Meet the new flagship of the Lexus RX lineup: the first-ever Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance. As you'd expect, with the flagship title the RX 500h shoulders a hefty responsibility for an SUV that's been the automaker's top seller globally for years now. I'm happy to report it's more than up to the task - as it's the most powerful RX to hit the road. (I test drove it briefly earlier this year and I'm happy to say my initial good impressions held true.)
Exterior
My review vehicle certainly isn't shy about its status. It wears a statement-making Sonic Copper paint. It's also decked out in F Sport exclusive elements bumper to bumper. F Sport styling includes exclusive front and rear bumpers, a piano black F Sport mesh grille, F Sport Gloss Black roof rails and side-view mirrors, and 21-inch matte black wheels. F Sport dark chrome window trim and color-keyed side rocker panels are also part of the package. As is F Sport badging.
The F Sport treatment also includes F Sport black brake calipers and 6-piston front brake calipers.
Up front, my review vehicle has the optional Triple-Beam LED headlights. LED fog lights are standard.
In back, Lexus's new design language is on full display with an LED blade tail light along with LEXUS new lettered logo.
Powertrain
The RX 500h moves. It delightfully quick to accelerate thanks to a high-torque 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with two electric motors. This hybrid powertrain is new to the brand and it delivers 366-horses and a fantastic 406 pound-feet of torque which really gets the power moving to the rear wheels for that quick acceleration. Lexus cites a 0-60 is 5.9 seconds compared to the RX 350h AWD's 7.4 seconds. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
Interior
The interior is, of course, exceptional. Soft-touch materials abound along with excellent switchgear. A multi-level dash and multi-textured door panels with ultra-suede inserts and Mark Levinson speakers add interest. F Sport aluminum pedals greet your feet. You'll find some glossy black and Dark Graphite aluminum trim in here, too.
The perforated leather upholstery looks and feels great. The 8-way power F Sport front seats with side bolsters are very comfortable and both front seats are heated and ventilated.
An F Sport perforated leather-wrapped heated steering wheel is home to a variety of controls. Above the steering wheel you'll see a digital driver's display and above that a 10-inch head-up display with nice grahpics.
The center stack consists of a huge multimedia screen (more on that later) and haptic controls for various climate settings along with a few dials to control the temperature and volume. A nicely padded center console opens from both sides as is usual in Lexus vehicles. On the center console you'll find your a short gear shift, and various controls for things like auto brake hold and the electric parking brake, USB-C ports and cupholders.
Standard features include multi-zone climate, thematic ambient lighting, and a wireless charger.
An optional panoramic moonroof above would be a must for me. As is the incredible 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Second-row passengers will enjoy comfortable seats (plus this vehicle has optional heated and ventilated rear seats.) You do lose a bit of headroom due to stadium seating. Second row passengers are treated to standard manual rear sunshades, their own digital A/C controls and a drop-down center control with storage, albeit very small cupholders.
One fantastic optional feature are this model's power reclining rear seats. You can power fold them down using controls on the seats, or controls in the cargo area and also from within the multimedia system. There is plenty of cargo space in the back and you can opt for a $300 carpet cargo mat. My review vehicles power rear door with kick sensor is optional.
Technology
A 14-inch multi-media touchscreen runs the new, user-friendly, Lexus Interface multimedia system that's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and more.
The touchscreen delivers great graphics and is very responsive. The map quality looks terrific, while rear view camera quality is just okay. This also has an optional Panoramic View Monitor.
Connectivity features include USB-C ports and an available AT&T hotspot.
Ride and Drive
The RX 500h is really a story about performance. It delivers quick acceleration and its F SPORT–tuned Adaptive Variable suspension feels terrific. Steering is responsive especially in Sport mode. It's a composed, confident ride that's quiet, too, as you'd expect of a Lexus.
On my wish list: a knob to access the drive modes. Instead you get to them through the multimedia screen.
Safety
The RX 500h is equipped with LSS 3.0+, a great advanced driver assistance suite which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist.
The RX 500h is also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking.
Options and What You’ll Pay
My test drive vehicle might have the longest list of options I've yet to see on a review car. The list is so long I'll bullet point them for full effect:
- 120V AC Inverter ($550)
- Cold Area Package ($100)
- Digital Key ($275 and also required an additional subscription)
- Digital Rearview Mirror ($200)
- Power Rear Seats ($550)
- Heated and Ventilated Rear Seats ($680)
- Premium Triple-Beam LED headlights ($1,565)
- Panoramic Glass Moonroof ($500)
- Upgraded Mark Levinson Sound System with larger 14-inch display ($2,265)
- Power rear door with kick sensor ($150.00)
- Advanced Park ($595)
- Special Color ($800)
- Panoramic View Monitor ($620)
- Traffic Jam Assist ($620)
- Carpet Cargo Mat ($300)
- Illuminated Cargo Sills ($300)
- Side Puddle Lamps ($175)
All these options take you from around $62K to $72,475.
Verdict
The sporty Lexus RX 500h lives up to its name as the new flagship of the RX lineup with its terrific performance and style.
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- What I Liked Most: Performance. Luxurious interior. Multimedia system. Mark Levinson sound.
- What I would change: Make the drive modes accessible outside the multimedia system.
- MSRP: Base price: $61,600;As equipped: $72,475.
- Fuel Economy: 27 city/ 28 highway/27 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 4,375 miles.
- Curb Weight: 4,750 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-size spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 192.52” long/75.6/67.3" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side. (Premium fuel is recommended.)
- Official Color: Sonic Copper($800).
- Towing Capacity: 3,494 pounds.
- 2023 RX 500h in a few words: The most fun you'll have in an RX.
- Warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles Basic Warranty; 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
