Used 2019 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Performance for sale 

With no overall changes, the 2019 Lexus RX 350 continues to be available in its two popular trims. You still get to choose from the regular base RX 350 and the RX 350 F-Sport model. The 2019 RX falls in a price range that extends from $43,820 for the base variant to $50,870 for the top-tier F-Sport trim. The availability of both FWD and AWD variants, adds to the excitement of buying the 2019 RX 350. 

While both the models get a healthy pack of tech and features, the F-Sport differentiates itself with mechanical sport upgrades for added athleticism. The engine and powertrain remain the same though in both models. Owing to the same sports treatment though, the RX 350 F-Sport model is reviewed as a separate model. However, with a plethora of features being made available to the buyer, the total exclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seems rather disappointing for a car in its class.  

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Since the 2019 Lexus RX 350 is not a flagship luxury or outright sporty crossover, the base model would serve most buyers pretty well. For its price, the base RX 350 gets a healthy dose of tech and creature comforts which one would seek on a daily basis. In case if you are a frequent countryside visitor, grabbing on the optional AWD would be an added advantage that can allow for all-terrain and all-weather durability. But if you are someone looking for that extra bit of sportiness in your SUV, the F-Sport trim will leave you smiling broadly. 

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The 2019 Lexus RX 350 carries its tried and tested 3.5-liter V6 engine. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers 295 hp and 268 ft-lbs of torque. This is the same engine that also powers the likes of Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES 350. Although the power output is plenty, the engine itself isn't as exciting. You get a fine performance, but none of the drama associated with a V6. Put your foot hard down on the throttle, and the car quietly starts building speed.

The 2019 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport trim offers a bit more flair, with synthesized engine noise playing in the cabin via the speakers, like a Mercedes-Benz. Power figures remain the same though which is quite disappointing. Thankfully, the 8-speed automatic transmission with an electronically controlled transmission and smart-stop technology is smooth and precise in its operations and never seems to be in the wrong gear. The F-Sport model also gets paddle-shifters for added engagement.

Among the competition here, all the other three rivals get a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 engine compared to the standard V6 in the Lexus. No wonder, the 2019 RX 350 is the most powerful among the lot here. However, all the three rivals here; the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC are available with more powerful engines in their higher models. The 2019 Audi Q5  is the only vehicle that makes use of an automated manual transmission, while all other contemporary cars are mated to an automatic transmission with a distinct number of gears.

Acceleration and Braking

While the Lexus RX 350 may look quite sporty, that isn't really the case here. This midsize crossover emphasizes largely upon comfort and practicality and is not ideally meant to be tamed harder on a winding road. However, when squeezed hard, the 2019 Lexus RX 350 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.8 seconds. Considering its size, class, and aspirations, that's respectable for sure. 

With an enhanced mechanical setup, the RX 350 F-Sport is slightly quicker from 0-60 MPH with 6.5 seconds on the board, thanks to its stiffer suspension. Among the competition though, the RX stands on the latter half of things. While the Mercedes-Benz GLC does the 0-60 task in 6.4 seconds, the BMW and Audi do the same in around 6.0-seconds flat. 

Braking in the RX 350 is quite nice as well, mainly due to the pair of 13.3-inch disc brakes at the front and 12.9 at the rear. The curb weight of the car is the highest in the segment, but it is well masked and does not hinder the braking at all. Although complete braking data is not available the brake pedal in the RX 350 feels firm and progressive with minimal signs of fade or nose-dive. 

Ride and Handling

The Lexus RX is a laid-back luxury crossover that rides just as good as it looks. Its primary job description is to ensure a smooth and comfy ride, and as such does not really pay much attention to the handling. The body roll isn't well contained but it's not too annoying either. However, spirited cornering is sure to unsettle your nerves more than the car.

