Used 2016 Lexus RX 350 Base SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Base SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Worth waiting for
David, York, SC, 12/29/2015
2016 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I traded my 2005 RX for the new 2016 model. I was ready to get a new RX two years ago but waited to see the new model as I saw the news trickle in over the past year. My 2005 RX was in great shape and a joy to drive so we had the luxury of waiting. I worked with the local Lexus dealer to keep me informed, put a deposit to hold one of the first units delivered and bought mine November … 6th. Normally I would not buy a new model this early but it's a Lexus and I have had zero problems with the previous one and none thus far with the 2016. So, I can somewhat compare to my 2005 which had all options and the new model which has all options except AWD which I did not want.
First, this car is larger than the earlier models. The specs don't tell the reality but you can see it and feel it in the interior. The exterior look for me was a bonus. I have the 20" wheels and they are awesome with the back inserts. The Triple Beam LED lighting and the aggressive grill give a younger appearance to the RX. Our exterior is Eminent White and interior Parchment. The interior layout is nicely done and mostly intuitive, especially is you have had a previous RX.
As far as features, the Navigation and split screen on the 12.3" display is a big improvement to also control the audio, phone, climate and information. We had rain sensing windshield wipers before and would not buy a car without them. The big surprise was the color heads-up display which is integrated with the navigation and other information. Looks great and works great. Another feature we like is the Dynamic Cruise: Set it and the radar adjusts the distance set for moving traffic and it's all shown in the HUD (can't get any easier for interstate driving long distance).
As far as performance, it's not a BMW and should not expect that type of car. It handles great for driving on rural and highway roads but don't take it to the track. The car is extremely quiet even at interstate speeds and local bumpy roads. For the almost two months of driving we have been getting about 25 MPG which is about what I expected. (If I was in Atlanta traffic I am sure it would be worse, but I moved from there).
In summary, glad I waited. Not disappointed and surprised at the synergy of technology and driving experience. And of course the Lexus reliability. May keep this one for 11 years as well.
UPDATE: It's been eight months and still love the car. I have not had any mechanical problems and just had the 6 month 5,000 mile check up. Amazing how Lexus can manufacture a total redesign and I got one of the first deliveries with no mechanical issues. The car is super quiet and fun to drive around town and interstates. As mentioned previously the navigation on the 12" screen paired with the color Heads Up Display is awesome. The one annoyance I have observed is the Lexus voice recognition command software. There is a comprehensive list of commands that work well when spoken as scripted but not very intuitive or forgiving. I am use to iPhone Siri level VR. However, I use the integrated Lexus Siri Hands Free capability often for many functions and that works well for phone and music. Overall, exceeded my expectations, highly recommended.
ONE YEAR UPDATE: Not much to say other than the car has had no problems and I still love the car. Getting good gas mileage (25 combined) and have taken on several 500+ mile trips. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Navigation screen and Heads Up Display are great but map software not as current as iPhone and Google maps. There is a lot of features I am now getting comfortable with and also noticed the new RX has gotten the highest safety rating possible.
Update July 2017 - No maintenance problems and rides like a champ. What is impressing me most is the gas mileage. I am getting 27+ on interstate driving and in town 22+. My previous RX got 16 / 21 so real happy about that. Also, still crazy about the Dynamic Cruise and Heads Up Display. Navigation and Voice Activation triage the weakest spot.
2016 RX 350 Noise, Vibration - Lexus has no remedy
Walt, San Tan Valley, AZ, 11/10/2016
2016 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
As of November 2017 update: Still no remedy to our vehicles exhaust noise/vibration.
I've had a droning noise and vibration just off idle since new in my 2016 RX 350 FWD. I've taken my vehicle to 4 different Lexus Dealerships and they all say that Lexus is aware of the issue, but they have no remedy. The Lexus Field Service Technician has given me a $1,000 Lexus credit to use for my … car (parts/service) while I wait for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that will have the solution to my vibration/noise issue. I'm tired of waiting. I've had Lexus vehicles for 21 years. If Lexus does not find a solution to mine soon, this one will be my last. I've driven many different 2016 and a 2017 RX 350's. Some are smooth and quiet, some have a little vibration, mine is unacceptable. Be sure and test drive yours before your purchase. Check out Clublexus.com and you will see that I am not the only one with a noisy vibrating car. If someone from Lexus is reading this, please help us. Thanks for reading... Walt from Florence, Arizona.
Stay away from this vehicle.
Disappointed in Lexus, Northridge, CA, 06/06/2017
2016 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
If you are looking for Lexus refinement, you might get disappointed. Some of these RX350's vibrate a lot during slow speed acceleration such as from a stop light when the engine rpm's are under 2000 rpms. Lexus dealers and service managers are saying the vehicle is operating normally and this is a characteristic of this newly redesigned model. The transmission which is tuned for gas … mileage also does a lot of "gear hunting" which it's unsure what gear to be in so the transmission is always up shifting and down shifting constantly. I've owned the Lexus brand since 1990 and am so disappointed in this above $50,000 purchase.
In reference to another review dated 1/26/2016
Minette, Las Vegas, NV, 02/13/2016
2016 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I at this moment have my new Lexus RX 350 in the shop. I have the same complaints as the review dated: 1/26/2016:
My biggest disappointment comes with the engine, it is not smooth and quiet. I also think it accelerates slowly and shifts awkwardly.
Update: 3/17/17
It seems Lexus finally found a solution to hestitation and shifting awkwardly. They reprogrammed the software as per (as … noted on their work order) L-SB-0109-17.
I wanted to note this as I believe others are having this same issue, and after bringing it in approximately 5 times, it has finally been solved
Update: Actually, it is still having a hesitation problem at this time.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Base SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Impeccably crafted and attractively designed cabin
- Pro:supremely quiet
- Pro:appealing ride and handling balance with F Sport
- Pro:strong value for the segment.
- Con:Below-average cargo capacity
- Con:distracting Remote Touch interface
- Con:relatively slow acceleration.
Full Edmunds Review: 2016 Lexus RX 350 SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2016 Lexus RX 350 in Ohio is:
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