The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance SUV
What is a RX 500h? The RX 500h is a luxury midsize hybrid SUV built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and sold worldwide by Lexus. Building on more than 20 years of hybrid technology and experience, the RX 500h edition introduces a new hybrid electric drive system for the Lexus brand. The 2023 RX 500h mates a high torque 2.4L liter inline 4 cylinder gas turbo engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission, and an electric hybrid motor in the eAxle rear differential, that turns it into a Direct4 all wheel drive SUV.
The RX 500h F Sport turbocharged and hybridized power train is unique within this models midsize SUV class and it is the fasted ever version of the RX SUV. With a combined output of 366 horsepower (HP) and 406 lb-ft of torque, the RX 500h goes from 0 to 60 MPH in only 5.9 seconds. This is a very quick SUV with a lot of luxury features.
This week Lexus sent me a 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this F Sport model is $61,600. The options on the test SUV are: the 120 volt AC inverter for $550, the digital key for $275, the digital rearview mirror for $200, the power remote folding rear seats for $550, the heated and ventilated rear seats for $680, the premium triple beam LED headlights for $1,565, the panorama glass moonroof for $500, the 14″ touch screen center stack display for $1,105, the power rear lift gate with kick sensor for $150, the special paint for $595, the advance park assist for $250, the panoramic surround view monitor for $800, the traffic jam assist package for $620, the rear carpeted cargo mat for $150, and the rear bumper appliqué for $90. The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price plus the $1,150 delivery charge, is: $70,830.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the total out the door and in your garage purchase price came to: $79,684. At just under $80 Grand this 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance SUV is above the $75,000 threshold to be included in the luxury SUV class; which it should be as Lexus has always meant Luxury.
Since “Luxury” is Lexus’ middle name, they start with a long list of premium options such as; heated and ventilated leather trimmed power adjustable front bucket seats, a multi-zone climate control system with automatic recirculation modes, thematic ambient lighting, driver’s seat memory with steering wheel and outside mirrors position, a wireless charging pad, LED headlamps, a power tilt and sliding power moonroof, a set of black roof rails, a 12 speaker premium sound system, and my all time favorite, head up display (HUD).
The F Sport Performance package adds: aluminum interior accents, opposed 6 piston front disc brake calipers, an adaptive variable suspension, dynamic rear steering, black brake calipers, a set of 21″ gloss black alloy wheels, and high performance tires.
Let’s not forget about all the cool stuff Lexus includes with the 500h models: wireless Apple Car Play, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 10 smart airbags, engine start and stop technology, intuitive parking with automatic braking, safe exit assist, lane tracing, road sign recognition, all speed dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed control and lane departure alert with steering assist.
The RX 500h is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon (MPG), with 27 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The greenhouse gas rating is a 5, and the smog rating is a 7; both out of 10. With a total driving range of 482 miles, you can make it all the way to Los Angeles on a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas. These are very good numbers overall.
The Lexus RX model name stands for Radiant Crossover. The word Radiant represents the bright new future Lexus envisioned for the car’s launch at the start of the Millennium. This model was the first sports utility vehicle (SUV) that marked a Crossover X point between a luxury sedan and an off road capable vehicle. Today, the RX models are the number one best selling luxury midsize crossover SUV’s for sale in all of America.
Call, click or visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review on the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Lexus RX starts at only $47,800. Lexus – Experience Amazing.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, take care, drive safely, and enjoy the ride – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net