ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

Under the hood on the 2017 Lexus RX F Sport is a 3.5-liter, V6 engine; paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (also included are paddle shifters).
The output is 295 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the  F Sport and standard RX models are available in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

You have a driver select mode to decide how you want the car to handle. Upgrading to Sport and Sport+ are instantly noticeable in the performance of the vehicle.

Simply put, the F Sport variant of the Lexus RX is a bit more on the edge than your standard RX. Unlike a standard luxury SUV -- with its smooth, family-friendly ride -- this is is a bit louder at times, and a bit harsher in the transitions. It’s also much more fun to drive as you make your way around town and hopefully on the open road when you get a chance to go somewhere other than the supermarket.

The feel of the ride is a lot bolder than other luxury SUVs, which tend to be more smooth and less sporty. At times you won’t even remember it’s an SUV.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

First let’s talk infotainment.
The RX continues to offer Lexus’ unique (and somewhat divisive) Remote Touch mousepad-like control setup. I’m not a huge fan, as it’s overly sensitive and hard to use, and I would much prefer a dial or some other simpler control than what is offered. The system does feature a large and easy-to-read color LCD display.

Beyond that, it’s all good on the safety and tech fronts. You get a ton of safety features on the RX, making it one of the most secure luxury vehicles available.

All RX models include a  tire pressure monitor system, 10 airbags, antilock brakes,

LED fog lamps and tail lamps, Auto on/off LED headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

You also get a 9-speaker audio system ($1,200 more gets an updated Premium audio setup); HD radio, Dual USB connections, and satellite radio free for three months., plus a backup camera is standard Other standard safety features include: Forward collision warning; auto emergency braking; lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Optional safety features are:
-- Blind Spot Monitor, Intuitive Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Braking and Panoramic View Monitor ($1,665)
-- Color Heads-up display ($600)
-- Panorama Moonroof ($1,600)

MPG
The official fuel mileage numbers on the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport are 19 city/26 highway/22 combined; This is respectable in the segment, though it is beaten by some of the luxury competition.

PRICE
My test vehicle came in at $58,760, and was a decked-out F Sport edition; base price of the non F Sport RX350 will cost you about $42K, and the F Sport starts about $50K.
The reliability factor is one to consider here too, as Lexus and its more pedestrian counterpart Toyota generally top reliability rankings lists.

BOTTOM LINE

The Lexus RX F Sport comes out with guns blazing in a competitive luxury category, and it’s aimed at the luxury SUV buyer who doesn’t want the typical sedated and smooth experience, and instead wants to push the limits a bit.

Those who want a bit more serene experience can skip the F Sport package and go for a standard RX, but either way the time you spend in this most-popular luxury SUV is time that will be well-enjoyed.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.