Photo by Vince Taroc.

Photo by Vince Taroc.

Lexus' RX mid-size luxury SUV arrives for 2016 with a few smartly chosen enhancements, including a new available safety technology package, more powerful engine, and 8-speed transmission.

As the brand's top-selling nameplate, the RX doesn't need seismic changes, and the enhancements are more substantial than you may expect.

Lexus is offering two models of the RX — the RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h — that are available with the F Sport package. F Sport provides a tuned suspension with front and rear dampers, upgraded interior and exterior trim, and 20-inch wheels.

The new 3.5L V-6 adds some minimally felt power, and now produces 295 hp. On the F Sport model, Lexus pairs the engine with an 8-speed transmission and paddle shifters.

The Lexus Safety System+ can be had for $2,250, and it includes a pre-collision system with automatic braking, dynamic radar cruise control at all speeds, 10 airbags, lane keeping assist and a land departure alert, a back-up camera with dynamic gridlines, and a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert.

Photo by Vince Taroc.

Photo by Vince Taroc.

Perhaps the vehicle's boldest update comes in the form of an optional 12.3-inch center monitor that optimizes the rear-view camera by displaying a triptych image of the rear bumper, 360-degree overhead view and map positioning in a combined image. It's an example of joyous visual information overload.

Inside the RX, you'll find sumptuous leather surfaces and carpeted floor mats that suggest a homey almost living room aesthetic. The F Sport front seats offer ventilation for heating and cooling.

Lexus has tweaked the exterior styling of the RX, which gives it a more aggressive look that's all angles, especially in the rear of the SUV.

The 2016 RX retails for at least $49,125. Our tested model would retail for $59,975.

Related Photos: Lexus' 2016 RX350

About the author
Paul Clinton

Paul Clinton

Former Senior Web Editor

Paul Clinton covered an array of fleet and automotive topics for Automotive Fleet, Government Fleet, Mobile Electronics, Police Magazine, and other Bobit Business Media publications.

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