Review Considers the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport As The Best Lexus RX
It is hard to imagine now, but when the Lexus RX first appeared in 1997, the concept of a unibody SUV was so new that people didn’t know what to make of it. In fact, Lexus launched the RX with an ad campaign likening the RX 300 to a UFO with grainy images of the RX driving on a desert road in the distance accompanied by clips of people describing seeing this strange and unknown thing. And that was when the RX had a soft, friendly, egg-shape with a smiling grille. The RX quickly went on to become Lexus’ best-selling model.
But along the way, and after several design generations, the RX appears more aggressive with a signature spindle grille, slim headlights, and sharp creases about its body. The RX 500 F-Sport Performance, in particular, has a distinct predatory look about it. Had those initial ads shown the 2023 RX 500 F-Sport Performance instead, people would have dropped their cameras and fled to their prepper shelters. Curious if its bite matches its bark, The Detroit Bureau sampled an RX 500h F-Sport Performance AWD for a week and decided that it does.
A Distinctly High-Performance Hybrid
As a quick review, the 500h F-Sport Performance has a unique drivetrain in the RX hybrid lineup. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder inline-4 is combined with dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors and connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive results from one of those motors being mounted between the rear wheels. The whole setup is distinctly performance-oriented. It has 91 more horsepower than the standard RX models for a total of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Motors and Turbos Make a Good Match
The Detroit Bureau was noticeably impressed, pointing out that the electric motors more than compensate for any turbo lag to provide “the needed thrust expected of a sporty machine while delivering superior fuel economy when compared to its conventionally-powered siblings and competitors.“ They were even more surprised at its handling, stating that it’s “surprisingly adept, with better grip than you’d expect and minimal body lean. There’s also a lack of excessive body motions over bumps, a pleasant surprise given its ride comfort.”
Yes, But What About…
They do point out a lack of steering feedback that keeps it from feeling like a pure sport machine, but that may not be a bad thing in what is still, at its core, a luxury crossover. Overall, their only real hesitation in recommending the RX 500h F-Sport is the recent emergence of the 2024 RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid. Its 0-60 acceleration of 6.2 seconds falls just short of the F-Sport’s 5.9 time, but it also has an EPA-estimated EV 35-mile driving range.
If you are looking for an efficient but high-performance luxury crossover, your only choice may have to be between these two RX models, particularly as both have a similar starting MSRP. Examples of both can be found in Lexus of Las Vegas’ inventory, so come by and try them both out.