Experience the Luxury: A Detailed Review of the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Interior

Introduction

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is an SUV that doesn’t just move you; it also envelops you in a cocoon of luxury and sophistication as you ride. Many have come to expect top-of-the-line materials, cutting-edge technology, and an all-around smooth experience from the Lexus brand. And the RX 350 F Sport lives up to that expectation, particularly when it comes to its interior.

In this review, we’re gonna take you inside the cabin of the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport and give you an in-depth look at the design, technology, comfort, and overall driving experience that this SUV has to offer. We’ll also touch on some of the potential drawbacks—no car is perfect after all. But if you're wondering whether this vehicle's interior is the right fit for you, this piece will help you find that out.

Overview of the Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The RX 350 is a part of Lexus' popular lineup of luxury SUVs. The "F Sport" version elevates the RX 350 by adding sportier design cues, stiffer suspension, and more performance-oriented features. When it comes to the interior though, the F Sport package adds a few tasteful touches that create a luxury experience with a sporty edge.

Interior Design and Quality

Materials and Craftsmanship

As soon as you step inside the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, you’ll notice the attention to detail that Lexus has poured into every surface. The seats are wrapped in premium leather, with perforated textures and stitching that give them a high-end feel. The F Sport badging is subtly placed, providing that touch of sportiness without being overbearing. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped with paddle shifters for that sporty feel.

Lexus is known for its craftsmanship, and it shows in the interior materials. You have soft-touch plastics, wood trim, and metallic accents that create a layered look. Even the center console feels luxurious with a leather armrest and textured metal controls. The fit and finish are solid throughout—everything is tightly fitted, with no creaks or rattles.

"I've always been impressed with the way Lexus puts together their interiors," says Alex Collantes, a longtime automotive enthusiast. "The 2020 RX 350 F Sport just feels solid; it’s like they’ve taken the best of both luxury and sport and fused it together in a way that makes you feel great behind the wheel."

Potential Drawbacks

One downside though is that while the materials are premium, some competitors have gone even further with more real wood or metal elements that could make the RX 350 feel a tad less upscale in certain areas.

Technology and Infotainment

Touchscreen and Controls

The 2020 RX 350 F Sport comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display as an optional upgrade from the standard 8-inch display. The larger screen makes a world of difference when using the navigation, audio, and climate controls. The display itself is high-definition and sharp, though the interface isn't as user-friendly as some of its competitors.

Lexus uses a Remote Touchpad to control the infotainment system, which can be a bit fussy to use while driving. It's kind of like a laptop touchpad, and it might take some getting used to. Some drivers prefer more tactile control dials, as they're easier to operate without looking away from the road.

Voice Command System

The voice command system can be hit-or-miss. Sometimes it easily understands your requests like changing the radio station or setting a destination in the navigation system. Other times, it’s just easier to use the touchscreen.

Alex Collantes weighs in again: “The Remote Touchpad takes some time to get used to; it's not the most intuitive design. But once you get the hang of it, it works pretty well. The touchscreen, though, is fantastic—huge and super clear.”

Comfort and Space

Seating and Comfort

The F Sport package features sports seats that have increased bolstering, providing extra support during spirited driving. They’re still very comfortable and adjustable in multiple ways to suit your preferences. Both the front and rear seats offer heating and ventilation options, which is a welcome feature whether you’re dealing with winter chills or summer heatwaves.

The rear seats can recline and slide, offering passengers extra legroom or cargo space as needed. They’re comfortable for adults, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The overall cabin experience is quiet and serene, thanks to Lexus’ noise-insulating materials.

Climate Control and Ambient Lighting

The dual-zone climate control allows both the driver and front passenger to set their own temperature preferences, and there are vents for the rear passengers as well. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin adds to the atmosphere, making it feel both warm and futuristic at night.

Downsides in Comfort

However, some users may find the sports seats a bit too firm, particularly on long drives. And the second-row seats don’t have as much lateral support, which can be noticeable if you take corners with some enthusiasm.

Storage and Cargo Space

When it comes to storage, the RX 350 F Sport is a bit of a mixed bag. The center console offers decent storage for small items, and there are door pockets for water bottles and other knick-knacks. However, the cargo space behind the second row is 16 cubic feet, which is decent but not class-leading. Fold down the rear seats, and it expands to 32.6 cubic feet, which is enough for most trips to the grocery store or weekend getaways.

Driving Experience and Features

Driving Position and Visibility

The driving position in the RX 350 F Sport is excellent, with plenty of adjustments available for both the steering wheel and seat. Visibility is generally good, although the rear pillars are a bit thick, so the optional blind-spot monitor is definitely a feature worth considering.

Performance-Oriented Features

The F Sport adds an adaptive variable suspension, which can be adjusted depending on your drive mode. You have the option of choosing between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes. In Sport+, the steering tightens up and the suspension firms for a more spirited driving experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2020 RX 350 F Sport comes loaded with safety features like Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This suite includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

However, adaptive cruise control can be a little aggressive at times in its braking, which can make for a less smooth experience on the highway.

Personal Experience: User Impressions

Alex Collantes shares his perspective: “The 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport gives you the feeling of being in control of a luxury vehicle without losing that sporty edge. Everything feels like it’s within reach, and the seating position just puts you in the right place to enjoy the drive. And the interior quality—honestly it’s one of the best I’ve seen in this segment.”

Potential Competitors and Comparisons

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport competes with several other vehicles in the luxury crossover segment. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Acura MDX: The MDX offers slightly more cargo space and a third-row seat, which the RX lacks. However, its interior isn’t quite as refined.
• BMW X5: The X5 has a more driver-focused cabin and sportier handling, but it can get pricey once you start adding options.
• Audi Q5: The Q5 boasts a sophisticated interior and excellent tech features, but its cargo space is smaller than the RX.

Conclusion

Final Verdict

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport stands out as an SUV that offers an upscale cabin with a sporty twist. While it may not have the largest cargo space or the most intuitive infotainment system, its overall blend of luxury materials, comfort, and performance-oriented features make it an appealing choice for anyone looking for a luxury crossover that doesn’t sacrifice the driving experience.

Quick Pros & Cons Recap

Pros:

• High-quality materials and craftsmanship
• Comfortable and supportive seats
• Generous standard safety features
• Customizable driving experience

Cons:

• Fussy Remote Touchpad for infotainment controls
• Firm sports seats may not suit all drivers
• Limited cargo space compared to some competitors

FAQs

Q: Does the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

• A: Yes, it comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone integration simple.

Q: Is the F Sport model worth it over the standard RX 350?

• A: If you value a sportier driving experience and like the unique interior touches, then yes, the F Sport package is worth it.

Q: What’s the warranty coverage like for the 2020 Lexus RX 350?

• A: The RX 350 comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

References

• Official Lexus Website: https://www.lexus.com/
• Alex Collantes - Personal Insight and Opinions
• Various automotive reviews and consumer experiences from sources like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.

This comprehensive review should help you understand what makes the 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport interior unique, while also touching on its potential drawbacks to help you make a more informed decision.