Why the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Still Has One of the Best Interiors for the Money

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 showed up with a bunch of siblings that year. Extended-wheelbase RX-L, sporty F-Sport, gas and hybrid options. Big step up from the previous generation that ran 2010 to 2015. People immediately noticed one thing in particular: the interior was incredible.

Ten years later, that cabin still holds up shockingly well and is a steal for used car shoppers. Just gotta keep a few things in mind.

Back in 2016, Lexus couldn't stop winning. Fourth year in a row of record sales worldwide, huge chunk coming from SUVs. The RX had been around since 1998 and was basically royalty in the SUV world by then.

Why the Interior's So Good

Lexus wanted the updated RX to stand out through its interior. Mission accomplished. By 2016 Lexus was already famous for incredible luxury interiors. Even people who didn't like the styling or colors admitted everything felt crafted and overbuilt.

The 2016 RX cranked that up. Modern version of the classic Lexus cockpit. Formal, inviting, insane attention to detail everywhere. Top-notch all around.

Cabin got bigger too. Seats and steering wheel repositioned to make climbing in and out easier. Designers kept the overall size about the same as before because customers asked them to, but structural tweaks freed up more room inside.

Every control felt solid. Window switches, turn signal stalk, gearshift, all of it heavy and substantial. No squeaks, rattles, or vibrations. Flagship-level refinement without paying flagship money. Even the power window motors and door handles felt quality. Every input met with a satisfying response.

Craftsmanship everywhere you looked or touched. Anyone test driving one immediately felt like they were getting their money's worth.

Color options got wild too, especially with F-Sport. Interior trims included Matte Bamboo, Espresso Walnut, Matte Linear Dark Mocha Wood, Striated Black Trim, Gray Sapele Wood with Aluminum. That Striated Black Trim had glossy black with an embossed 3D pattern that looked expensive.

Features got cool. Touch-free power rear door opened by waving your hand near the emblem. Active Sound Generator on F Sport models pumped engine noise into the cabin. Climate Concierge monitored everyone's body temperature and adjusted climate control and seats individually. Adaptive Variable Suspension adjusted shock absorbers 30 times per second. Power-folding second row controlled from the driver's seat. Panoramic View Monitor with "see-through" view made the body look transparent on the screen. "Easy Exit" tilted the steering wheel up and slid the seat back when you turned the car off.

Few months after launch, the 2016 RX made Ward's Auto's "10 Best Interiors" list. They judge on materials, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value, fit and finish. New body structure was way stiffer too, which helped with comfort and noise.

Wasn't all perfect. Initial infotainment system made you use this mouse-like thing on the center console to control the screen. Not great. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto didn't show up till 2020, same update that added a touchscreen to help ditch the mouse.

Actually Fun to Drive

When the fourth-gen RX came out, it was up against increasingly turbo competition but stuck with a naturally aspirated engine. Also offered hybrid power and got completely reworked to appeal to driving enthusiasts for the first time.

V6 got bumped to 295 horses in the RX 350. New 8-speed automatic was sharper and more efficient than the old six-speed. New cylinder heads improved breathing, both intake and exhaust cams went variable. Result was flexible and efficient, backed by new AWD that could flip from pure front-wheel drive to 50:50 power split instantly.

Engineers worked hard to make steering, throttle, and brakes feel more alive while keeping it comfortable. From the driver's seat, miles ahead of the old one for engagement. New AWD with Sport and Sport + modes turned the RX 350 into a winter beast with the right tires.

Still Rides Like a Cloud

Lexus didn't mess with the ride though. Automakers often screw this up trying to make SUVs sporty. Unless you want a performance SUV, you probably want something that floats along like a sensory deprivation tank.

RX glides beautifully. Yeah Lexus calls some models F Sport and uses words like "sporty," but the RX is about as sporty as a mobility scooter. Want a Rolls-Royce ride without the price tag? This is it. Every generation has prioritized comfort over sportiness and it's better because of it.

What It Costs Now

If you want the fourth-gen RX, 2020 matters. That's when the touchscreen fixed the mouse problem, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard, and the Safety System + 2.0 that used to be optional became standard on everything.

Brand new in 2016, you paid $42,000 to $49,000. Hybrid was $52,000 to $57,000. Options added thousands more.

Now? Cheapest ones go for around $15,000 to $18,000, usually with 150,000 miles or more. Shop around and you'll find some closer to 100,000 miles at that price. Other end of the spectrum, low-mileage barely-used copies run about $40,000 where there are plenty with under 15,000 miles.

Budget around $30,000 and you should easily find one with under 35,000 miles.

Hybrids are available at all price points but expect almost double the mileage versus the regular gas V6. Same with the rare RX 350 L with the longer wheelbase for more rear seat room.