I am researching the RX350 and was wondering what are the differences between the two? also I saw a couple owners here post picture of what looked like the RX350, but blacked out grill and was wondering how can that be done. difference in price is about $9k between the two models unless I read it wrong. Is there a huge difference in driving dynamics?

Hello. I have a 350 F sport and had a 350 for a loaner.
I can say that it's mostly aesthetics. However, one thing I did notice differently was a tighter suspension for the f sports in sport+ mode.
The f sports look visually nicer with the rims and spindle grill as well as the interior console with the large cool f sport gauges.
Is it worth 9K?? Hmmm. Not sure. I love my f sport and love how it's not like every other rx out there. I don't see many where I live. Overall I'm happy I went with the F sport.

As far as the blacked out grill you can plasti dip which is what I did or use 3m film to black it out "chrome delete"

Thanks for the reply, its seems absurd that they charge 9K for aesthetics, now if it drives more sportier with more tech that's a different thing.
How easy is it to plastidip? or chrome delete, how much did it cost you?

How does this compare to the MDX? what else did you guys cross shop?

I dont think the FSport is 9k - much Iess than that quite frankly. The other big difference is the seats. FSport seats are super tight so make sure you can sit comfortably in them. It was a deal breaker for me and im average size 6' 180.

Like Mike said, definitely try out the different seats. I came from a IS350 FSport and although I liked the tight seats, I much prefer the seats on the non F Sport RX. They seem more plush and comfortable, especially since I'm a bigger guy (220lbs).

Don't be fooled. F Sport includes a lot of things such as Premium Package. The true price for the upgrade is in the few thousands.

The F Sport suspension is more firm than the regular RX, but you still have body roll around corners. If you enter S+ it eliminates most of the body roll. So you can drive sportier, but it does not help you accelerate more quickly.

I looked at the MDX, but it was definitely in a different class. More premium than luxury. I also cross shopped GLE400 and X5. There are other threads that discuss these other comparisons though.

besides the seats, suspension, wheels and sport and sport pus modes.. the fsport also has a digital speedo/tac. analog vs digital

The price different is NOT $9K. It was $9K because the options are different. In theory, you can get a base model that costs more than the Fsport, but in general, the Fsport comes with more expensive options. I have an Fsport myself

F-Sport or nothing! lol

Personally, I think the Fsport aluminum trim (inside) is less expensive (less labor etc.) to make than the wooden trim in the base model. I wonder if others feel the same way.
On another thought, the Fsport gauge pic doesn't do justice to the electronic action of the needle when one turns on/off the ignition. Also, the Fsport gauge in the Sport/S+ mode looks aggressively good.

I agree I love the FSport gauges, grill and other aesthetics and it's the reason I went for it in my ES - just couldn't get comfortable in the RX FSport seats though.

Styling, inside and out.
The seat has great lumbar support, I like the firmness and the way it cradles your body however the bolsters are a pain when exiting.
Sport+, although it noticeably helps, it certainly doesn't eliminate rolling or the lack of feel when entering a turn. I really like how it firms up the steering wheel.
The triple headlights are form over function, high beams are super and so are the lights that come on during slow speed turns.
I don't think that a similarly equipped standard is $9,000 less than the sport model.

Oh, and don't forget the 'sound generator'! Sport model tried to enhance the exhaust sound with some kind of resonator. It's okay once in a while, but sometimes tedious. Maybe the newer models have improved it a bit. The cornering lamps are useful for rural dwellers. And yes, check the seats. Sport + mode neat, but as mentioned, not a major transformation.

One other not obvious item related to the sport digital display is the choice of display for power sent to each wheel, reported tire pressure, and some basic g-force recorder.