2023 Lexus RX 350 vs RX 350 F Sport

Lexus’s acclaimed luxury SUV lineup features two stunning models: the Lexus RX 350 and the Lexus RX 350 F Sport. Even though they share the same core qualities of the Lexus RX series, when comparing them, there are several distinctions in design, comfort features, and overall driving experience. At our Eskridge Lexus dealership, we bring you the RX along with the latest range of Lexus vehicles. Here’s a comparison of both models to help you with your next purchase decision.

Lexus RX 350 vs. Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV and represents the standard version of the new Lexus RX series. It boasts impressive build quality and a good blend of performance and efficiency. The Lexus RX 350 F Sport varies slightly from the base model in terms of appearance and performance, courtesy of some design elements. Let’s take a closer look at both models.

Exterior

The base configuration features a new grille that emulates the spindle body appearance. At the same time, the headlights retain the jagged LED style for a strong and clean presence. The F Sport model offers a sportier design, including a more aggressive front grille. While the RX 350 features chrome accents outside, the F Sport has Piano Black accents. The F Sport also features a large mesh front grille, exclusive front and rear bumpers, and F Sport badging on the front and rear.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 moves on 19- by 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a unique roofline design, while the F Sport has larger 21- by 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels that improve the vehicle’s handling and performance. Additionally, the F Sport model features large corner vents and triple-beam headlights that enhance visibility and offer more focused illumination, ensuring safe driving even in dark conditions.

Interior

The RX 350 is exceptionally roomy, and the 2023 model has a revamped interior with flagship-level technologies and six interior color options. Five people can sit comfortably with ample legroom and headroom. With its heated and power-adjustable front seats, the cabin is trimmed in NuLuxe leatherette, providing you and your family with sufficient warmth on cold winter days in the Oklahoma City area. It also offers generous cargo space, beautiful ambient lighting, and multizone climate control to make weekend getaways and vacations more comfortable. Some of the other interior features include:

• Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
• Interior ambient illumination with 14 preset themes.
• 40/20/40-split rear seats.
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
• Multizone climate control with interior air filter.
• Panorama glass roof.
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

The Lexus RX 350 F has a sportier interior styling with a leather-trimmed interior, an F Sport scuff plate, a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, a suede-trimmed interior door trim, and a digital gauge cluster to show you essential information about the SUV’s performance.

Engine and Performance

The Lexus RX 350 has enhanced vehicle dynamics and comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque for more off-the-line power. This is the only four-wheel-drive (FWD) model that offers all-wheel drive (AWD) as an optional feature at an additional cost. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds with AWD and 7.5 seconds with FWD.

The fuel efficiency of the base model is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with FWD and 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with AWD.

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport has the same engine. However, it offers a slightly better driving experience with its F Sport-tuned suspension, steering enhancements, and larger tires. The F Sport Handling package also adds dynamic upgrades such as adaptive variable suspension.

Safety

The Lexus RX 350 has advanced safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It offers the highest level of driver support with features such as:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps detect pedestrians or vehicles in front of your Lexus.
• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management: Uses radar and camera technology to maintain a preset distance and speed from a vehicle ahead.
• Intelligent high beams: Offers better visibility by switching between high and low beams.
• Road sign assist: Provides road sign information, such as speed limit.
• Lane assistance: Comes with lane-assistance technologies such as Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning with steering assist, and lane-keep assist.

The 2023 RX also has an automatic emergency braking system, an available panoramic view monitor, and a digital rearview mirror to keep you safe on the road, especially during twists and turns. The F Sport offers the same safety features and technologies as the base configuration.

Infotainment

The redesigned RX 350 has a comprehensive infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It embeds a 7-inch digital readout and a 9.8-inch infotainment touch screen into the dashboard that lets you input commands to play music and podcasts. This SUV also features a premium sound system that comes with 12 speakers located throughout for even sound distribution.

The F Sport’s infotainment screen is a large 14-inch responsive display that offers access to most functions for a better everyday experience. Passengers can sit comfortably with their own climate control and easily access USB ports, air-conditioning vents, and a fold-down armrest with roomy cupholders.

Which Lexus RX 350 Are You Taking Home?

Elevate your driving experience by opting for the 2023 Lexus RX 350 or the RX 350 F Sport. Before you make that final choice, don’t hesitate to contact our Eskridge Lexus dealership to schedule a test drive of both vehicles. You can also visit our dealership in Oklahoma City to check out our new inventory and drive home in your perfect Lexus.

Image by Lexus USA via 2024 Lexus RX – Luxury SUV | Lexus.com