2026 Lexus RX 350 in Oakland: The Luxury Midsize SUV That Defined the Category

The Lexus RX practically invented the luxury midsize crossover when it launched in the late 1990s, and the 2026 RX 350 makes a convincing argument that it hasn’t lost a step in the decades since. It remains one of the best-selling luxury SUVs in America — not because of inertia, but because Lexus keeps getting the fundamentals right: a refined, quiet cabin, a genuinely comfortable ride, a strong reliability record, and a feature set that competes with vehicles costing tens of thousands more.

Coliseum Lexus of Oakland carries the 2026 RX 350 at 7273 Oakport Street. We serve Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and the greater East Bay. Come in and drive one.

What Powers the 2026 RX 350

The RX 350 runs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims; all-wheel drive is a $1,600 option and comes standard on the F Sport Handling. That turbocharged engine delivers responsive, confident power in real-world driving — merging onto I-880, navigating the Bay Bridge approach, or settling into a comfortable freeway cruise toward the peninsula.

EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in at 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined for the FWD configuration, and 21 / 28 / 24 for AWD — among the better numbers in the gas-powered luxury midsize SUV class. If fuel economy is a higher priority, the RX 350h hybrid achieves an estimated 37 city / 34 highway with AWD standard.

Six Trim Levels: Finding the Right RX 350 for You

The 2026 RX 350 is offered in six trims, each adding meaningfully to the feature set without leaving the lower ones feeling stripped.

The RX 350 base starts around $49,725 and comes well-equipped with heated front seats, synthetic leather, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard — the full suite of advanced driver assistance features including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering steering.

The RX 350 Premium around $51,900 adds ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and open-pore wood trim. The RX 350 Premium+ builds on that with an available head-up display and automated parking.

The RX 350 Luxury around $60,445 is where the RX reaches a genuinely premium interior — semi-aniline leather seating, heated and ventilated rear seats, a head-up display as standard, and a panoramic sunroof. The RX 350 F Sport Design adds 21-inch wheels and F Sport interior and exterior accents for buyers who want the sportier look without the sport-tuned suspension. The top gas-powered trim, RX 350 F Sport Handling around $58,500, adds a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension and standard AWD — the variant for buyers who want the RX 350’s comfort with a sharper edge.

Technology and Safety Standard Across the Lineup

Every 2026 RX 350 comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 — no trim exceptions. That means forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-centering steering, adaptive cruise control, emergency steering assist, oncoming vehicle detection, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors are all included at the base trim. A wireless phone charger is now standard across the lineup for 2026.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system on the 9.8-inch or available larger screen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected Lexus services. Available features on upper trims include a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, automated parking assist, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, and a digital rearview mirror. Three-year trials of Remote Connect and Drive Connect subscriptions are included at purchase.

The RX in the East Bay Context

For Oakland and East Bay buyers, the RX 350 fits the everyday reality particularly well. It’s sized to manage BART-adjacent street parking, Oakland’s hills, and the stop-and-go of I-580 and I-880 without demanding anything extra from the driver. The ride quality absorbs what Bay Area roads deliver — which is saying something. And the cabin’s quietness at freeway speed is the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re doing the San Mateo Bridge commute or the weekend run up to Napa.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Lexus RX 350

What is the starting price of the 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The base RX 350 starts around $49,725 including destination. The Luxury trim is around $60,445. Contact Coliseum Lexus for current pricing and any available Lexus incentives.

Does the 2026 RX 350 come with all-wheel drive?

AWD is a $1,600 option on most trims and standard on the F Sport Handling. All hybrid RX variants have standard AWD.

What safety features are standard on the 2026 RX 350?

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on every trim — forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-centering steering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors are all included at the base level.

How does the RX 350 compare to the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE?

The RX 350 starts significantly below both — the X5 and GLE each start around $70,000. The RX delivers a refined, comfortable experience with exceptional Lexus reliability. The X5 and GLE offer more powertrain options and a more driver-focused character at a higher price point.

Can I test drive the 2026 RX 350 at Coliseum Lexus of Oakland?

Yes — contact us at (510) 671-8038 or visit us at 7273 Oakport Street to schedule a test drive or check current RX 350 inventory.

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