Let's dive deep into what makes the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport a standout vehicle. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its performance and design to its technology and overall driving experience. If you're considering this car, you're in the right place!

Overview of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a luxury SUV that blends comfort with sporty performance. It's designed for those who want a refined driving experience with a touch of athleticism. When we talk about Lexus, we're talking about a brand synonymous with reliability and luxury. The RX 350 F Sport takes the standard RX 350 and adds a dash of sportiness through enhanced styling, improved handling, and unique interior features. This model year continues the RX lineage, known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and upscale amenities. The F Sport variant aims to inject some excitement into the mix. You'll find features like a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and sport seats that set it apart from the regular RX 350.

The RX 350 F Sport isn't just about looks; it's about feel. The retuned suspension provides a firmer, more controlled ride, reducing body roll and enhancing agility. While it's not a full-blown sports car, it offers a more engaging driving experience compared to the standard model. Inside, the F Sport seats provide better bolstering, keeping you snug during spirited driving. The interior trim also gets a sporty makeover with aluminum pedals and unique accents. Under the hood, it houses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, style, and performance.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the key features and specifications of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, there's plenty to get excited about. The heart of this vehicle is its 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces around 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city driving and long road trips. Mated to this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive gear changes. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, with EPA ratings of around 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The F Sport trim isn't just about performance; it also includes several aesthetic and functional upgrades. The exterior features a unique mesh grille, rear spoiler, and F Sport badging, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appearance. Inside, you'll find bolstered sport seats, aluminum pedals, and unique interior trim, enhancing the sporty feel.

Technology is another area where the RX 350 F Sport shines. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, which is controlled via Lexus' Remote Touch interface. The system includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features are also abundant, with standard equipment including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The RX 350 F Sport also boasts a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a firmer and more controlled ride compared to the standard model. This suspension, combined with the vehicle's responsive steering, makes it more engaging to drive on winding roads. Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, making the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport a well-equipped and desirable luxury SUV.

Design and Comfort

Discussing the design and comfort of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, you'll immediately notice its distinctive and aggressive styling. The F Sport trim enhances the RX's already bold design with a unique mesh grille, a more aggressive front bumper, and distinctive badging. These elements give the vehicle a sportier and more dynamic appearance, setting it apart from the standard RX 350. The exterior design isn't just about aesthetics; it also serves a functional purpose, with aerodynamic enhancements that improve airflow and reduce drag. Inside, the RX 350 F Sport offers a luxurious and comfortable cabin. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, with the F Sport versions featuring enhanced bolstering for better support during spirited driving. The cabin is spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats also recline, adding to the comfort for those in the back.

The interior design emphasizes ergonomics and ease of use. The controls are logically laid out, and the materials used throughout the cabin feel premium and well-crafted. Noise insulation is excellent, creating a quiet and serene environment inside the vehicle. The RX 350 F Sport also comes with a range of convenience features, such as a power liftgate, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The infotainment system, while sometimes criticized for its complex interface, offers a wide range of features, including navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport strikes a good balance between sporty design and luxurious comfort, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The attention to detail in both the exterior and interior design contributes to the overall sense of quality and refinement that Lexus is known for.

Driving Experience

The driving experience in the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is where this SUV truly shines, offering a unique blend of comfort and sporty handling. The F Sport trim enhances the driving dynamics with a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a firmer and more controlled ride compared to the standard RX 350. This suspension minimizes body roll in corners, giving the driver more confidence and control. The steering is also more responsive, offering better feedback and precision. While it's not a sports car, the RX 350 F Sport delivers a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience than many other SUVs in its class. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for most driving situations, with quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to the overall refined feel of the vehicle.

On the road, the RX 350 F Sport is comfortable and composed. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a breeze. The advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert, add an extra layer of safety and convenience. In terms of handling, the RX 350 F Sport feels planted and stable, even on winding roads. The sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering inspire confidence, making it a fun vehicle to drive. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers a well-rounded driving experience that combines comfort, performance, and refinement. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway, this SUV is sure to impress with its smooth ride, responsive handling, and luxurious amenities.

Technology and Safety

Looking at the technology and safety features of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, it's clear that Lexus prioritized both innovation and security. The RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, which serves as the hub for navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system is controlled via Lexus' Remote Touch interface, which can take some getting used to but offers a wide range of features. Smartphone integration is available through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your phone and access your favorite apps. The audio system is also impressive, delivering clear and crisp sound throughout the cabin. In terms of safety, the RX 350 F Sport is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include lane departure alert, which warns you if you start to drift out of your lane, and adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Automatic emergency braking is also standard, helping to prevent or mitigate collisions.

Other notable safety features include blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. The RX 350 F Sport also comes with a rearview camera, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. In addition to these advanced features, the RX 350 F Sport is built with a strong and rigid body structure, designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. It also comes standard with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers a high level of technology and safety, making it a smart choice for those who prioritize both innovation and security. The combination of advanced driver-assistance systems, a robust safety structure, and a user-friendly infotainment system ensures a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Pros and Cons

Weighing the pros and cons of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport will give you a balanced view of what this vehicle offers. Starting with the pros, the RX 350 F Sport stands out for its comfortable and luxurious interior. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives a pleasure. The cabin is spacious, providing ample room for both front and rear passengers. The ride quality is smooth and refined, thanks to the well-tuned suspension. Performance is also a strong point, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering ample power for most driving situations. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to the overall refined feel of the vehicle. The F Sport trim adds a touch of sportiness with its unique styling and enhanced handling. Reliability is another key advantage, as Lexus is known for building dependable and long-lasting vehicles.

However, there are also some cons to consider. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, can be difficult to use due to its complex interface and reliance on the Remote Touch controller. Some drivers may find the system distracting and unintuitive. The fuel economy, while respectable for its class, isn't outstanding compared to some of its competitors. The sporty styling of the F Sport trim may not appeal to everyone, as it's more aggressive than the standard RX 350. Finally, the price of the RX 350 F Sport can be relatively high compared to other SUVs in its class. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded luxury SUV with many strengths, but it's important to consider the cons before making a decision. The comfortable interior, smooth ride, and strong performance make it a compelling choice, but the complex infotainment system and higher price point may be drawbacks for some buyers.

Final Verdict

In final verdict, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a compelling choice in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and style. It's particularly well-suited for those who want a refined driving experience with a touch of sportiness. The F Sport trim enhances the RX 350's already strong foundation with unique styling, improved handling, and a more engaging driving experience. The comfortable and luxurious interior, smooth ride, and strong performance make it a pleasure to drive, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The RX 350 F Sport also stands out for its reliability, as Lexus is known for building dependable and long-lasting vehicles. The comprehensive suite of technology and safety features adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a smart choice for those who prioritize both innovation and security.

However, it's important to consider the cons before making a decision. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, can be difficult to use due to its complex interface. The fuel economy, while respectable, isn't outstanding compared to some of its competitors. The sporty styling of the F Sport trim may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded luxury SUV with many strengths. If you value comfort, performance, style, and reliability, it's definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize ease of use with technology and are looking for the best possible fuel economy, you may want to explore other options. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport remains a strong contender in its class, offering a unique blend of luxury and sportiness that sets it apart from the competition.