Teddyleung/Getty ImagesLexus introduced the F Sport trim as a way to introduce sharper handling and more aggressive styling to its standard luxury lineup for buyers who don't want fully-fledged F models, like the V8-powered IS F and RC F, which represent the brand's highest factory-engineered performance. The F Sport name has appeared across a wide range of Lexus models since its 2008 IS F sedan, but today, it doesn't mean the same thing on every vehicle. Depending on which model you're looking at, F Sport can be a trim level, a handling package, a performance package, or even a combination of the three.According to Lexus' own 2013 press materials, the primary distinction of F Sport vehicles is their factory-installed suspension calibration, which gives the cars sharper handling and feel compared to standard trims. Every F Sport model also receives more aggressive exterior styling – including mesh grilles and sportier bumpers — and gets sporty interior trim, including upgraded seats, aluminum pedals, and an F Sport steering wheel — but additional features vary from model to model. Most new Lexus models continue to offer F Sport trims — each with different, confusing tiers. The only exceptions include the LC 500 grand tourer and the rugged GX SUV.Read more: The Pros And Cons Of Making The Switch To A Lithium Starter BatteryWhat does the F Sport package include?LexusFor the IS 350 sedan, for example, the F Sport grade pairs the 311-horsepower V6 with AWD and a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen. A Special Appearance Package limited to 350 North American units is also available for 2026 F Sport IS models, adding features such as Hakugin Matte White paint, Black BBS forged alloy wheels, and Mark Levinson audio.AdvertisementAdvertisementLexus' TX three-row SUV offers three separate F Sport tiers: Handling, Performance Premium, and Performance Luxury. They all include "F Sport" badges on the steering wheel and seats as well as a leather-trimmed shift knob, but each adds its own specific tweaks. For example, F Sport Handling features on the lower TX 350 and adds all-wheel-drive and Adaptive Variable Suspension, while F Sport Performance Premium and Luxury – exclusive on 366-hp hybrid TX500h – combine AWD and F Sport accents throughout the interior with exclusive dynamic rear steering. Similarly, the midsize RX SUV is available in Handling, Performance, and Design F Sport configurations, but again, the F Sport Performance trim is tied to the RX 500h and includes dynamic rear steering. The LX flagship SUV has also joined the F Sport frenzy with an F Sport Handling grade and an available Appearance Package for 2026. And the NX compact SUV also carries an F Sport option, making it one of the more accessible entry points into the F Sport lineup. It's worth keeping in mind that F Sport is a styling and handling upgrade — not a powertrain one. If you're shopping for Lexus' most powerful factory-built vehicles, that's F model territory. In this case, you'd be looking at the now-discontinued old-school IS 500 F Sport Performance and the RC F with naturally aspirated V8s, which represent the modern performance ceiling for the nameplates.Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and follow us or add us as a preferred search source on Google.Read the original article on Jalopnik.