The RX500h Lexus F Sport Performance is the top-of-the-line model among the ten trims available for the 2023 Lexus RX. As a result, it gets a high-output 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with front and rear electric motors, a six-speed automated gearbox, and a model-specific all-wheel-drive system with torque split adjustment from 70/30 to 20/80. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor powered by a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. The F Sport Performance trim shares its adaptive variable suspension and six-piston front brake calipers with the RX350 F Sport Handling trim, but the aforementioned rear-wheel steering separates it from all RX models.
- DRIVE MODE SELECT (SPORT,
ECO AND NORMAL MODEL)
- WHEELS:
21” F SPORT PERFORMANCE ALLOY
- HEATED
AND VENTILATED FRONT SEATS
- F
SPORT SMOOTH LEATHER SEAT TRIM
- MONOTONE
PAINT APPLICATION
- 14” HD TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY
F SPORT ULTRA WHITE
The RX's turbocharged and hybridized powertrain is unique in the SUV's model lineup, making it the fastest midsize Lexus ever. The RX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, thanks to a combined output of 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That's not sluggish by any means, but the F Sport Performance moniker implies the flashy ute should be. Despite its racing prowess, the RX500h feels speedy in everyday driving. The electric motors are quite sensitive, and the engine easily engages and disengages. Dipping into the accelerator to initiate a passing maneuver results in rapid downshifts and a thrusty torque deployment. When it came to legality, we never felt it ran out of steam.
The steering feel is excellent. It's hefty, but it's also quite accurate, making it simple to keep the RX500h in its lane on a freeway or winding road. In parking lots, where the back wheels may spin up to four degrees in the opposite direction as the fronts to reduce the turning radius, the rear steering is immediately evident. For enhanced stability and agility at greater speeds, the rears turn up to four degrees in the same direction as the fronts. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package of active driver aid technology is included on every 2023 RX. It has autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and motorbike recognition, as well as junction support.