The steering wheel has very little feedback and even in Sport and Sport+ modes, things don't get much better. Still, due to the light steering, leisure driving is this car's forte. The suspension though is very nicely tuned and soaks up bumps really well. The cabin too is well insulated and the comfortable seats add to the serenity. However, all three German competitors, are better both in terms of city driving and while making highway sprints. Put your foot on the pedal and all three contemporary cars grasp onto the road surface to move forward effortlessly. 

Even though the engine is a big V6, the RX 350 turns out to be quite an efficient car. It isn't the tree-hugger that the 2019 Lexus RX 450h hybrid is, but is still impressive nonetheless. Under normal driving conditions, the 2019 Lexus RX 350 delivers a healthy 23 MPG combined economy. Not outright impressive, but this economy will surely check most of your longer runs, especially with a generous 19.2 gallons fuel tank. 

Even when compared against its segment rivals, the Lexus RX 350 appears to be on the economical side of its segment. While the BMW X3 does offer a class-leading 26 MPG combined economy, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are almost as frugal as the RX 350. But 2019 Lexus RX 350 does gain categorized ascendancy over its competitor by virtue of its larger fuel tank, which directly aids in the total range covered. 

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• The 2019 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid offers affable economy
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The 2019 Lexus RX 350 has a brilliantly insulated cabin, which shields out the road and wind noise. The tranquility of the cabin is noteworthy and is complemented by a great fit and finish as well. Although the interior setup and layout have started showing its age, its ostentatious and palatial aura remains intact and there is no dearth of soft and premium materials across the cabin. The available two-tone interior theme bestows a luxuriant appeal, while the wood and silver accents further intensify the visual drama. The cabin continues to vaunt a commodious character with wide-opening doors that offer easy ingress and egress.

As standard, you get simulated leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats. The seats are well cushioned and bolstered, both in the front and rear, and space inside is extremely generous with abundant under-thigh and knee support. The F-Sport model marks a distinction in its cabin with its leather upholstery, heated and ventilated sports front seats, and unique interior trim. The F-Sport trim also gets enhanced engine sound inside the cabin for some added sportscar adrenaline. 

Apart from its premium and comfortable appointments, the RX 350 also impresses with its ample cabin space. There is adequate headroom for adults at the front and rear while legroom at both the rows is best in class. However, that generosity does come at the cost of cargo space. With just 18.4 cu-ft of cargo area, the RX 350 is not as practical as a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. However, the RX should suffice most of your luggage and also offers split-folding rear seats for added convenience. 

Some of the most notable interior features of the 2019 Lexus RX 350 include:

• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Powered front seats 
• Interior Air Filtration
• Dual Zone Climate Control 
• Ambient Interior Lighting 
• Optional Luxury Package

Infotainment

The 2019 Lexus RX 350 offers a slightly difficult-to-learn infotainment system with an 8.0-inch infotainment display screen as standard. The system is not a touchscreen unit and is controlled by a rather orthodox touchpad on the center console. While the screen does have sharp and defined graphics that allow for clear visibility and offer quick responses, operating it through the touchpad does get frustrating and distracting at times while driving. Also, while the 2019 Lexus RX 350 gently covers most of the feature boxes, it still misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which seem like unnecessary exclusions considering the segment and price point at which the SUV is available. 

In terms of entertainment and connectivity, you get Bluetooth, USB, radio, a smartphone-integrated navigation system, and 9-speaker audio. The optional "Navigation Package'' available with the 2019 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport brings in an in-built navigation system, a larger 12.3-inch screen with remote touch tech interface, Lexus Enform App Suite, voice controls, and 12-speaker audio. With both the base and higher-level F-Sport trim, Lexus offers a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System as optional. Some of the other available infotainment features are listed below:

• 8.0-inch Infotainment Screen
• Voice Command
• Lexus Enform Remote Smartphone integration
• Traffic and weather service via HD Radio
• Siri Eyes free system
• Scout GPS link navigation
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• HomeLink System
• SmartAccess key
• Bluetooth Technology

Lexus used to be the most conservative styled, and if you are a Jeremy Clarkson fan, utterly boring cars as well. Gone are those days, and now Lexus cars have more shapes and curves than a children's coloring book. The design philosophy is extremely daring and, sadly, polarizing. You either like it, or downright hate it, but you can never ignore it. The hourglass front grill and the sharp side profile are an eyeball magnet, and if you love attention, the RX 350 is definitely a head-turner. 

