First Look at the 2025 Lexus RX 350 Sport: What’s New?
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 Sport finally stepped onto the stage, and it brings a blend of subtle aggression and the brand’s signature refinement. While the basics of the RX line remain familiar, the sport‑focused variant nudges the formula toward a more driver‑centric experience. Below, we break down the design cues, powertrain tweaks, cabin upgrades, and the tech that could sway buyers this fall.
Exterior: A Sharper Silhouette
The front fascia adopts a larger spindle grille, now flanked by slimmer, angular LED headlights. The lenses are tinted slightly darker, hinting at a more assertive character without sacrificing nighttime visibility.
- Side rocker accents appear in a contrasting black finish, extending from the front wheel arch to the rear, reinforcing the “sport” badge.
- Standard 20‑inch alloy wheels replace the previous 19‑inch offering, with a twin‑spoke design that catches the eye on city streets.
- A subtle rear diffuser and a dual‑exhaust tip, finished in matte black, give the tailgate a wider, lower look.
Overall length stays near 192 inches, but the lowered roofline and a marginally shorter rear overhang make the SUV feel a tad more planted.
Powertrain and Performance
Lexus kept the 2.4‑liter turbo‑charged inline‑four as the heart of the RX 350 Sport, but it now delivers 260 hp and 277 lb‑ft of torque—a modest bump over the 2024 model. The increase stems from a revised turbocharger and an updated engine control unit that smooths power delivery, especially in the mid‑range.
Transmission remains an eight‑speed automatic, though shift mapping has been retuned for quicker downshifts during spirited driving. The sport variant also introduces an optional all‑wheel‑drive system with a torque‑vectoring rear differential, improving cornering grip without a noticeable fuel‑efficiency penalty.
EPA estimates sit at roughly 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for FWD models; the AWD version drops a couple of points, which is still respectable for a vehicle of this class.
Interior: Luxury Meets Athleticism
Step inside, and the cabin feels both familiar and refreshed. Soft‑touch surfaces dominate, but the sport trim adds a few tactile differences:
- Contrast stitching in a darker hue runs along the front seats and the steering wheel.
- Aluminum‑grain trim replaces some of the traditional wood accents, lending a more performance‑oriented vibe.
- New “Sport” door panels feature perforated leather inserts that improve ventilation for occupants.
Seat comfort remains top‑notch, with ten‑way power adjustments and lumbar support. Rear‑row passengers still benefit from generous legroom, and the optional third‑row seat—now slimmer—offers occasional extra capacity without compromising cargo space.
Technology and Safety
The infotainment system upgrades to a 12.3‑inch touchscreen, offering a cleaner UI and faster response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a new “Quick Launch” button lets drivers start the favorite radio preset with a single tap.
Driver‑assist features stay comprehensive. Standard on the sport trim are:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with lane‑keeping assist.
- Blind‑Spot Monitoring with rear‑cross‑traffic alert.
- A new “Dynamic Steering Assist” that provides subtle torque feedback during tight manoeuvres.
For those who crave additional peace of mind, the optional “Premium Safety Suite” adds a 360‑degree camera and a predictive emergency braking system that learns from the driver’s braking patterns.
Pricing and Availability
In the United States, the 2025 RX 350 Sport starts at $48,900 before destination fees, positioning it just above the base RX 350 but below the more luxurious RX 450h models. Expected delivery windows begin in late summer, with dealerships offering a limited‑time lease incentive that trims monthly payments by roughly $150.
Who Might Love This SUV?
If you already appreciate Lexus’s reputation for quiet rides and refined interiors, but you also enjoy an extra dash of vigor, the RX 350 Sport could be a compelling middle ground. Families will still find ample space and a user‑friendly suite of safety tech, while enthusiasts may enjoy the sport‑tuned suspension and more engaging steering.
Of course, buyers seeking outright performance might still look toward the upcoming performance‑focused F‑Series, but for those who want a daily driver that feels a little more purposeful, the 2025 RX 350 Sport offers just enough of a shift to feel fresh without alienating the brand’s core audience.
