric tailgate with step sensor; $150; cargo mat, $140; door edge protector, $140; Cargo Net, $75
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct injection
Displacement: 211 in3, 3456 cm3
Power: 295 hp at 6300 rpm
Torque: 267 lb-ft at 4700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: Struts/Multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.9″ ventilated disc / 13.3″ ventilated disc
Tires: Michelin Premier LTX
235/55R-20 102V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Length: 192.5 inches
Width: 74.6 inches
Height: 67.7 inches
Passenger volume: 108 ft3
Curb Weight: 4623lbs
C/D TEST RESULTS
60mph: 6.7 sec
1/4 mile: 15.1 sec at 93 mph
100mph: 17.7s
130mph: 37.8s
The above results leave out a 0.3 second 1 foot rollout.
Rolling Start, 5-60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 80-110 km/h: 5.0 sec
Top speed (Government Ltd): 132 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 178 ft
Road holding, 300 ft ski pad: 0.82 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg
C/D TEST EXPLAINED
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