2016 Lexus RX Revealed! More Energy and Presence, Familiar Ethos

The Lexus RX pioneered the luxury-crossover segment when it debuted in the late 1990s as the RX300, and the model has been a pillar of the Lexus brand ever because. It remains the bestselling Lexus model today. The organization shifted 107,000 units final year, putting the RX properly ahead of the runner-up ES sedan, of which it sold 72K. So while Lexus would like the RX to shake its somnambulant image, it is loathe to move it also far off the beam.

The just-unveiled 2016 redesign shows that inherent conflict. Chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda expressed it thusly: “Our ambition has been to make a bold and entirely new statement . . . [while] staying correct to the pioneering values of earlier RX generations.”

Bold and New, or Staying Accurate?

The new RX adopts the brand’s aggressive—which is not to say “beautiful”—new design and style language, with L-shaped lighting elements and a giant, spindle grille. The “floating” roof created by the blacked-out C-pillar is a new twist—unfortunately for Lexus, it’s one that is also seen on the new Nissan Murano. Dimensionally, the car has grown almost 5 inches in length, although the wheelbase has been stretched by some 2 inches width and height are within a fraction of their preceding figures. The added length final results in enhanced rear-seat space, but Lexus has opted not to wedge in a third row of seats.

Beneath the tortured sheetmetal, Lexus engineers managed to wring extra output from familiar mechanicals. Electing to sit out the trend toward engine downsizing and forced induction, they are once more serving up a 3.5-liter V-6, only now with 300-ish horsepower (final figures are not in) instead of 270. An 8-speed automatic, formerly exclusive to the F Sport, replaces the 6-speed unit in other RX350 models. Again, buyers can decide on to have the front wheels or all 4 wheels do the driving. Naturally, the RX450 hybrid returns, with an Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter. Functioning with its electric motors, it, as well, claims an output of about 300 horsepower, up from 245. Lexus claims to have enhanced handling although preserving the vehicle’s cushy ride. To that finish, an adaptive suspension is newly obtainable.

F Comes Right after M—Way Right after

The AWD-only F Sport gives no extra output but does include active anti-roll bars, 20-inch wheels, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Its adaptive suspension adds a stiffer driving mode referred to as Sport S+. Largely, although, the F Sport’s nature is conveyed by its visuals, which tends to make it a far cry from the overall performance SUVs supplied by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Audi.

The new security tech is likely to be of greater resonance to RX buyers. Joining the earlier precollision warning technique and blind-spot warning are lane-departure warning, lane-hold assist, and rear cross-targeted traffic alert. A new panoramic-view monitor additional aids maneuvering, and adaptive high beams aid illuminate twisty roads, even though a giant moonroof lets rear-seat passengers gaze at the stars.

We anticipate the RX will continue to be the star of the Lexus lineup. We’ll see after we drive the 2016 iteration no matter whether the brand made a bold adequate move with this redesign, or no matter whether it dangers getting outshined by the expanding field of competitors.

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2016 Lexus RX Revealed! More Energy and Presence, Familiar Ethos