2016 Lexus RX 450h: Razor-sharp lines stand out from the hybrid pack (pictures)

The RX model is Lexus' five-passenger luxury SUV, a very successful car for Toyota's upscale brand. It seats five passengers and essentially serves as a luxury sedan replacement.

For the 2016 model year, Lexus gives the RX 450h, the hybrid-drive version of the RX model, a drastic styling change, which includes this massive grille.

The RX 450h uses a 3.5-liter engine complemented by an electric-drive system, giving the SUV 308-horsepower total system output and fuel economy averaging close to 30 mpg.

The F-Sport version of the RX 450h gets these custom wheels and a mechanically adaptive suspension, firming up the dampers in its Sport Plus drive mode.

The styling change includes this floating roof, an effect achieved by blacking out a portion of the rear pillar.

The standard RX 450h comes in front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive formats, while the F-Sport trim is only all-wheel drive.

The RX 450h offers good cargo space flexibility, and its nickel metal-hydride battery pack does not intrude on the cabin.

Molded sport seats in the F-Sport version have modest bolsters, keeping you in place without being intrusive.

Lexus increased the rear-seat legroom for the 2016 model year.

Electric power-steering tuning adds more heft to the wheel, making for a more satisfying driving experience.

The F-Sport version of the RX 450h gets this single-gauge instrument cluster. The power gauge turns to a tachometer when in Sport or Sport Plus modes.

The shifter electronically selects drive modes, as the RX 450h does not use a traditional gearbox.

The joystick on the left controls infotainment, while the dial on the right selects drive modes.

A 12.3-inch screen shows off infotainment functions.

The screen can be set to full-screen or split-screen view.