It can be argued that Lexus birthed the luxury crossover segment around the world with the original RX. The car was a spacious two-row SUV that came with all the bells and whistles that Lexus cars are known for, back in 1998. But since that moniker has been associated with the car it has always been perceived to be focused towards being more utilitarian and practical, rather than something that will put a grin on your face. Over the years, Lexus worked on improving it leaving us with something entirely opposite of that perception with the 2023 RX 500h F Sport Performance. And this is serious news because the hybrid SUV packs 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, from a ‘family crossover’.

And when the maker of the greatest sports car Japan ever made focuses on performance, we have to pause and take notice. So here’s everything you need to know about the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance.

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance: Performance

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance Exterior View Driving Shot
Via: Lexus

The Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance gets a 271-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that’s matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox and integrated Power Control Unit and electric motor. According to Lexus, at the rear, an 80-kW eAxle consisting of an inverter and motor provides near-instantaneous power to the rear wheels. Together with a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery, the system produces 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

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2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance: Design

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance Exterior Front Three-Quarter View
Via: Lexus

The RX has always been a looker and this year the formula remains the same. Lexus is calling it a ‘spindle body – rather than a spindle grille’ expression. At the front, the car gets a seamless grille that is integrated neatly into the body. At the sides, the car drives on a set of 19- or 21-inch wheels that come with a new design. At the rear, the car comes with what Lexus calls single-lens tail lamps that wrap around the edges.

The company has paid close attention to the aerodynamics of the car. The front fascia is touted to efficiently direct airflow to the spindle body while also cooling the brakes. Other elements come in the form of flush window and door molding, a rear spoiler, and dimpled underbody covers.

The F Sport Performance also gets dedicated elements like sport front and rear bumpers and piano black accents on the grille. It gets 21-inch wheels as standard that wear Michelin Pilot Sport tires made from a bespoke compound and tread pattern. Additional black accents and body-colored sills distinguish the Performance model.

The 2023 RX will be available in 10 exterior paint options depending on the trim you choose. On offer are - Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.

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On the inside, the car carries the tuna concept, a design vision that is inspired by the Lexus Driving Signature. Those are just big words that mean essential control and information like gauges, available Head-Up Display, meters, etc. are within the driver’s reach and forward sight line for a minimalist layout.

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance Interior View
Via: Lexus

The cabin is high on practicality too. Small knick-knacks can be stowed in several convenient locations. A front cubby located ahead of the gearshift features a front-rear sliding lid and houses an available Qi-compatible wireless mobile device charger and USB connection. The new central console box can be opened from either the driver or passenger side.

Passengers in the available 40/20/40 power split-folding rear seat can charge their mobile devices on two USB Type-C outlets (six USB ports are there throughout the vehicle) or an available single AC power socket. The rear seats come with power folding capabilities and have cooling and heating functions.

Premium materials and patterns decorate the cabin. An available L-shaped pattern adorns the doors and seats. It’s inspired by the Japanese kageri aesthetic, which produces a varying three-dimensional expression when lit by outside or interior lighting.

For the F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance grades, there is an exclusive steering wheel and meter residing in front of the driver, while pedals are trimmed with aluminum. The sporty metal decorates the cabin, specifically the dashboard and cup holder surrounds. Customers can select between Rioja Red and Black color themes. F Sport Performance models are even more distinct with darkened side sill and steering wheel logos.

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance: New Platform

2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance Exterior Rear Three-Quarter View
Via: Lexus

The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance is built on the GA-K platform that has shed 198 pounds more than its predecessor. Its center of gravity is 0.6 inches lower and Lexus says that the overall rigidity of the platform has improved as well. In terms of dimensions, the car remains 192.5 inches long, its wheelbase grows by 2.36 inches to 112.2 inches, and its track is widened by 0.59 inches to 65 inches in the front and 1.77 inches to 66 inches at the rear.

The new RX, at the back, gets an all-new multi-link suspension design, attached to a rigid high-torsion rear body frame that facilitates more consistent suspension input/travel during acceleration, deceleration, and steering moments. Lexus says that the new platform has also helped them liberate more space inside the cabin resulting in better legroom for rear passengers as well as increased cargo space and a lowered back door trim to decrease loading height.

The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance comes across as a rather sporty take on an SUV that is already known to be reliable and practical. This makes it a great option to consider for those wanting family-car practicality with sporty looks and performance.

Source: Lexus