A Week With: 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD

We’ve already had the possibility to briefly expertise the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX practically a yr in the past, the luxurious automaker’s most-popular automobile. Now, we had the possibility to spend some high quality time with its hottest, and priciest, iteration: the Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD.

That is the fifth technology of Lexus’ pioneering crossover, and even in its quickest kind, it stays what it’s all the time been: a elegant, comfy crossover SUV with unmistakable functionality and the newest in expertise.

Overview

Nonetheless trying pretty acquainted, the Lexus RX returns with an entire redesign for 2023. Obtainable in Commonplace, Premium, RX-first Premium+, Luxurious, F Sport Dealing with and F Sport Efficiency trim, the latter is a brand new trim grade for 2023 and the only real subject of this writeup. 

F Sport Efficiency is a brand new tier of F Sport fashions, having debuted on the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency, and denoting a singular powertrain that distinguishes them from their lesser kinfolk by providing better efficiency.

Exterior

Whereas the greenhouse retains its distinctive look, the remainder of the RX receives some beauty surgical procedure, though it’s removed from a radical redo. Lexus’ trademark spindle grille — a form first seen on the 1961 Plymouth Fury — returns, albeit with the highest half included into the entrance fascia’s sheetmetal. The remainder is completed with a mesh grille, and nestled in a singular entrance bumper with 21-inch aluminum wheels sporting six-piston brake calipers and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

The rear is visually cleaner, with a less complicated, extra elegant look than the visually frenetic entrance.

Our automotive was completed in a putting copper paint end, bringing to thoughts the truth that 98% of the autos on the street at this time lack any type of coloration, as most autos are fished in black, grey, white or beige – aka milquetoast. This automotive’s paint is in concord with its efficiency intent.

Inside

Not like the 2022 mannequin, this latest Lexus doesn’t are available in extended-length three-row trim; solely two rows are provided because the forthcoming three-row Lexus TX is anticipated to fill that area of interest within the Lexus line-up. 

That stated the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD’s entrance bucket seats usually are not preferrred for individuals who are broader of beam or who any individual with a hint of broad shoulders. Solely the terribly emaciated will discover them passable as they function aggressive facet bolsters are just too slender for many corn-fed People. The seats alone could be a deal breaker for many consumers who must sit in entrance of them, not between them.

However that’s the one off-note, as this can be a much better cabin than earlier than. Inside high quality appears rather more in keeping with what’s anticipated in a Lexus. Being a top-of-the-line mannequin, our take a look at automobile was fitted with a big 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus’ latest working system. Designed in America fairly than Japan, it’s far simpler to make use of and rather more intuitive, though it appears sluggish to reply at instances. Nonetheless, the display screen is ready in a much more modern instrument panel design, one which feels much less claustrophobic than earlier than.

And whereas it’s a small factor, all F Sport fashions get an unique steering wheel and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

An even bigger factor resides out again; Simply wait till you see the cargo space. It measures a really beneficiant 29.6 cubic ft, increasing to 46.1 cubic ft with the rear seats folded. Payload is rated at 1,245 kilos. 

Powertrain

Constructed on Toyota’s new GA-Okay international platform, which is 198 kilos lighter than the previous RX platform, the 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency comes with a singular driveline: a 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder engine, twin everlasting magnet synchronouselectric motors, a 6-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive that’s efficiency oriented.

Lexus states the RX 500h F Sport Efficiency will run 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, making it the quickest RX mannequin. High pace is 130 mph. Regardless of the swiftness, this hybrid nonetheless manages to return 27 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 27 mph in mixed metropolis/freeway driving, in line with the EPA, though all 2023 Lexus RX fashions require premium gas. The remainder of the driveline is powered by a Nickel Metallic Hydride battery pack. We recorded 26.6 mpg in a 30/70 break up of metropolis and freeway driving. 

Towing is rated at 3,494 kilos with a trailer brake, 999 kilos with out it.

Security and Expertise

Whereas the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration has not crash examined the 2023 Lexus RX, the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security has, designating it a High Security Decide+, it’s highest security designation. 

As you may count on, the 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital smartphone key (obtainable as a part of a subscription), a head-up show, an elective 21-speaker Mark Levinson encompass sound audio system, and a slew of driver help security programs. They embody Secure Exit Help, Pre-Collision System, Proactive Driving Help, Highway Signal Help, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help, Lane Tracing Help, Brake Help, Computerized Excessive Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Management with Curve Velocity Administration and elective Visitors Jam Help.

Driving Impressions

There’s one quantity it’s a must to bear in mind when contemplating the 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD: 91. That’s the added horsepower it has over the usual RX driveline, because of the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack and two electrical motors that add the requisite punch. The entrance one is tucked between the fuel engine and 6-speed computerized transmission, whereas the rear one powers the axle instantly.

The result’s sprightly midsize luxurious CUV, one which’s sprightly off-the-line and at pace, the place the electrical motors conceal any semblance of turbo lag because of an abundance of low-end torque — 406 pound-feet to be actual. It offers the wanted thrust anticipated of a sporty machine, whereas delivering superior gas financial system when in comparison with its conventionally-powered siblings and opponents. 

The larger shock comes when it’s time to hustle this bus by the twisties. It’s there the place it proves to be surprisingly adept, with higher grip than you’d count on and minimal physique lean. There’s additionally an absence of extreme physique motions over bumps, a nice shock given its experience consolation. Talking of consolation, noise suppression is superb.

However its functionality when pushed is shocking, as steering suggestions is minimal, and it by no means fairly interprets into the pure driving pleasure of a sporting machine. It has the chops, there’s little doubt. Nevertheless it fails to click on by to your pleasure synapses in some way.

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD Specs

Wrap Up

Nonetheless, you probably have the scratch, that is the Lexus RX to think about, because it delivers a mixture of gas financial system and efficiency that’s lacking elsewhere within the RX line-up. That stated, an RX Plug-In Hybrid is coming for 2024, the RX 450h+, with an estimated 6.2 second 0-60 time – practically as quick because the 500h F Sport Efficiency. Higher but, the RX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 35-mile driving vary utilizing solely electrical energy. 

Both may very well be probably the most compelling Lexus RX but. 

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport ­— Often Requested Questions

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