History
Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. It was originally released as the Toyota Harrier at Japan in late 1997. Four generations of the Lexus RX have been manufactured to date.
The first-generation Toyota Harrier or the Lexus RX 300 was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine. It was released in the Japanese market in 1997. RX 300 also offered a 2.2-liter inline-four and was later up rated to 2.4-liters.
The second-generation RX 330 (3.3-liter V6) and RX 300 (3.0-liter V6) models were released In 2003. Both has an available variants supplanted by the more powerful RX 350 (3.5-liter V6) in 2006. A hybridized gasoline-electric version of the 3.3-liter second-generation model was made available in 2005 as the RX 400h.
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For the third generation that was released in 2009, both RX 450h (3.5-liter V6 hybrid) and RX 350 (3.5-liter V6) models were initially offered, with an entry-level RX 270 (2.7-liter inline-four).
Looks (Interior Exterior)
Looking from the outside of the RX, the front end offers a bolder spindle grille with so-called “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The roofline and it seems just a little more arched than before. It tapers in the back, teasing a C-pillar that’s blacked out, that makes it visually not continuous, this roof is notably known as the “floating roof”
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At the sides, wheel wells have dark matte-trim lips, combined with blacked-out lower-body trim to establish more of a rugged look. The doors has a rising rippled, indented flow at the lower part, it also have a complex series of lines.
From the rear-angle views, the sculpting and various up-kicks together create an illusion as if the rear wheels were larger than the fronts.
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Looking inside, gives the feeling of place of order, calm, and precision. The dash and door trims of the RX 2016 follow the look established by the latest sport sedans. Like nearly every other vehicle in the Toyota and Lexus stable, the dash makes a move to follow more of a horizontal orientation.
Asymmetrical curves frame the center stack and the center console, which has its own unusual up-kick and curve that angles it over towards the driver.
RX cabins are neat and well-designed. It is less cluttered than some of Lexus’s past interior. Subtle colors, matte-black and matte-metallic trims are combined to have a luxurious effect.
Both RX 350 and RX 450h lines are offered in performance-oriented F Sport guise for 2016. It is equipped with a special dark-mesh grille, an aggressive lower front spoiler and rear bumper trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, and F Sport badging. F Sport badging includes, F Sport seats, a unique steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, F Sport-exclusive Rioja Red interior leather hue and F Sport gauges.
Engine
RX 2016 line up remains with two engines, both with front and all-wheel-drive versions. It is a total of four power train combinations. A performance-oriented F Sport version is also available for both.
It is new for the RX 350 to have a V6. This makes a 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. RX has a new variable valve system that allows a wider range of intake-cam timing. In all models, the RX 350 gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, with F Sport models getting steering-wheel paddle shifters. The RX 350 can get to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds or 7.9 seconds with all-wheel drive.
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For the RX 450h hybrid model, it has a different version of the 3.5-liter V-6. It makes 259 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, with the compression ratio bumped up to 13:1. The planetary drive system and twin-motor hybrid assistance operates as a full hybrid. RX is capable of taking off in low-speed, low-load conditions on electric power alone. A separate electric-motor drive unit is allocated for the rear wheels on all-wheel drive versions of the 450h that supplements the mechanism in the engine bay. Also, with the RX 450h, it has an EV Mode that lets the vehicle run in a quieter all-electric mode.
Safety
Lexus RX 2016 had a revised platform and entirely new body structure. It emphasizes the use of high-tensile-strength steels, and with new assembly methods that helped improve the body’s crash performance.
RX has earned a place on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list. The vehicle has “Good” ratings in all areas of crash-testing. It is also rated as “Superior” for front crash prevention. RX 2016 was equipped with the Lexus Safety Sense package and its pre-collision system.
RX is equipped with expected occupant-safety items. These include 10 standard airbags, driver knee bag and a passenger-side cushion-mounted anti-submarine airbag. It is also packaged with top active-safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and departure warning, and automatic high beam headlamps.
Outward visibility is actually a bit better than the outgoing model. The thinner pillars all around gives a wider rear quarter window, and a higher rear seatbelt mounting delivers a cleaner look and better field of vision from the inside.
RX 2016 has an ideal ride height that’s neither too low nor too high, which gives an easy entry and exit to and from the vehicle. The driving position in the 2016 Lexus RX feels a bit more car-like than it has in previous versions. Lexus company has made the steering-column angle 2 degrees closer to horizontal and lowered the seat height by 0.75 inches.
F Sport models are equipped with bolstered sport seats, while the Luxury Package adds 10-way adjustability and a cushion extender.
Backseat accommodations are wide for just about any passenger sizes. The hybrid positions riders an inch or more higher. Taller passengers might find themselves closer to the moon roof enclosure. An optional heated steering wheel is available. The climate control uses some smart temperature and flow systems. Luxury Package models gets a pull-down sun shade.
Lastly for the comfort, RX 350 and RX 450h are very quiet-riding vehicles. RX 350 F Sport models had an added piped-in intake noise.
The company has softened the front suspension while aiming for a firmer rear-suspension tune. All versions of the RX include four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. The RX’s steering in fact transmits more feedback about the road surface back to the driver when it’s in its comfort-oriented setting, counter intuitively.
Sport models add the Adaptive Variable Suspension system that adapts the damping force at all four wheels depending on the driving and road conditions.
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Overall, the 2016 Lexus RX is notable for its curvier and edgier new design. It is more style conscious and lavish. The style of the new RX will give a sense of luxury to its rider. The luxurious RX is the Toyota’s luxury brand best selling model.
There are several notable points that make Lexus RX 2016 as one of the best luxury vehicles of the year. Refinement and comfort of 2016 RX doesn’t sacrifice interior space or versatility for its racier form. Backseat accommodations are wide for just about any passenger sizes. Temperature inside the vehicle is controlled as the climate control uses some smart temperature and flow systems.
Safety is guaranteed with the Lexus RX 2016. RX has earned a place on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list. The vehicle has “Good” ratings in all areas of crash-testing. It is also rated as “Superior” for front crash prevention.
What is also good with the Lexus RX 2016 is that it is available in Hybrid model. Its hybrid engine has a different version of the 3.5-liter V-6. RX is capable of taking off in low-speed, low-load conditions on electric power alone. A separate electric-motor drive unit is allocated for the rear wheels on all-wheel drive versions of the 450h.