2016 Lexus 350

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What's New for 2016

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 is an all-new model this year.

Introduction

For Lexus, its RX family of crossovers isn't broken and doesn't need fixing. As the 2016 Lexus RX 350 marks the crossover's 17th year in production, we expect only some slight styling and feature changes, and an infusion of Lexus' most contemporary safety and driver aid technology.

Teaser photos hint at more angular sides and panels, and additional focus on the family "spindle grille," but the overall profile will remain unchanged. This is, after all, a crossover that regularly sells about 100,000 units every year and not a test bed for bold design ideas.

For its fourth generation, the RX 350 grows larger and roomier. But will it be enough to accommodate a third-row seat? Lexus would love a three-row crossover it can sell to large families, ideally something to replace its aging, truck-based GX model.

Since the RX uses the same chassis as the Toyota Highlander, a model that grew nearly 3 inches in length last year, stretching the new RX to accommodate an extra row sounds feasible. We've found the Highlander's third row isn't as roomy as those in its rivals, however, and that kind of scant legroom isn't likely to impress a discerning Lexus buyer.

Lexus could also simply enlarge the RX's current cabin space and save the three-row option for a new crossover tentatively called the "TX." We'll know more when the redesigned 2016 RX 350 is unveiled at theNew York auto show.

What's Under the Hood?
The current RX 350's 270-horsepower V6 engine will likely carry over, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive should remain an option.

The V6 helps the current RX 350 achieve 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) for front-wheel-drive models and 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) with all-wheel drive. A new aluminum hood and liftgate should lighten the RX's mass a bit and help increase its fuel efficiency.

An F Sport model, offering an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive only, should also be available. A fuel-efficient hybrid-electric version, the RX 450h, is also likely to return.

What Unique Features Will It Offer?
Like the current model, we expect the 2016 Lexus RX 350 to offer a well-equipped standard trim level, an F Sport trim and perhaps a special edition like the current Crafted Line. Standard equipment should include 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a sliding and reclining rear seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a 7-inch display screen.

A few new advanced safety features should also debut on the new RX, including pedestrian detection and automatic braking that can bring the car to a full stop if the radar and camera-based system detects an imminent collision.

How Much, and What Else Is Out There?
The 2016 Lexus RX 350 will arrive later this year. Competition is tight in this segment, so we don't expect the base RX to start much higher than its current price of $41,895.

Several options exist among luxury crossovers, depending on your needs. If extra seating is a priority, theAcura MDX and Infiniti QX60 each offer three rows. The Infiniti offers more space, but the MDX is more fun to drive. The Audi Q7 and recently redesigned Volvo XC90 should be other considerations.

If you're sticking with a standard five-passenger model, the classy Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly called the M-Class), surprisingly upscale Volkswagen Touareg and benchmark BMW X5 are also very good choices.

Check back for a full review of the 2016 Lexus RX 350, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.

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