At the front, the large Lexus Spindle grille is unmistakable, The sleek LED headlamps, tall hood with bold creases integrating with the grille, give it a mature and aggressive front fascia. At the side, you just can't ignore the curvy roofline which is beautifully complemented by the aggressive shoulder-line running through the length of the car. The bulging hip at the back with horizontal LED tail lamps and roof-spoiler make it look sporty and bold when viewed from the back as well.  

No surprise, that the Lexus RX 350 is the longest among the competitors here. However, it has the smallest wheelbase among all. Despite this, the Lexus RX 350 definitely has a dominant visual appeal which has just the right blend of sportiness, aggression, and maturity while being trendy as well. It may be the longest but it hides its proportions really well. While the other three Germans are a bit on the conservative side, the RX 350 is like a breath of fresh air in the segment.

Some of its standout exterior features include:

• Panoramic Sunroof 
• Body Side Moldings
• Running Boards
• Rear Spoiler 
• Mudguard

Lexus and Toyota products are known for their safety and dependability and the 2019 Lexus RX 350 is no different at all. Apart from Safety Connect emergency communications, the RX 350 comes standard with lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The available "Premium Package" and the higher F-Sport model further unlock advanced safety tech and driver-assistance on board. Some of its other important safety features are listed below:

• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• 10 Airbags
• Smart/Stop Technology
• Lane-Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward-Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Rigid Body with crumple zones
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Brake assist and electronic brake force distribution

Also Read: 

• How reliable is the 2019 Lexus RX 350?
• How reliable is the 2019 Audi Q5?

Lexus RX350 vs BMW X3

While some would argue that a BMW X5 is the organic competitor to the RX350, it would be better suited against the longer RX350L, credits to larger dimensions and additional interior space. Also, the BMW X3 is closer to RX350 in terms of pricing, which is a very important consumer criterion. Interior space is comparable in both the cars, and while the BMW gets better performance and snob-value, you are better off with the Lexus if you keep within city limits. Also, the Lexus offers plusher seats, although the Bimmer gets more upmarket quality interiors. If you prefer comfort over sportiness, don't go for the X3.

Lexus RX350 vs Audi Q5

Just like with the BMW X3 discussed previously, the Audi Q5 isn't the closest competitor to the Lexus RX350. There is a considerable size difference between the two. Still, both these SUVs offer nearly similar interior space and are priced very similarly too. Even with the size disadvantage, the Q5 has larger trunk space and if you want a standard All-wheel drive SUV, Audi's Quattro system is far superior to anything else in the market. Also, the Audi is very subtle yet handsome, while the Lexus looks like it's trying too hard.

Lexus RX350 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2019 Lexus RX350 gains graded dominance over the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class both in terms of interior space and overall dimensions, making it an alluring choice amongst the two as it caters to the needs of traditional buyers looking for a family hauler in the segment. While 2019 GLC-Class does have a sought-after and innate infotainment system, the RX350 is better off in practical and pragmatic aspects. However, if you're looking for a car just for its looks, the GLC-Class's subtlety will leave you in awe.

If you are out in the market looking for a stylish midsize crossover with ample space and comfort as your top priority, the 2019 Lexus RX 350 is a good fit for you. It has that aggressive Japanese styling, gets a luxurious and spacious cabin alongside great ride quality. While it's rich in advanced safety tech, you will have to compromise with some latest connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside an irksome infotainment system. If compromises are not your thing, you would be better off with the Audi Q5 or BMW X3.