Hey guys! Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport. This luxury SUV has been making waves, and we're here to break down everything you need to know, from its sleek design and comfortable interior to its performance and technology. If you're in the market for a new SUV that blends style, luxury, and sporty driving dynamics, the RX 350 F Sport might just be the perfect fit.

Overview of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is the sport-tuned variant of the popular RX 350 SUV, known for its luxurious features and comfortable ride. The F Sport trim adds a dash of athleticism to the mix, with unique styling cues, enhanced performance features, and a sportier driving experience. It's designed for those who want a luxury SUV with a bit more zest. The F Sport distinguishes itself with a more aggressive exterior, a sport-tuned suspension, and interior upgrades that amplify its sporty character. The RX 350 has consistently ranked high in the luxury SUV segment, and the F Sport version aims to capture drivers looking for both refinement and excitement. This model year brought subtle but significant enhancements, making it a compelling option in its class. The RX 350 F Sport’s appeal lies in its ability to balance daily usability with a more engaging driving experience, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey. Lexus has a reputation for reliability, and the 2017 RX 350 F Sport continues this legacy, offering peace of mind alongside its luxury and performance features. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, providing a premium feel that Lexus is known for. From the comfortable seats to the intuitive technology, the RX 350 F Sport aims to provide a superior driving and ownership experience.

Exterior Design and Styling

The exterior of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport makes a bold statement with its distinctive design elements. The F Sport trim sets itself apart with a unique mesh grille, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and exclusive badging. These touches give the SUV a more athletic and dynamic appearance compared to the standard RX 350. The signature Lexus spindle grille is more pronounced in the F Sport, finished in a sporty black mesh that immediately catches the eye. This aggressive front fascia is complemented by larger air intakes, enhancing both the aesthetics and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The rear of the F Sport features a unique bumper design and sporty exhaust outlets, further emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. LED headlights and taillights come standard, providing excellent visibility and a modern look. The sharp lines and sculpted surfaces of the RX 350 F Sport contribute to its overall aggressive stance. Available exterior colors range from elegant to vibrant, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to their taste. The F Sport also includes unique alloy wheel designs, typically 20-inch wheels, which not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but also improve handling. The aerodynamic enhancements are not just for show; they help improve the vehicle's stability and fuel efficiency at higher speeds. The overall design of the RX 350 F Sport strikes a balance between luxury and sportiness, making it a standout in the crowded SUV market. It’s a vehicle that looks just as good parked in front of a fancy restaurant as it does cruising down the highway.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a luxurious and sporty cabin. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including soft leather, brushed aluminum accents, and comfortable seating. The F Sport trim adds unique touches such as sport seats with enhanced bolstering, aluminum pedals, and a unique steering wheel, creating a driver-focused environment. The seats are designed to provide excellent support during spirited driving, while still offering comfort for long journeys. The F Sport’s interior design emphasizes both aesthetics and ergonomics, ensuring a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The infotainment system is controlled via a central display screen, which can be accessed through a touchpad interface. While the touchpad takes some getting used to, it allows for precise control of the system’s various functions. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear occupants. The rear seats can recline, adding to passenger comfort on longer trips. The cargo area is also generous, providing plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or other items. The RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a range of premium features, including a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. Available options include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system, further enhancing the luxury experience. The attention to detail in the interior design and materials elevates the RX 350 F Sport above many of its competitors. It’s a space where you can relax and enjoy the drive, no matter the distance.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a satisfying blend of power and refinement. This engine produces 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for both city driving and highway cruising. The F Sport trim enhances the driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a firmer ride and improved handling compared to the standard RX 350. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, contributing to the vehicle’s overall refined feel. The F Sport’s suspension upgrades reduce body roll in corners, making it more engaging to drive on twisty roads. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. The RX 350 F Sport is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing buyers to choose the configuration that best suits their needs and driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, especially in inclement weather. Despite its sporty character, the RX 350 F Sport still delivers a comfortable ride on most road surfaces. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections, preventing them from jarring the occupants. The engine’s strong mid-range torque makes overtaking and merging onto the highway effortless. The F Sport also features a Sport+ driving mode, which sharpens the throttle response, firms up the steering, and adjusts the transmission for more aggressive gear changes. This mode transforms the RX 350 F Sport into a more thrilling driving machine. Overall, the performance and handling of the RX 350 F Sport strike a good balance between sportiness and comfort, making it a versatile choice for a variety of drivers.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features designed to enhance both the driving experience and passenger safety. The infotainment system features an 8-inch display screen (a 12.3-inch screen is optional), navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of Lexus Enform services. The Enform suite includes features such as safety connect, service connect, and remote connect, providing added convenience and peace of mind. The infotainment system also supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access their favorite apps on the vehicle’s display screen. The RX 350 F Sport comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems help to prevent accidents by alerting the driver to potential hazards and intervening if necessary. The Lexus Safety System+ is standard on the RX 350 F Sport, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and intelligent high beams. These advanced safety technologies provide an extra layer of protection for drivers and passengers. The RX 350 F Sport also features a suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The vehicle has earned high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting its strong safety performance. The combination of advanced technology and comprehensive safety features makes the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers competitive fuel economy for its class, balancing performance with efficiency. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version achieves 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are respectable for a V6-powered SUV and make the RX 350 F Sport a practical choice for daily driving. The fuel efficiency is aided by the eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. The RX 350 F Sport also features an Eco driving mode, which optimizes the engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel efficiency. This mode can help drivers save fuel on long trips or during city driving. The RX 350 F Sport’s fuel tank capacity is 19.2 gallons, providing a good driving range between fill-ups. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but most drivers can expect to achieve numbers close to the EPA estimates. The RX 350 F Sport’s fuel efficiency makes it a sensible choice for buyers who want a luxury SUV without sacrificing fuel economy. It strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long road trips. Compared to some of its competitors, the RX 350 F Sport offers similar or slightly better fuel economy, adding to its appeal in the crowded luxury SUV market. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport provides a reasonable balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for a wide range of buyers.

Pricing and Value

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is priced competitively within the luxury SUV segment, offering a strong value proposition considering its features, performance, and reputation for reliability. The starting MSRP for the RX 350 F Sport is around $49,000, but the final price can vary depending on options and packages. Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the RX 350 F Sport offers a compelling combination of features and performance for the price. Lexus has a strong reputation for reliability and resale value, which adds to the overall value proposition of the RX 350 F Sport. The F Sport trim includes a number of unique features and styling cues that justify its price premium over the base RX 350. These include the sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and interior enhancements. The RX 350 F Sport also offers a range of optional packages and features, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. These options can add to the overall cost but also enhance the luxury and convenience of the vehicle. Financing and leasing options are available through Lexus Financial Services, making it easier for buyers to afford the RX 350 F Sport. Lexus also offers a comprehensive warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers. The RX 350 F Sport’s value is further enhanced by its strong safety ratings and advanced safety features. Overall, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport offers a compelling value proposition in the luxury SUV market, combining a competitive price with a range of desirable features and a strong reputation for reliability.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a standout luxury SUV that blends sporty performance with everyday practicality. Its bold styling, comfortable interior, and advanced technology make it a compelling choice for buyers in this segment. The F Sport trim adds a touch of excitement to the RX 350 lineup, offering a sportier driving experience without sacrificing the comfort and luxury that Lexus is known for. Whether you're looking for a stylish daily driver or a comfortable road trip vehicle, the RX 350 F Sport delivers on multiple fronts. Its combination of performance, luxury, and reliability make it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market. Guys, if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that offers a bit of everything, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is definitely worth a look. It’s a well-rounded vehicle that should satisfy even the most discerning buyers.