2016 Lexus RX — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 Lexus RX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $37,962–$46,036
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Lexus RX

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$37,962–$46,036

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Lexus RX

The 2016 Lexus RX is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 9.0/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.7/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $37,962–$46,036, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus RX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 9.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Lexus RX will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2016 Lexus RX ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,962 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

Which RX Year Should You Buy?

Across the RX model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.5/10$51,448 Read review →
2025 8.5/10$51,448 Read review →
2024 8.3/10$49,950 Read review →
2023 8.4/10$48,451 Read review →
2022 8.3/10$46,953 Read review →
2021 8.2/10$45,454 Read review →
2020 8.3/10$43,956 Read review →
2019 8.2/10$42,457 Read review →
2018 8.1/10$40,959 Read review →
2017 7.9/10$39,460 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.9/10$37,962
2015 7.9/10$36,463 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Lexus RX

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2016 Lexus RX

Is the 2016 Lexus RX reliable?

We rate the 2016 Lexus RX's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2016 Lexus RX worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2016 Lexus RX cost?

The 2016 Lexus RX starts at $37,962 and ranges up to $46,036 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

More Lexus Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.