Every year many adjustments, tweaks, refreshes (whatever you want to call it) are made to certain vehicles to boost its awareness. In most occasions the news circulates around, but not much else happens. 

This scenario doesn’t hold true for the Lexus RX 350 F Sport. Lexus has successfully integrated its sexy L-finesse design taken from their showpiece the LF-LC concept into five of their model lines including the popular RX 350 and called that version the F Sport. The F Sport might seem like it comes with more power, but it’s powered by the same 3.5L V-6 that’s found in the base RX 350 model.  that has 270 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s important to note that the F Sport only comes in all-wheel drive as opposed to the option in the base model of front or all-wheel drive.

So why the sport tag?

Let’s start with its unique suspension tuning. Lexus has been bold and equipped this version with firmer springs and a new lateral performance damper system that connects the left and right front suspension towers and a rear damper connecting the left and right sides of the rear lower back panel. This system allows the F Sport to absorb any body vibrations and noise. The results are clearly evident in the smoothness of the ride, steering response and ride comfort. I can honestly tell you that it was one of the more comfortable and smooth driving weeks I’ve had in a while – so kudos to Lexus. 

The F Sport is fitted with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission (six-speed found in the regular version) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. I have to admit that the new tranny doesn’t do much to the overall experience and the paddle shifters are more of a novelty, but the eight-speed helps out when it comes to fuel efficiency. I drove mostly around the city with a little bit of highway action and got 13.3 L/ 100 km combined. This is not a great number and would sit in the middle of its competitors, so it’s something worth improving on in the future.

Believe it or not, the F Sport version shines and becomes a star when it comes to the look. What a difference it makes compared to the regular 350 version! The most noticeable feature of the L-finesse design is the spindle-shaped grille that oozes sportiness. The excitement doesn’t stop there with arrowhead LED running lamps and tail lights, redesigned fog lamps, black leather trimmed seats, aluminum sport pedals, a more confident front bumper and 19” wheels. If anyone’s still questioning the sporty look – the F Sport badging on the sides of the car and on the steering wheel seals the deal.

The exterior and interior both stand out and complement each other very well.  Walking towards the vehicle – the sleek and curvy lines give this crossover a lot of emotional appeal. It’s aggressive and modern styling is symbolized by the hourglass shaped spindle grille mentioned above. As crazy as it sounds the spindles really talk to you, giving subtle hints to strap in and test what it can do. 

As you enter you’re greeted by soft black leather-trimmed seats with white piping accents and white perforation holes. Comfort is maximized with heated and ventilated seats along with 10-way power front seats and three seat memory settings. The soft black leather is further found on the door handles allowing for a comfy arm rest. The luxury continues as you find an Ebony Bird’s-eye Maple Wood trim on the door handles, arm rest and surrounding the cup holders adding a nice touch. More standard options that come with the F Sport are the engine start/stop push button, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and an integrated backup camera. The front interior combines comfort, luxury and sportiness which is what the RX 350 F Sport is all about. 

The biggest negative I find with the interior is their toggle infotainment system that’s called the Remote Touch Interface (RTI). It’s situated close to the gear shift and cup holders and works like a joystick with an arm rest allowing you to operate the audio, climate, phone, navigation system, etc. I understand the concept and location as it allows the driver to focus on the road (which I might add is safer than constantly leaning in on a touch screen), but the joystick is much too sensitive. It takes a lot of time to get used to and I can only imagine the older-generation trying to use this device. I at least grew up with some video games, so I can somewhat manoeuvre around, but after working with this RTI system – I feel like an old man. Lexus is on the right path, it just needs to be less sensitive and fine-tuned to meet their range of customers. Right now it might work for the 17-25 demographic, but that surely isn’t Lexus customer base.

It might be a five-seat crossover, but when you drive it surely doesn’t feel like one. As mentioned previously its lateral performance damper system makes the drive a smooth sail. Power delivery is instant, so it takes a little while to get used to it. Just beware of the quick acceleration, as you have to be cautious between all the tentative drivers out there as well as those pesky coppers. 

The steering and handling of the F Sport can be described in one word – incredible. Hands-down one of the best handling Crossover/SUVs out there and I can’t stress that enough. Cornering is tight and it centers itself perfectly on every turn. You really notice the control the driver has when sweeping around sharp and curvy roads – it’s worth the test. 

The RX 350 is not too shabby when it comes to roominess. There’s an ample amount of leg and head room in both the front and back seats, as well as in the trunk. When you fold down the rear seats you get 2,273 litres or 80.3 cubic feet of space. Half that amount and that’s your trunk space. 

Additionally, Lexus seemed to place a lot of attention and effort into convenience. I’ve never seen so many cup holders – it almost seemed that anything I touched revealed one. What I really liked beside the two front seats were expandable folder-size door pockets to store anything you need and yes it also has a cupholder. Another standout item is the middle-seat flap in the rear. When pushed down, it’s nice and heavy with two cup holders and a nice storage section. It’s strange to even look at the flap, but it really stood out and probably a very useful tool for the kids or other passengers traveling in the back seat, especially for a long road trip.

The Lexus RX 350 has always done well in the sales category and is Lexus’ best-selling model, so why all the changes? Well it’s safe to say that Lexus are still not content and want to improve. After listening to the many complaints about the RX 350’s blandness they sure are aiming to silence their critics by creating an option for everyone. If you want that added sportiness appeal and still possess the ride comfort and luxury – you can’t complain any more. The price of the F Sport could be challenging at $57,900 considering the base RX starts at $44,950, but for what the F Sport provides it might be worth the extra price. If you’re looking for something that excites you in a crossover and you have a little extra cash to spare, the F Sport will fulfill all your desires.