Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport. This luxury crossover has been making waves, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on whether it lives up to the hype. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is part of the fourth generation of the RX series, known for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and reliable performance. The F Sport trim adds a sporty edge to the already appealing RX 350, featuring unique styling cues, enhanced handling, and a more engaging driving experience. It's designed for those who want a touch of sportiness without sacrificing the comfort and practicality that the RX is known for. From its distinctive exterior to its meticulously crafted interior, the RX 350 F Sport aims to deliver a premium driving experience that sets it apart from the competition. This model year brought some refinements over previous iterations, making it a compelling choice in the luxury crossover segment. Lexus has always been synonymous with reliability, and the 2017 RX 350 F Sport is no exception. It's built to last, offering peace of mind with its robust engineering and comprehensive warranty coverage. Overall, the 2017 RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and reliability in a stylish package. It's a great option for those seeking a comfortable and engaging daily driver with a touch of sporty flair.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is where it really starts to stand out. The F Sport trim gives the RX a more aggressive and athletic look compared to the standard model. The most noticeable feature is the signature spindle grille, which is finished in a unique black mesh design exclusive to the F Sport. This grille gives the front end a bold and distinctive appearance, making it instantly recognizable. The F Sport also includes a unique front bumper and rear spoiler, enhancing its sporty appeal. These aerodynamic enhancements not only look good but also contribute to improved stability at higher speeds. The vehicle rides on exclusive F Sport 20-inch alloy wheels, which further accentuate its athletic stance. These wheels are not only stylish but also designed to improve handling and performance. LED headlights and taillights add a touch of modern sophistication, while also providing excellent visibility. The overall design is both elegant and aggressive, making a statement on the road. The F Sport's exterior is designed to turn heads and convey a sense of performance and luxury. Lexus has paid close attention to detail, ensuring that every element of the exterior design contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal. From the sleek lines to the bold accents, the RX 350 F Sport is a visually stunning vehicle that stands out in the crowded luxury crossover market. The exterior design perfectly balances luxury and sportiness, making it an attractive option for those who want a vehicle that looks as good as it performs. The attention to detail and the quality of the materials used in the exterior construction further enhance its appeal. Overall, the exterior design of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a major selling point, combining style, functionality, and a touch of aggression to create a truly compelling package.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. The interior is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The F Sport trim adds unique touches such as sport seats with enhanced bolsters, providing extra support during spirited driving. These seats are wrapped in perforated leather and feature contrast stitching, adding to the sporty feel. The cabin also features aluminum pedals and trim, further enhancing the athletic ambiance. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch display screen, which can be controlled via a remote touch interface. While some users find the interface a bit clunky, it offers access to a wide range of features, including navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a premium audio system. The RX 350 F Sport also offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats are comfortable and offer ample legroom, making it a great choice for families. The cargo area is spacious and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a comfortable and luxurious place to be. The attention to detail and the quality of the materials used in the construction of the cabin are evident throughout. The F Sport-specific touches add a sporty flair, while the overall design is both functional and stylish. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the RX 350 F Sport provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The advanced technology features and the well-designed layout make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. The interior of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a testament to Lexus' commitment to quality and comfort, making it a standout in its class.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts. The F Sport trim includes a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances handling and provides a more engaging driving experience. The suspension is firmer than the standard RX 350, reducing body roll and improving cornering ability. The F Sport also features a unique steering calibration, providing more precise and direct steering feedback. This makes the RX 350 F Sport feel more connected to the road, enhancing the overall driving experience. While the RX 350 F Sport is not a sports car, it offers a surprisingly fun and engaging driving experience. The engine provides plenty of power for acceleration and passing, while the sport-tuned suspension and steering make it feel nimble and responsive. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, ensuring that the engine is always in the optimal power range. The RX 350 F Sport also offers different driving modes, including Sport+, which further sharpens the throttle response and steering feel. In terms of handling, the RX 350 F Sport is a noticeable improvement over the standard model. The sport-tuned suspension reduces body roll and improves cornering ability, making it feel more planted and confident on the road. The steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport are impressive. It offers a good balance of power, comfort, and handling, making it a great choice for those who want a sporty and engaging crossover. The engine is powerful and responsive, while the suspension and steering provide a fun and confident driving experience. The RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded vehicle that delivers on its promise of sporty performance.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport comes equipped with a wide range of technology and safety features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep you safe on the road. Standard technology features include an 8-inch display screen, a premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The infotainment system can be controlled via a remote touch interface, which some users find a bit clunky but offers access to a variety of functions. Available technology features include a 12.3-inch display screen, a navigation system, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system. The larger display screen provides a clearer and more detailed view of the infotainment system, while the navigation system offers turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. The Mark Levinson audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, making it a great choice for audiophiles. In terms of safety, the RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The RX 350 F Sport also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps to detect vehicles in your blind spots and warns you of approaching vehicles when backing up. The vehicle has received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further demonstrating its commitment to safety. Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport are comprehensive and impressive. The vehicle is equipped with a wide range of features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep you safe on the road. From the advanced safety systems to the user-friendly infotainment system, the RX 350 F Sport is a technologically advanced vehicle that offers peace of mind and convenience.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is always a key consideration when choosing a vehicle, and the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers reasonable gas mileage for its class. The RX 350 F Sport is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 24 mpg. These numbers are competitive with other luxury crossovers in its segment. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but overall, the RX 350 F Sport provides acceptable fuel efficiency. The RX 350 F Sport also offers an Eco mode, which optimizes engine performance and transmission settings to maximize fuel efficiency. When engaged, Eco mode reduces throttle response and shifts gears earlier, helping to conserve fuel. While Eco mode may slightly reduce performance, it can be a useful tool for improving fuel economy in certain driving situations. The RX 350 F Sport also features a fuel-efficient engine design, which helps to minimize fuel consumption. The engine is equipped with features such as variable valve timing and direct injection, which optimize combustion and improve fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, it provides acceptable gas mileage for a luxury crossover with a powerful V6 engine. The availability of Eco mode and the fuel-efficient engine design further enhance its fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving. The fuel efficiency of the RX 350 F Sport is a good balance between performance and economy, making it an attractive option for those who want a luxury crossover that is both fun to drive and relatively fuel-efficient.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport:

Pros:

• Sporty Design: The F Sport trim gives the RX 350 a more aggressive and stylish look.
• Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and comfortable seats.
• Engaging Handling: The sport-tuned suspension and steering provide a more engaging driving experience.
• Reliable Performance: The V6 engine delivers plenty of power for acceleration and passing.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: The RX 350 F Sport comes with a wide range of advanced safety features.

Cons:

• Infotainment System: The remote touch interface can be clunky and difficult to use.
• Fuel Economy: While reasonable, fuel economy could be better compared to some competitors.
• Price: The F Sport trim can be more expensive than other models in the RX lineup.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport worth it? Absolutely, if you’re looking for a luxury crossover that combines style, comfort, and performance. The F Sport trim adds a sporty edge to the already appealing RX 350, making it a standout in its class. While the infotainment system may take some getting used to, the overall driving experience is enjoyable and engaging. The RX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a good balance of luxury, performance, and reliability. It’s a great choice for those who want a comfortable and stylish daily driver with a touch of sporty flair. If you value reliability, a comfortable ride, and a touch of sportiness, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering. It’s a vehicle that delivers on its promises and provides a satisfying ownership experience.