2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

David Colman

WOW, an F Sport Designation for an SUV

Photos and Story By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

It may seem counterintuitive for Lexus to label an SUV weighing 4,793 pounds as an F Sport variant. Until now, the company has reserved that vaunted appellation for cutting-edge sports versions of its 2-seat roadsters and four seat performance sedans. But with the 2023 advent of an all-new RX line of 2-row, 5-passenger SUVs, Lexus has seized the opportunity to offer their first ever F Sport version of an RX.

In order to understand what differentiates this newborn F Sport from its less performance-oriented RX siblings, note that for 2023, Lexus has eliminated the previously standard V6 from the RX line in favor of turbocharged 4-cylinder motors. The base RX 350's new 2.4-liter turbo 4 makes 275hp. A less powerful, but more economical 246hp hybrid model designated RX 350h is also available.

But for the top line RX 500h F Sport, Lexus pairs the 2.4 liter turbo gas engine with a pair of electric motors to produce 366hp and a whopping 406lb.-ft. of torque. This explosive combination propels the RX F Sport through the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at 97mph after posting a 0-60mph run of 5.2 seconds. Scintillating bursts of acceleration play an ethereal tune. The twin electrics whine as the turbo 4 spools up.

"Direct 4" all-wheel-drive insures that all corners of the F Sport are achieving maximum grip when you nail the throttle. Lexus equips the RS 500h with a six-speed automatic transmission, but due to the immediate responsiveness of the power pack, there's never a need to resort to gear-changes for better acceleration. Hence, the absence of paddle shifters is inconsequential.

RX 500h specification up-sizes wheels to 21 inch diameter. These satin charcoal alloys are shod with Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S all weather radials (235/50R21 M+S) with an ultra long-life rating of TW 500. The F Sport package adds Adaptive Variable Suspension to the strut front/ multilink rear system. But the real stroke of genius comes in the form of 4-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels up to four degrees. This in turn reduces the turning radius by 1.7 feet, a real bonus when you're trying to maneuver this plus size vehicle in tight spaces. Another bonus in the F Sport portfolio is a set of mega-size front disc brakes. The 15.7 inch ventilated front binders utilize no fewer than six "opposed piston" black calipers to stop the RX 500h. That's more stopping power than Porsche used on their Le Mans-winning 917s.

The cargo space inside this Lexus is wonderfully easy to convert from passenger status to cargo hauler. We highly recommend the selection of optional ($550) power rear seats to ease the transition from people bus to goods storage. Electrification allows you to make the conversion via buttons located on the outside of each rear (40/20/40 split) seat, or use the pair of duplicate buttons conveniently located on the left side wall of the rear storage compartment. Given the size of the 46 cubic foot cargo space (rear seats folded), the RX 500h provided the easiest vehicle we have ever used to insert/remove/transport a full size bicycle.

We were initially baffled when searching for the F Sport Drive Mode selector. Until now, all Lexus F Sports have provided clearly labeled, immediately accessible knobs or buttons to adjust the suspension. We finally realized that Lexus has folded this essential tool into the on-screen menu. This is an unfortunate choice, which requires diverting your attention from the road to the screen just when you least need such diversion. The F Sport Drive Mode selector needs its own stand-alone knob control. It’s just as important as a fixed radio volume knob.

The F Sport's interior is otherwise perfectly suited to comfortable, serene long distance driving. In particular, we enjoyed the exceptional lateral support provided by the F Sport's heavily side-bolstered front seats. The interior demonstrates Lexus's expected good taste in material selection. The monochromatic front seating surfaces are intricately contrived, with a pleasing combination of vertical and horizontal seams. F Sport aluminum interior accents add to the businesslike feel. But we would definitely recommend against spending $200 for the optional digital rear view mirror, which always seems out-of-focus and confusing. In fact, 16 optional upgrades swelled the $61,600 base price of our test RX swelled to $$69,780. The only one we would happily pay extra for was $595 for the RX 500h's amazing Special Color: "Copper Crest." It's a metallic honey you'll never forget.

2023 LEXUS RX 500h F SPORT

ENGINE: 2.4 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve + 2 AC Motors
HORSEPOWER: 366hp (combined)
TORQUE: 406lb.-ft. (combined)
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 27MPG City/28 MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $70,830

HYPES: Incredibly Quick, Just As Useful

GRIPES: Drive Mode Requires Digital Selection

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2023 David E Colman