The 2016 Lexus RX represented a bold redesign for the luxury crossover, and at its heart lies an impressive powertrain that balances performance with efficiency. The standard engine in the 2016 RX 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS) producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque - a notable 25 hp increase over the previous generation. This naturally aspirated powerplant features an aluminum block and heads, with Toyota's advanced Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) system that optimizes valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. The hybrid RX 450h pairs a modified version of this V6 with electric motors for a combined 308 horsepower, delivering impressive fuel economy ratings of 31/28/30 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the FWD version. All 2016 RX 350 models come equipped with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 6-speed from previous generations - a welcome upgrade that improved both acceleration and fuel efficiency.
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#rx350 engine
#2016 lexus parts
#lexus v6 engine
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I've worked with dozens of these engines over the years, and the 2016 RX powerplant is truly a sweet spot in Lexus engineering. The 3.5L V6 (engine code 2GR-FKS) utilizes an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder sleeves - a design that balances weight savings with durability. One thing most owners don't realize is how the D-4S fuel injection system works - it's actually a dual-injection setup that combines both direct and port injection, giving you the best of both worlds. At lower RPMs, it leans on port injection for smoother operation and fewer carbon deposits, then seamlessly transitions to direct injection under load for better power and efficiency. The compression ratio sits at 11.8:1, which is pretty aggressive for a non-turbo engine. I've seen these engines regularly hit 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Zero to 60 mph comes in about 7.7 seconds for the FWD model and 7.9 seconds for AWD variants - not sports car territory, but plenty quick for merging and passing. The engine's torque curve is nicely flat, with peak torque available from around 4,700 RPM, giving it that responsive feel around town that Lexus owners expect.
After working on these engines for years, I've noticed a few patterns worth sharing. While the 2016 RX engine is remarkably reliable, it's not without its quirks. The water pump is a weak point I've replaced more often than Toyota would like to admit - typically failing around 60-80K miles. You'll notice coolant leaks near the front of the engine or potentially an intermittent temperature gauge spike. Don't ignore these symptoms! A $600-800 water pump replacement is much cheaper than the $3500+ head gasket job that can result from overheating. Another issue I've encountered is carbon buildup on the intake valves. Despite the dual injection system, some carbon accumulation is inevitable, especially if you do lots of short trips. If you're experiencing rough idle or hesitation around 2000-3000 RPM, this might be your culprit. A good Italian tune-up (driving at higher RPMs occasionally) can help, but sometimes professional walnut shell blasting is needed to restore performance. As for maintenance, I strongly recommend changing the oil every 5,000 miles with full synthetic 0W-20 - forget that 10,000-mile interval nonsense in the manual. The timing chain is designed to last the life of the engine, but I've seen them stretch past 150K miles, especially if oil changes were neglected. Listen for a slight rattle on cold starts that disappears once warm - that's your early warning sign. One maintenance item people often overlook is the transmission fluid. Lexus claims it's 'lifetime,' but that's marketing talk. I suggest a drain and fill (not a flush) every 60,000 miles. Use only Toyota WS fluid - I've seen aftermarket fluids cause shift issues. And while you're at it, change the engine air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles - it's an easy DIY job that takes 5 minutes and helps maintain proper air/fuel ratios. Trust me, these small investments pay off in the long run with these engines.
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