2019 Lexus RX 300 F Sport Review

In Malaysia’s executive SUV market, consumers increasingly seek a balance between luxury, practicality, and driving quality. As a core model under Lexus, the 2019 RX 300 F Sport, with its sporty tuning and rich configurations, has always been a popular choice in this segment. This time, through a test drive, we focus on its sporty performance to see if it truly meets expectations, as well as its comfort and practicality in daily use, to determine if it meets the diverse needs of executive-level users.

From the exterior, the overall style of the 2019 RX 300 F Sport leans towards a blend of sportiness and sophistication. The front fascia adopts Lexus’s signature spindle-shaped grille, paired with the F Sport-exclusive black honeycomb mesh, giving it a highly distinctive look. The sharp-shaped LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights offer clear visual appeal when lit. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, and the 4890mm length coupled with a 2790mm wheelbase makes for well-balanced proportions, while the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels further enhance the sporty vibe. At the rear, a chrome trim strip connecting the LED taillights across the back adds continuity. Meanwhile, the black diffuser design on the lower part of the rear bumper maintains the SUV’s stability while highlighting the sporty character of the F Sport version through its detailed design.

Upon entering the cabin, the interior features Lexus’s classic asymmetric layout, with the center console tilted slightly towards the driver for more convenient operation. As for materials, the seats and inner door panels are wrapped in leather, while the upper part of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials, complemented by metallic trims and piano black panels, ensuring a luxury feel in line with an executive-level model. Regarding core configurations, the center console is equipped with a touchscreen that supports the Sound Plus function, and the 12-speaker sound system delivers impressive audio quality. The instrument panel features an electronic illumination analog design with clear displays, providing real-time vehicle status updates. The front seats support electric adjustments, memory functions, as well as heating and ventilation, while the rear seats have electric reclining and manual sliding functions, along with heating, ensuring comfort during daily commutes.

In terms of space, the 2790mm wheelbase translates to ample front and rear seating room. After adjusting the front seats for a passenger with a height of 175cm, there is about one fist’s worth of headroom. A passenger of the same height seated in the rear would have over two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, so long rides would not feel cramped. For storage, the center armrest box in the front row is quite spacious, door storage compartments can fit two standard-sized water bottles, and the trunk has a capacity of 453L, sufficient for daily use or short trips to store luggage. Additionally, rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split to further expand storage space. The vehicle is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets and air conditioning vents for both the front and rear, reflecting practicality through thoughtful details.

In terms of performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 238 PS and a peak torque that kicks in at just 1650 rpm, paired with an AT transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. During everyday driving, the car exhibits quick and responsive acceleration, with sufficient torque delivery at low revs, making it smooth and confident for urban driving and overtaking at low speeds. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity increases, the transmission delays in shifting gear, and the power output becomes more direct, providing sufficient confidence during highway overtaking. However, above 120km/h, the acceleration power becomes relatively modest since the engine's displacement limits high-rev performance.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of the F Sport version. The steering is precise with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, giving the driver a good sense of confidence. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension. The suspension tuning of the F Sport version is relatively firm, providing good body stability with controlled body roll during cornering; however, when dealing with bumpy roads, the shock absorption effect is relatively direct, and fine vibrations from the road surface are transmitted into the cabin, slightly affecting comfort. The full-time four-wheel-drive system offers better traction on slippery roads or light off-road scenarios. However, the minimum ground clearance of 200mm makes it more suitable for urban roads and light unpaved roads, and it is not recommended to tackle complex off-road conditions.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 11L/100km. During actual test drives, fuel consumption in urban congested conditions is about 13-14L/100km, while it is around 8-9L/100km on highways. Overall, fuel economy is in line with the standards of a 2.0T+four-wheel-drive SUV. The braking system features vented discs at the front and rear, delivers a linear braking response, and the pedal force is moderate. During everyday driving, braking provides sufficient confidence.

In terms of ride comfort, the seats offer good support and cushioning, resulting in low fatigue during long drives. As for noise control, the cabin remains quiet during low-speed city driving, while at highway speeds of 120km/h, some wind and tire noise do intrude, but it remains within an acceptable range. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with an engine start-stop system, though frequent activation in congested traffic causes slight vibrations, which can be manually turned off.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2019 RX 300 F Sport lie in its sporty design and tuning, rich features (such as 10 airbags, 360-degree parking camera, ventilated and heated seats, etc.), and Lexus's reliable 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Compared to other executive SUVs in the same class, its level of features is above average, and the sporty attributes of the F Sport version make it a distinct highlight. This vehicle is ideal for family users or young executives who value luxury and practicality while seeking some driving fun. It meets the needs of everyday city commutes and family trips well. However, if you are pursuing extreme high-speed power reserves or off-road performance, you may need to consider higher-displacement or specialized off-road models. Overall, the 2019 RX 300 F Sport is a well-balanced executive SUV that meets the needs of the majority of users with a combination of sportiness and comfort.