Lexus ambitions aim to steal sales away from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz so for 2016, Lexus redesigned its perennially bland RX with an extreme new look that takes the bread-and-butter crossover into dangerously polarizing territory.
Lexus is still betting on the RX to be the best-selling model in its lineup, so it was loath to change too much. The basic recipe for the RX stays the same, with V-6 and hybrid powertrain options, two rows of seats, and a plush, cosseting cabin. But will the RX faithful be turned off by the aggressive new look is till to be seen.
The 2016 Lexus RX’s front end has the most severe spindle grille yet. It’s not pretty, but it sure gives the RX a lot more visual presence. The Lexus has a few new design touches, including the floating roof effect on the D-pillar and more side surfacing, but the overall shape isn’t all that different from its predecessor.
Lexus has made some progress with the latest iteration of its best-selling vehicle. The RX F Sport now has the improved dynamics to back up its edgy styling and makes a convincing case for itself among its sportier competition. The evolutions of the standard and hybrid versions are less noticeable, but that’s the name of the game when you’re dependent on repeat buyers who are averse to change.
