New York 2015: 2016 Lexus RX Bows

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

The fourth-gen 2016 Lexus RX arrived in the spotlight at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Power for the standard RX comes via 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 delivering 300 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic, while the RX 450h uses a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 in a hybrid setup, also putting out 300 horsepower.

Styling is updated for 2016, with the premium crossover taking on Lexus’ Predator-esque design language. Standard 19-inch wheels with optional 20-inch aluminum wheels are available, while LED lighting flanks the front and rear.

Inside, rear occupants gain more leg and knee room, and have their choice of viewing the sky via a power panorama moonroof, or checking up on their Toyota shares via an entertainment system with a pair of 11.6-inch screens. The driver, meanwhile, has an available HUD keeping important details within sight, along with a 12.3-inch monitor with full-screen map.

Those who want more can opt for the AWD-only F Sport package, which includes 20-inch graphite-finish alloys, perforated leather trim, Sport S+ driving mode, and custom instrument cluster.

Other features include: the Lexus Safety System+ package, debuting with the RX; Michelin Premier tires; adaptive variable suspension; vehicle stability; and three driving modes — four with the aformentioned F Sport package.












Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Lightspeed Lightspeed on Apr 01, 2015

    Really fussy and overwrought. Like the floating d-pillar though. The high belt-line on these stretches the lower part of the grille out of proportion. In profile it loks surprisingly low and wagon-like. Overall, they should have put a Lexus interior in a Venza. The NX in comparison looks much better.

  • Gasser Gasser on Apr 01, 2015

    I have actually bought 3 RXs since 1999. This won't be the fourth one

  • Amy I owned this exact car from 16 until 19 (1990 to 1993) I miss this car immensely and am on the search to own it again, although it looks like my search may be in vane. It was affectionatly dubbed, " The Dragon Wagon," and hauled many a teenager around the city of Charlotte, NC. For me, it was dependable and trustworthy. I was able to do much of the maintenance myself until I was struck by lightning and a month later the battery exploded. My parents did have the entire electrical system redone and he was back to new. I hope to find one in the near future and make it my every day driver. I'm a dreamer.
  • Jeff Overall I prefer the 59 GM cars to the 58s because of less chrome but I have a new appreciation of the 58 Cadillac Eldorados after reading this series. I use to not like the 58 Eldorados but I now don't mind them. Overall I prefer the 55-57s GMs over most of the 58-60s GMs. For the most part I like the 61 GMs. Chryslers I like the 57 and 58s. Fords I liked the 55 thru 57s but the 58s and 59s not as much with the exception of Mercury which I for the most part like all those. As the 60s progressed the tail fins started to go away and the amount of chrome was reduced. More understated.
  • Theflyersfan Nissan could have the best auto lineup of any carmaker (they don't), but until they improve one major issue, the best cars out there won't matter. That is the dealership experience. Year after year in multiple customer service surveys from groups like JD Power and CR, Nissan frequency scrapes the bottom. Personally, I really like the never seen new Z, but after having several truly awful Nissan dealer experiences, my shadow will never darken a Nissan showroom. I'm painting with broad strokes here, but maybe it is so ingrained in their culture to try to take advantage of people who might not be savvy enough in the buying experience that they by default treat everyone like idiots and saps. All of this has to be frustrating to Nissan HQ as they are improving their lineup but their dealers drag them down.
  • SPPPP I am actually a pretty big Alfa fan ... and that is why I hate this car.
  • SCE to AUX They're spending billions on this venture, so I hope so.Investing during a lull in the EV market seems like a smart move - "buy low, sell high" and all that.Key for Honda will be achieving high efficiency in its EVs, something not everybody can do.
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