F Sport and non, major differences?
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 444
From: CA
Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 21
From: CA
Hi guys,
As I find my self now driving 6 months in the Tennessee mountains I am considering purchasing a 2022 RX-350 F-sport trading in my 2017 RX-350. Any comments on the handling differences between the 2 are appreciated. I have loaded down my present 2017 and found it really doesn't handle great especially in mountain driving.
Thanks, Jim
As I find my self now driving 6 months in the Tennessee mountains I am considering purchasing a 2022 RX-350 F-sport trading in my 2017 RX-350. Any comments on the handling differences between the 2 are appreciated. I have loaded down my present 2017 and found it really doesn't handle great especially in mountain driving.
Thanks, Jim
RX 350 f-sport vs base
Hello all! It's finally time for me to jump into an SUV in the next month or so (I've had multiple ES300's GS300's, GS350, and an LS460 in the past). I am currently looking at a 2019 f sport, white on black, 49k w/ 30k miles on it. I'm not too knowledgeable with the RX350 as this will be my first suv. Is this a reasonable price in todays super inflated market? Also, anyone have the base RX350 and wish they got the f-sport model instead (or vice versa)? Thanks for your help!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 796
Likes: 584
From: CT
I purchased a 2020 Base and happy with my choice.
The F Sport as you know is primarily an appearance package and I do like the way that it looks. However, seat comfort was an issue for me and I found the seats in the base to be much more comfortable.
For me the other big must have was Apple CarPlay. Not sure if the 2019 has it.
Finally Blind spot was a must due to long daily commute via highway. It was an option in 2020 and I am very happy that I got it.
For my daily drive the RX is perfect. Very comfortable, enough power to pass and merge when I need to, quiet interior, and just the right amount of tech. I also like the revised 2020 grill.
Great vehicle.
Good luck!
The F Sport as you know is primarily an appearance package and I do like the way that it looks. However, seat comfort was an issue for me and I found the seats in the base to be much more comfortable.
For me the other big must have was Apple CarPlay. Not sure if the 2019 has it.
Finally Blind spot was a must due to long daily commute via highway. It was an option in 2020 and I am very happy that I got it.
For my daily drive the RX is perfect. Very comfortable, enough power to pass and merge when I need to, quiet interior, and just the right amount of tech. I also like the revised 2020 grill.
Great vehicle.
Good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 552
Likes: 195
From: NC/SC
Hello all! It's finally time for me to jump into an SUV in the next month or so (I've had multiple ES300's GS300's, GS350, and an LS460 in the past). I am currently looking at a 2019 f sport, white on black, 49k w/ 30k miles on it. I'm not too knowledgeable with the RX350 as this will be my first suv. Is this a reasonable price in todays super inflated market? Also, anyone have the base RX350 and wish they got the f-sport model instead (or vice versa)? Thanks for your help!
If you can afford the cost, going new right now is a much better purchase than buying at inflated used prices.. $49K for a 3 yr old vehicle with 30K miles is crazy to me when I can buy a fully loaded 2022 F-Sport for around $58K. The 2019 will also not have CarPlay if that makes a difference for you.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 229
Likes: 110
From: IN
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CA
F sport comfort
I posted this question on a similar site; hope this is OK. Am about to buy an RX450h and think I want the better handling of the F sport model, but was unable to drive one at my local dealer. I’ve recently read that the F sport ride is harsh and that the seats are uncomfortable. I know that the real answer is to drive one to judge for myself, but for those who have driven both models, what do you think? For what it’s worth, I’m 69 years old, 5‘5“, 125 pounds. Thanks for the help. Howard
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 901
Likes: 415
From: Ontario
I have an FSport and while we like it, I'd prefrer the seats in the non FSport version. Bolstering is a bit snug for me, but I'm 6' 230 lbs. As for ride, to me it's no harsher than the regular suspension unless you put it into sport+ mode, not available on non FSport models. Here in Canada, the top line packages for F and non F differ in trim bits. No rear door window sun shades, no thigh adjuster on the front seats. FSport has the suspension dampers, which presumeably help with cornering. I don't drive it like that so it's really not necessary, and I've replaced the rear adjustable damper with a non-adjustable one (bike rack mount 
). I also like the red colour of ours which is only available here in the FSport. Around here, silver and grey are the prevalent colour. I like to be a bit different.
). I also like the red colour of ours which is only available here in the FSport. Around here, silver and grey are the prevalent colour. I like to be a bit different.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CA
I have an FSport and while we like it, I'd prefrer the seats in the non FSport version. Bolstering is a bit snug for me, but I'm 6' 230 lbs. As for ride, to me it's no harsher than the regular suspension unless you put it into sport+ mode, not available on non FSport models. Here in Canada, the top line packages for F and non F differ in trim bits. No rear door window sun shades, no thigh adjuster on the front seats. FSport has the suspension dampers, which presumeably help with cornering. I don't drive it like that so it's really not necessary, and I've replaced the rear adjustable damper with a non-adjustable one (bike rack mount ). I also like the red colour of ours which is only available here in the FSport. Around here, silver and grey are the prevalent colour. I like to be a bit different.
). I also like the red colour of ours which is only available here in the FSport. Around here, silver and grey are the prevalent colour. I like to be a bit different.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 253
Likes: 184
From: Az
Apparently on the F-sport, you would remove the rear damper to install the trailer hitch receiver. The receiver then functions as…the rear damper. On a non-F-sport, the receiver thus “adds a rear damper” when there was none. I have the non-F-sport base model, but I didn’t notice any handling difference when I added the hitch. But I am not executing high-speed slalom turns though.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 901
Likes: 415
From: Ontario
Not missing anything. Look through my posts I have a Thule rack and installed a Curt receiver. There is a photo of both somewhere in there.
2nd gear
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CT
Disappointed in F Sport Handling
I am in the market for used 20/21SUV and after driving Hondas decided to change and go for Toyota/Lexus. In the past I didn’t buy Toyotas due to loose handling. Test drove Highlander, RAV4, and 2/3 RXs including F Sport. The handling was fine on all but expected little firm on F Sport with bigger tires and tuned suspension. Maybe I drove just Base with Sport? I don’t see the need to spend couple thousand extra for the sport. Now leaning toward regular RX, maybe Premium version. Any thoughts? Thanks for reading and your comments.