2023 Lexus Rx500h Review

2023 Lexus Rx500h Review – 2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD First Drive Review: The new 366-hp hybrid four-wheel drive and new hybrid engine distinguish the most powerful RX on sale today.

The RX 2023 with the hardest name to remember is the best model in the lineup. Officially named the 2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD, this luxury SUV is the most powerful RX you can buy, and the perfect blend of luxury and sport. It’s also hybrid and tops the line with four new RX models. With the new 2023 RX, having a big number in its name is great if you can appreciate what Lexus does.

2023 Lexus Rx500h Review

Simple version: the RX350h is the solid one, the RX450h+ is the one that thinks it’s electric (plug-in hybrid) and the RX500h is the sport one. This is part of the reason why the RX500h is sold as an F Sport Performance model; any quality is happier byproduct than point.

Lexus Rx Revealed

We haven’t seen the Toyota-Lexus 2.4-liter turbo I-4 in a hybrid engine yet. By itself, the engine produces the same 275 hp as in the regular RX350. Add an inverter and rear axle drive and you’re looking at a combined 366 horsepower. Unlike other RX hybrids, the RX500h has a unique AWD system called Direct4, which can distribute torque from front to rear in milliseconds and split between 70/30 front/back to 20/80. We’re eager to follow the system as thoroughly as we can, but in the meantime, we know that one benefit of the system—probably when driven at reasonable speeds—is the way the automaker says it reduces body roll. .

This stands out to us because body control is an issue we’ve noticed with the Lexus NX, a small SUV that rides on the same platform. Unlike the RX350h that uses a CVT and the RX350 that gets an eight-speed automatic, the RX500h sticks with a six-speed automatic to maintain weight and size, Lexus said. The transmission works well in the RX500h, which, despite its name of F Sport Performance, does not forget that the RX is an SUV first – this is not the requested supra-SUV.

At least on the smooth roads where we drove the RX500h, there’s a softness to the suspension in standard driving mode that suggests Lexus wants more of a reliable luxury sports car than a canyon carver. We found more steering feel in the standard RX350, but the RX500h remains comfortable and easy to handle thanks to the powerful, artificial engine noise that spills into the cabin and the Dynamic Rear steering system.

In the rear-wheel drive technology of the RX500h model, this means that the rear wheel can turn up to 4 degrees in the same direction as the front or in the opposite direction depending on the speed. For example, turn your car into a lane at city speed and the rear can rotate in the opposite direction as the front to make the SUV feel comfortable. Driving the RX separately on the same day and on the same track, we discovered a subtle difference in quality with the rear-wheel drive system. This is not the first time Lexus has offered this technology, which is also available from rivals such as Mercedes and Genesis. Either way, the RX500h version is good and, unlike the Direct4 system, something owners can appreciate on a regular basis. However, what we want in the future is more than 4 degrees of rotation to further enhance the experience.

Find All 2023+ Lexus Rx First Drive Reviews Here!

Accelerating to 60 mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds isn’t fast these days, but it’s the fastest 2023 RX on offer today. And in most situations, the RX500h offers more than what drivers need for any situation. What makes the product unique is how it does all this while delivering an estimated 27/28 mpg city/highway. That’s pretty good when you consider all the power and features the RX500h packs, especially compared to the RX350 AWD’s 21/28 figures. Yes, the 246-horsepower RX350h hybrid comes in at 37/34 mpg and has a greater driving range, but this model sends more vibrations through its pedals than the RX500h.

With the almost natural braking of the RX500h, you don’t have to worry about it being a hybrid. Just appreciate the extra power without any sacrifice in fuel economy compared to the RX350. If you’ve ever wanted more fun from your mid-size SUV without going full RS, AMG or M, try the RX500h. The RX has been leading the way for Lexus since it first appeared on the scene, and now the new fifth generation model introduces a new look on the “spindle” design of the grille. With a body-colored top, the face of the 2023 RX is an interesting evolution of the unassuming Lexus look found in the lineup. Whatever you think of the new design, the new RX is set to expand the luxury SUV segment with new powertrains that include a plug-in hybrid and a new 367-horsepower RX500h F Sport Performance variant. – the setup of all Lexus vehicles is called Direct4.

Rumors suggest that Lexus will introduce a new three-door crossover called the TX in the future, so we don’t think the previous “L” RX model will return this time. This will allow the RX to occupy the two-row crossover space somewhere between the small and medium size that has proven successful for this model throughout its history. With a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, the new RX promises more rear seat space, but it’s longer overall, meaning its overhangs are shorter and its size is more sporty.

Toyota’s GA-K architecture, shared with several models including the Highlander, RAV4 and the smaller Lexus NX, underlies the new RX. Lexus claims the new model is 198 pounds lighter than before, and a revised multi-link rear suspension improves the RX’s ride and handling.

Lexus Rx Debuts With Bold Styling, Available Plug In Hybrid Powertrains

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the previous RX350 and RX450h is gone, replaced by a variety of four-cylinder engines that include the base gas engine and four-cylinder variants. three different types. The RX350 has a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque; as in the NX350, this engine is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The RX350h uses Toyota’s usual hybrid setup with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four and an electric combination to produce 246 hp; it comes standard with all vehicles and will achieve 33 mpg combined, 3 mpg better than the old RX450h’s V-6 hybrid setup.

Things are starting to get interesting with the new RX500h Sports Performance model. Meant to deliver the same performance level as the V-8-powered IS500, this version of the RX has a new hybrid system with a turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission instead of manual transmission. . conventional Toyota hybrid engine. It produces a total of 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and Lexus says the all-wheel drive system, called Direct4, includes a more powerful electric motor at the rear axle meant to boost performance. control. .

There is also an RX450h+ model with an electric-in-hybrid system. Lexus didn’t provide specifics, but we assume it will have a similar configuration to the 302 horsepower NX450h+ and Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV. The NX plug-in offers an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 37 miles, so the RX PHEV should be somewhere close to that.

Trim levels for the lower models will include base, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, while the RX500h F Sport Performance will top the range. 19-inch wheels are standard across the board, with 21-inch wheels optional. The redesigned interior is similar to the NX and is available with an option of a 14.0-inch touchscreen that drives Lexus’ latest infotainment system. Interior color options include six different colors, including red and brown, while bamboo, open wood and aluminum will be available.

Lexus Rx 500h F Sport Performance

We expect the base price of the 2023 RX to be slightly higher than the outgoing RX350’s starting price of $46,995. The RX350h hybrid is likely to start around $50,000, while the RX450h+ could be closer to $60,000. There’s no mention of the RX500h F Sport Performance model, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it hit the $70,000 range. Lexus says the new RX will go on sale later this year.

This content was imported from search. You can get the same content in a different format, or you can find more information on their website.

Insult? Camaro EV SUV May Look Like 2023 Toyota Prius Costs $2,375 More Than 2023 Toyota Prius Specs Revealed Toyota Prius Goes to 60 MPH in 3.4 Seconds

Shelby Estate Wins Eleanor Mustang Lawsuit IIHS Proves Crash Test Can Handle Large EV 2024 Mazda CX-90 Will Offer Plug-in Hybrid

Redesigned 2023 Lexus Rx First Look

2023 lexus rx, lexus lx 2023, 2023 lexus es 350, 2023 lexus is350, 2023 lexus gx, lexus 2023, 2023 lexus rx 350, 2023 lexus is, lexus rx500h, 2023 lexus es, 2023 lexus gx 460, 2023 lexus is 350 f sport