2024 Lexus RX350 F Sport review

It’s a hard nut to crack, this world of premium SUVs, but few newbies have enjoyed such roaring success as the Lexus RX.

First introduced in Australia in the early noughties, the RX quickly became Lexus’s most popular model and has steadily built a reputation as the thinking man’s alternative to the established Germans. Cheaper to buy and thriftier to run, yet absolutely bursting with equipment and high-quality, luxurious touches – that’s long been the Lexus RX MO.

The version you see here is the fifth-gen RX, an all-new model that sauntered onto Aussie roads in 2023. Longer, wider, lower and rolling on a stretched wheelbase, it’s the biggest RX yet and also offers buyers a mind-boggling array of choice thanks to four engines, four trim levels, multiple option packs and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

15

JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it and what do you get?
• Cabin space and comfort
• What’s it like to drive?
• VERDICT

How much is it and what do you get?

Our particular tester is the RX350 F Sport, which retails for $101,745, and doesn’t only score a host of sporty detailing such as unique 21-inch wheels, more aggressive bumper designs and an F-Sport steering wheel, but it’s also one of the few offerings in the line-up not to use a hybrid powertrain.

Instead, propulsion comes from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol that makes a healthy 205kW/430Nm and sends its grunt to both axles through an eight-speed torque converter auto.

It that recipe sounds a touch old-school, don’t be alarmed: the RX feels effortless and polished from the get-go. The steering is light, the ride quality on large 21-inch alloys is relaxed and comfortable, and the cabin is impressively refined and quiet at a highway cruise.

⬆️ Back to top

15

Cabin space and comfort

The cabin makes an equally strong first impression. The snug and supportive front seats, which are part of the F Sport treatment, are especially fabulous, as is the soft and tactile leather steering wheel and high-end 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

The sense of quality is also top drawer, as you’d expect from Lexus, and you’ll encounter soft leather touch points, lovely suede inserts on the door cards and soft-touch plastics on the dash.

There are a few weak points, however. The biggest and most confronting is the huge slab of piano-black plastic that surrounds the 14.0-inch centre touchscreen. It dominates the dash design and looks and feels on the cheap side, which erodes the cabin’s overarching sense of luxury. Hard, scratchy plastics can also be found on the doors and the rear of the centre console.

15

Happily, the cabin’s core ergonomics are hard to fault – the dreaded Lexus touchpad has been banished! – and the centre touchscreen itself is large, bright and integrates well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although only Apple users will enjoy a wireless connection, which is a drag in 2024.

Our test car was fitted with the optional Enhancement Pack and a sliding panoramic roof, with the latter further enhancing the cabin’s sense of space and airiness.

Rear seat space has grown, thanks in part to the 60mm wheelbase stretch, and there’s ample knee and toe room, although taller passengers might find headroom a little tight. There’s loads in the way of amenity, though, thanks to a reclineable backrest, dedicated air vents with temp control, two USB-C ports and a centre arm rest with twin cupholders.

The boot is generous, too, at 612L and offers a wide and low aperture, two bag hooks, electric releases for the rear seats and a 12V socket. A space saver spare and additional storage cubby are housed beneath the boot floor.

⬆️ Back to top

15

What’s it like to drive?

There’s a decent amount of dynamic cohesion for keen drivers to explore.

While the adaptive suspension is undoubtedly softly set-up with plenty of travel and suppleness, body control is impressive on a twisty section of road and the steering is accurate, if a little too light and lifeless. Performance from the 2.4-litre engine is quick rather than fast, yet the turbo unit is quiet and ably supported by the eight-speed auto which is smooth and unobtrusive.

Unfortunately, however, this non-hybridised powertrain is relatively thirsty when driven hard. On our dynamic loop, the RX350’s efficiency was relatively poor and its consumption reading was one of the highest of any large SUV we’ve tested.

Happily, things did improve on a longer drive that took in more highway miles and where we saw an as tested fuel figure of 13.0L/100km. Officially, Lexus claims the RX350 F Sport drinks 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.

⬆️ Back to top

15

VERDICT

There’s lots to like about the new RX. It’s quiet, refined and should be the kind of SUV that slips seamlessly into your life as you relish its effortless powertrain, silken ride quality and sublimely comfortable seats.

But for all its goodness, there are some chinks in its armour like the heavy-handed dash design, inconsistent cabin materials and high fuel use.

⬆️ Back to top