Though the infotainment system's Remote Touch controller can be cumbersome to use, basic climate and audio control buttons and knobs are smartly arranged on the center stack and easy to use. The 200t isn't a fast car—0 to 60 mph takes more than seven seconds—but power is reasonably good once underway. Siri EyesFree mode enhances iPhone compatibility with the vehicle interface. Inside the cabin, smaller items find a home in door pockets, in a fairly deep glove box, and in a console bin with a lid that slides backward to expose audio ports. Available upgrades include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and sport seats that offer more side support. Sport seat on F Sport cars could use additional bolstering, though, for spirited maneuvers.
It has a smooth ride, a posh interior, and spacious seating in the front and back. Rear-wheel drive variants receive an eight-speed automatic transmission. The trunk's opening is wide, and while the cargo area is somewhat shallow, there is a pass-through for longer items. The cabin does something similar, even as it executes a 180-degree turn from the softly rounded, smoothly deployed ghost of Lexus past. Acceleration is reasonably strong once underway, but stomping on the gas pedal under any circumstance results in a significant delay while the transmission and turbocharger decide what to do. Because of the high costs of testing, it isn't unusual for luxury cars to undergo limited or no crash testing. Making 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, it's mated to an 8-speed transmission and available only with rear-wheel drive.
The standard 200t trim should satisfy most buyers, but you'll want to find a model with the Lexus Safety System package, which adds a slew of active safety features. It's a mouse-like device on the center console that operates climate, audio, and phone functions via an 8. News Best Cars staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the automotive industry, and we've been ranking the best vehicles since 2007. Steering is quite good, and Lexus defies the traditions of its brand by piping engine and exhaust notes into the cabin. Rich and varied paint options are a pleasant departure from the ubiquitous sea of silver, white and black. It leads with a bold new front-end treatment that is becoming the Lexus corporate face. The driver and passenger benefit from revisions to seat and trim design.
Its hybrid powertrain is rated for 29 mpg city, 34 highway, 31 combined. This rear-drive sedan has a powerful engine lineup, athletic handling, and an attractive cabin befitting the class. Its menu structure can be maddening, too. Models with the F-Sport package have a retuned suspension for added sportiness. I tend not to drag race too much these days! Customers can now choose between Chateau and Noble Brown leather colors, and F Sport adds Rioja Red to its list of available colors.
New additions include revised taillights, rear trim, and 18- and 19-inch machine-finish wheel designs. The naturally aspirated V6 gives plenty of performance, and the six speed that it is matched with shifts beautifully it would be nice to have an eight speed, double clutch Lexus. Also, the map should update with Google Maps in real-time. There are 10 airbags altogether—front, side, curtain, and knees—as well as active headrests, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. Lexus now builds a very quick , which we cover separately. It brings improved map views, predictive traffic, voice recognition, and even a 15-minute buffer feature for radio listening. The Lexus Safety System+ package combines pre-collision warning and pedestrian detection, land-departure warning with steering assist, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control.
This happens whether accelerating from a stop or at speed, and isn't mitigated even by Sport+ mode. It's not rated in the tough new small-overlap frontal test. The 2016 will bow at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the fourth generation made its debut. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking are available. Rivals like the and will cost more to run. Padded leather panels in rich, deep hues keep the subtext alive: we're looking at something that's more live-performance studio than traditional Lexus library.
Rear seat passengers will find the legroom more than adequate and even spacious. The voice commands feature in this vehicle is truly pathetic. It's dialed up instantaneous steering response and very tightly damped ride control, with very low tolerance for potholes and bad pavement junctions the price paid for its crisp handling. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Lexus extends its original new-car warranty to cover six years or unlimited mileage. Lexus Enform Safety Connect is now standard on all 2016 Lexus models.
There's a wide gap in ride and handling with the hybrid. Heated rear seats and rear-seat climate control are available as options. It comes only with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, and Lexus claims it will reach 60 mph in 7. The premium-upgrade 18-way seats are wonderfully supportive and include heating and ventilation, a feature we've grown to appreciate for almost year-round seat comfort. The F Sport models now have the option of Naguri Aluminum.
With a new model, however, you'll be the first owner, so you won't have to worry about the car's maintenance history. Remote Touch is also standard. You can turn the car on remotely from your phone. It's the more progressive steps forward with the adaptive suspension and active steering, combined into the F Sport package, that set a new benchmark for the brand. I can't believe Lexus hasn't improved on this by now. The driving experience is a little less direct for this model, though the availability of an F Sport package gives it a decidedly sporty flavor. Accelerating up to 60 mpg takes just 5.
Since owning this car my family has taken 2 short family trips and everyone was completely comfortable. Few cars on the road achieve this recognition. All-wheel drive models make gear changes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Other available features include a head-up display, night vision, and blind-spot monitors. To keep our reviews free from outside influence, we don't accept expensive gifts or trips from automakers, and the ads on our site are placed and sold by a third party. Rarely understands accurately what you're saying.