Lexus RX 350 2026 First Drive: Comfort, Safety and Consistency

In a market obsessed with speed, size, and shock value, the 2026 Lexus RX 350 quietly reminds us why consistency still matters. While others scream for attention with over-the-top styling and performance gimmicks, the RX 350 sticks to what it does best providing serene luxury, bulletproof reliability, and a level of polish that feels more confident than flashy. And in its latest form, Lexus has fine-tuned the RX formula, delivering more tech, better comfort, and just enough attitude to keep things fresh without alienating longtime loyalists.

Refined Design with a Confident Edge

The RX 350 has always walked the line between elegant and assertive — and the 2026 version tightens that balance. It’s not a total overhaul, but a series of subtle, deliberate upgrades. The signature spindle grille is still front and center, but now surrounded by slimmer, more angular LED headlights that stretch horizontally for a sharper look. The sculpted hood and bold character lines add a sense of motion even at a standstill.

Around back, the taillights feature a full-width light bar, while the rear bumper and tailgate have been tweaked for a cleaner, more modern finish. It’s less aggressive than some German rivals, but far from boring. This is quiet luxury with a confident edge — ideal for drivers who want to arrive in style without making a scene.

Comfort-Focused Performance

Pop the hood and you’ll find Lexus’s familiar 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which made its debut on recent Lexus models and carries over here. It’s not a monster on paper — roughly 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque — but in practice, it’s plenty. Acceleration is brisk without feeling twitchy, and the RX remains smooth, composed, and balanced whether you’re gliding through traffic or eating up highway miles.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is tuned for seamless shifts, and the optional all-wheel drive system adds confidence in slippery conditions. Lexus isn’t chasing Nürburgring lap times here. Instead, they’ve doubled down on what buyers actually want: refined road manners, a whisper-quiet cabin, and a suspension that cushions bumps like a cloud on autopilot.

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Inside

Step inside, and the RX 350’s cabin immediately makes its case. Soft-touch materials, subtle ambient lighting, and layered textures combine to create a space that feels relaxing without being fussy. Lexus’s interior design team has refined the dashboard layout to focus on driver-centric ergonomics, placing the large touchscreen and physical controls within easy reach.

The new 14-inch infotainment screen anchors the center stack, replacing the old touchpad system (thankfully) and offering a far more intuitive user experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the voice recognition system has been sharpened to understand natural commands.

The seats are generously padded and supportive, with available heating, ventilation, and memory functions. In higher trims, rear-seat passengers are treated to more legroom and reclining seatbacks, adding an extra layer of comfort for family road trips or chauffeured rides.

Safety

As you’d expect from Lexus, the RX 350 comes loaded with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. It includes adaptive cruise control with curve speed management, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. All of it works in the background — intuitive, unobtrusive, and always ready to intervene if needed.

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A 360-degree panoramic camera system helps with parking, while remote parking assist on higher trims allows the vehicle to inch itself into tight spots even when you’re not inside. It’s a modern layer of convenience that doesn’t feel like overkill.

Everyday Practicality

One of the RX 350’s greatest strengths is how well it adapts to real life. The rear seats split and fold flat, opening up a generous cargo area ideal for road trips, grocery hauls, or weekend getaways. Families will appreciate the low step-in height and wide rear door openings, while professionals will love how well it balances city driving and open-road comfort.

This is a midsize SUV that doesn’t try to be a showpiece it’s built for the day-to-day, from Monday meetings to Friday escapes.

The 2026 Lexus RX 350 isn’t reinventing the wheel and that’s precisely its strength. Lexus knows its audience: buyers who value consistency, comfort, and craftsmanship over headline-chasing horsepower or gimmicks. This year’s updates sharpen the formula, making the RX smarter, smoother, and more satisfying to live with.

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In a world of tech overload and overhyped driving modes, the RX remains a calm, confident, and capable companion. It doesn’t scream for your attention — it earns it quietly, mile after effortless mile.

FAQs

What engine does the 2026 Lexus RX 350 use?

A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

Is all-wheel drive available on the RX 350?

Yes, both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations are available.

How fuel-efficient is the RX 350?

It offers an estimated 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, making it efficient for its class.

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Does it support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims.

Is the RX 350 good for families?

Absolutely. With spacious seating, strong safety features, and excellent reliability, it’s ideal for family use.