2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport: Everything We Know So Far!

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport The Lexus RX 2022 may look aggressive and sporty, but its relaxed and comfortable character makes it the right choice for driving. Even upgrading to the F Sport model brings a little driving sensation.

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The 3.5-liter V-6 is standard in models bearing the RX350 badge and the hybrid powertrain can be found on the RX450h. This can be seen from the acceleration of the two models which is quite quiet. Buyers will also choose from the standard two-line version of the RX and the RX-L three-line extended.

But the latter is not suitable for frequent third-line passengers. The accommodation in the front and second-row seats is much nicer and spacious with luxurious seat cushions and many luxury and comfort features.

Lexus introduced the Black Line Special Edition package for the F Sport model. It comes with black exterior accents, 20-inch black alloy wheels, blue stitching for the leather interior, and Ultra White or Grecian Water (medium blue) paint. More specifically, ordering the Black Line Special Edition package also adds two Zero Halliburton luggage.

Elsewhere the RX received a new Glazed Caramel interior color that replaced the Noble Brown. Rear traffic warning blind-spot monitoring and foldable outdoor mirrors are now standard.

Wireless smartphone charging pads are now optional and the Performance package has been renamed the Handling package.

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Specs

The original Lexus RX was a very influential vehicle, arriving in the late 1990s to help pioneer the luxury crossover SUV segment. It has become a template for dozens of competitors since then. The new 2021 RX 350 is indeed proud of its predecessor. It’s quiet, comfortable and offers a lot of features at a lower price than most of the competition. There’s also a fuel-efficient hybrid version of the RX 450h and the longer RX 350L which takes up extra space to fit the third row of seats (both reviewed separately).

The RX 350 does have strong competition. The Acura MDX is its closest rival, offering similar features and performance plus spacious third-row seats. We also like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, although they both cost a lot more than the RX 350. Overall, the 2021 RX 350 is a smart choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, luxurious crossover SUV.

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The Lexus RX 350 2021 comes in two trims: base and F Sport. Both are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on both models.

The RX 350 comes with a decent standard feature list. It includes:

18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power adjustable front seat
Rain sensor windshield wipers
Keyless entry with pushbutton start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Interior

Lexus has selected subtle materials for the RX’s interior that include soft leather from textured metal or wood trim and soft-touch plastic. The driving position is comfortable and easy to spot but the interior is marred by a few ergonomic missteps. The tuning button for the radio is the long and awkward reach of the driver’s seat and the infotainment system is operated by an obnoxious and inaccurate system. The controller just behind the derailleur.

Fortunately, Lexus has added touchscreen capability to the RX infotainment system. Although not a champion cargo carrier the RX is closer to carrying a tote bag behind its rear seat than the winning Cadillac XT5. With the second row folded the process carried out from the side door or from the cargo area the RX matches the XT5 with 24 cases. Folding the chair will not result in a completely even floor load.

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We find the Enform infotainment system difficult to use while driving, but it comes standard with many of the world’s most modern and sought-after automotive features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard Wi-Fi all included. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard but upgrading to a 12.3-inch screen not only provides a wider viewing area but also adds navigation on the dashboard with a 12-speaker audio system (nine-speaker setups are standard), DVD / CD Player, and access to the Lexus Enform App Suite.

This collection of applications provides access to emergency assistance as well as limited internet connectivity from the infotainment system. When viewed from the premium audio system the 15-speaker Mark Levinson is also presented as optional as is the rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and dual 11.6-inch monitors.

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Engine

If you look at the machine the buyer can have their RX in two different flavors. The powerful RX350 model is powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 while the RX450h comes with a V-6 plus two electric motors. Our RX350 test vehicle was equipped with an all-wheel-drive and set a speed adequate but slow for this segment in 6.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph.

The RX450h is one of the few hybrids in this segment, but it also takes longer than average to hit 60 mph from a standstill. The best about the RX is that it drives comfortably it overcomes rough stretches of road and provides a suitable ride. The cab remains quiet and well insulated from the road making the RX an excellent long-range cruiser.

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport MPG

Taking a look at fuel efficiency is the RX’s advantage and not just because it is offered with an optional hybrid powertrain. The non-hybrid RX350 doesn’t look efficient on paper. In the real world, however, both the RX350 and RX450h outperformed their EPA ratings and posted 31 mpg each in our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.

2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Price and Release Date

The F Sport model looks the coolest, in our opinion, so we’ll go with the lightweight RX350 F Sport. Of the many RX option packages we will keep it simple and just add the Navigation package; equipped with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, in-dashboard navigation, DVD / CD player, and a 12-speaker audio system. Lexus hasn’t released an official price yet, so we estimated it above.