2016 Lexus RX: First Look

• Competes with: Acura MDX, Audi Q5 and Cadillac SRX
• Looks like: The RX gets aggressive with a bold new face and more chiseled lines  
• Drivetrains: 300-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 (RX 350), 3.5-liter V-6 paired with an electric motor for a total of around 300 hp (450h); eight-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: TBA

More 2015 New York Auto Show News

One of the best-selling luxury vehicles on the market is redesigned for 2016. The Lexus RX crossover gets much more aggressive styling, additional rear-seat room and more safety features for 2016.

Exterior

The fourth-generation RX follows the Lexus lineup’s lead with even bolder styling thanks to an enormous version of the brand’s hallmark spindle grille flanked by triple L-shaped LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lights. Bodyside creases, blacked-out C-pillars and front fender flares add to the more muscular look.

In back, there are new wraparound LED L-shaped taillights and integrated dual exhaust pipes. Color-customizable 20-inch wheels are a new option, replacing the current model’s 19s. F Sport models wear a specific grille, exterior and interior badging as well as unique colors.

Interior

Inside, Lexus says it’s upped the SUV’s luxury ambiance with more premium materials and details, including Yamaha laser-cut ornamentation. Front and center is an available 12.3-inch screen for navigation, and an optional head-up display projects vehicle information in front of the driver. Lexus also moved the gearshift farther away from the instrument panel to “optimize operability and create more space for the driver.”

Backseat passengers get treated to a bevy of new features. Lexus says there’s more legroom and knee room for 2016. Heated outboard rear seats and a 60/40-split power-folding second row are new options. Other available features include a headrest-mounted 11.6-inch dual-screen rear entertainment system and a panoramic moonroof.

Under the Hood

Regular RX 350, hybrid RX 450h and performance-oriented RX 350 F Sport models return for 2016. RX 350 models use an updated version of the outgoing model’s 3.5-liter V-6; it makes 300 horsepower this year, up from 270 hp. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in place of last year’s six-speed auto. The hybrid RX 450h uses that same powertrain and when combined with the electric motor, total output is around 300 hp, up from last year’s 295-hp rating. The F Sport Package can be applied to either model, marking the first time it’s available on the hybrid.  

Fuel economy numbers aren’t in yet, but “all RX engines have been tuned in anticipation of high fuel economy ratings and low carbon emissions,” Lexus said in a statement. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional.

Lexus says it’s strengthened the RX’s structure to enhance handling; an available Adaptive Variable Suspension is optional.

Safety

Available on the RX for the first time is the Safety System Plus, which can help avoid or mitigate collisions across a range of vehicle speeds under certain conditions, according to the automaker. It integrates several safety systems including the precollision system that can detect sudden stops and engage automatic braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and an automatic high-beam system that automatically increases visibility during nighttime driving. Other available safety systems include the Panoramic View Monitor, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.