2016 Lexus RX
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,962–$46,036 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
We rate the 2016 Lexus RX's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
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.
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.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.