City fuel mileage stays the same for the eight-speed at 18 mpg, although it helps add two mpg to the EPA’s highway rating at 26 mpg.

Among the F-Sport upgrades are a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tires. (Photo: Lexus)

The RX 350 is still an attractive package of refinement and versatility with a gorgeous, well-equipped interior. Currently in its third generation – RX was arguably the original luxury crossover – it received some revamps for 2013 that sharpens the styling to bring it more in line with the Lexus brand’s new angular look and updates the plethora of high-tech features for greater refinement and usability.

Although heavily laden with electronic features, the RX’s dashboard is admirably simple and accessible, with standard knobs and controls for audio and climate control, and an easy-to-use joystick controller in the console for working the video-display functions. The leather power seats are comfortable and supportive.

The F-Sport styling gets a few additions for a sportier appearance, plus a special F-Sport steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and aluminum sports pedals. The 19-inch Dark Graphite wheels look super cool.

For all its complex functions, the RX dashboard is appealingly straightforward. (Photo: Lexus)

The F-Sport package adds about $6,300 to the $40,710 base price of the all-wheel-drive RX 350. For that, you get a highly equipped luxury crossover along with the sporty extras.

The test RX was loaded with extras, including a package of voice-command navigation, Lexus Enform with Destination Assist and eDestination, and satellite radio, $2,775; Heads Up Display, $1,200; an absolutely superb Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system with 15 speakers, $995; Blind Spot Monitor, $500; Intuitive Park Assist, $500; and, oddly, $59 for a cargo net.

With $895 shipping, the bottom line came out to $53,924, which runs the RX into exclusive territory.

I could see where someone who admires the RX 350 but wants more-interesting drivability might opt for the F-Sport model. But I also think that’s a thin market.

Details

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door crossover SUV, all-wheel drive.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, 248 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches.
Overall length: 187.8 inches.
Curb weight: 4,411 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at