The Lexus 2024 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD skillfully integrates legendary RX styling and luxury with the rugged elements of F Sport performance to deliver a very capable mid-size hybrid SUV with broad appeal to discriminating buyers.
In this age of electrification, we are closely following the continuing evolution of pure hybrid vehicles as an alternative to plug-in electric and all-electric vehicles still in development.
Lexus, proud of the RX 500h (hybrid) introduced last year, loaned us one recently to see what we thought.
After a week in the RX 500h F Sport, we think their pride is well founded.
AS TESTED
Our test 2024 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD was clad in a very bold Copper Crest color accented with black trims. Running on Black 21-inch Alloy Wheels and sporting an elegantly refined Black interior, it drew lots of attention in our driveway.
The MSRP for our RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD was $62,450. Loaded up with just about all of the available options, it priced – with delivery – at $72,135.
POWERTRAIN / PERFORMANCE
The 2024 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD features a 2.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine as the base of the hybrid system. It delivers 271 horsepower with 339 lb.-ft. of torque.
It is combined with two electric motor generators at each axle delivering another 125 horsepower for a hybrid system combined 366 horsepower. Total system torque is a very capable 406 lb.-ft.
The drive train is managed through a six-speed Direct Automatic Transmission with an Integrated Power Control unit and paddle shifters. Driver adjustable Drive Modes include NORMAL/ECO/SPORT/CUSTOM.
The RX 500h F Sport AWD is equipped with their new Direct4 drive control AWD for hybrid and electric vehicles. Itprecisely controls the delivery of drive torque from front and rear electric motors and braking force to all four wheels.
Operating through both front drive and rear e-axle (high-torque electric motor and transaxle), it automatically adjusts the balance of front and rear-wheel drive. Torque bias ranges from 70:30 to 20:80 front to rear depending on road condition requirements.
The RH 500h Sport is equipped with Adaptable Variable Suspension which, in response to road and driving conditions, automatically adjusts to deliver a crisp and refined ride.
We noted that – when in CUSTOM drive mode – thedriver can adjust steering and suspension from Normal to Sport to further enhance the driving experience.
The mechanical suspension up front is MacPherson strut with Multi-Link and Multi-Link rear. The electric Power Steering and large ventilated disc brakes – with the 21-inch wheels – combine to deliver a comfortably sporty ride in the Hill Country of Texas.
Of special note is the RX 500h F Sport’s optional Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). During higher speed maneuvers, the rear wheels turn (up to 4 degrees) in the same direction as the front wheels to give clear, stable turning response. At slower speed, the rear wheels can seamlessly turn in the opposite direction as the front wheels for seamless low speed maneuverability.
Overall, this RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD delivers – an excellent ride, plenty fast with 0-60 mph acceleration under 6 seconds, it tops out at a fast 130 mph. Making it the fastest of the F Sports.
Fuel economy for the RX 500h F Sport AWD is rated at 27/28 mpg City/Highway and 27 mpg combined. We note that the fuel economy is a bit light when compared to other Lexus hybrids such as the RX 350h (41/37 mpg City/Highway and 39 combined). We believe this is due to the powertrain being “tuned” for F Sport performance rather than RX luxury.
And, in case you want to bring a few toys along on weekends, our RX 500h F Sport was fitted with the optional Tow Hitch / Braking System providing a Tow Capacity up to 3,500 pounds.
EXTERIOR
The 2024 Lexus RX continues with their softening of their sharp-edged styling of a couple of years back. The result is a very complimentary profile for this F Sport mid-size SUV.
Distinguishing elements include (of course) the Premium Copper Crest color accented carefully with Black accents. The Black 21-inch alloy wheels had this F Sport visually standing tall from every direction.
Other elements of note included Triple Beam LED Headlights w/Cornering Lamps, LED tail lights, LED Foglamps, Roof Rails, Daytime Running Lights, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers w/Deicers and Kick Sensor Controlled Rear Hatch w/Puddle Lamp.
INTERIOR
The interior of the RX 500h F Sport is a carefully crafted blend of RX luxury and convenience with F Sport performance and styling. Our vehicle’s all black interior surfaces featured tailored soft touch materials accented by touches of matt-finish chrome.
The interior spaces were generously sized and comfortable. Rear cargo space was more than adequate for weekly grocery run by a family of four.
A primary feature of the cabin is the 14-inch color touchscreen. Controlling many of the operating and convenience or comfort features of the vehicle, we found it intuitive and easy to use. Dials and switches for key functions are logically located and within easy reach.
The console mounted shifter and related controls were well positioned for easy use. The location of dual cupholders alongside was a perfect reach for a road warrior like myself.
Other highlights of the interior were the Thematic Indirect (14 themes/64 colors) Ambient Lighting, Power Adjustable Front Seating – Leather Trimmed, Multi-Stage Heated and Ventilated w/bolsters, Heated and Ventilated Power Folding Outboard Rear Seating, Aluminum Trimmed Pedals, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Qi-compatible phone charger and Dual-Side-Opening storage box on the central console.
MULTIMEDIA / CONNECTED SERVICES
Our 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD was well equipped starting with the Lexus Interface w/14-inch Touchscreen, Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Traffic Jam Assist and Digital Key w/Remote Connect.
Superb audio and entertainment were provided through the optional 21-Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system featuring SiriusXM, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi Connect, Bluetooth Phone Connectivity, Integrated Streaming and more.
A wide array of other functionality and services were available on our RX 500h F Sport through the full suite ofLexus Connected Services.
SAFETY / ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The RX series of mid-size SUVs from Lexus have received a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick + rating for collision safety.
A complete array of driver convenience and safety elements were provided through the latest generation Lexus Safety System + 3.0 on our test RX 500h
Elements included Panoramic View Monitor, Head-Up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Curve Speed Management, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent High Beam Headlights, Premium Triple Beam LED Headlights and Intuitive Parking Assist w/Auto Braking.
Of particular note were:
- Digital Latch w/Safe Exit Assist. The digital latch (essentially a push button) is a bit quirky to get used to, but makes door opening much easier. The Safe Exit function assists in detection of vehicles or bicycles approaching from the rear, keeping the occupant from opening the door.
- Advanced Park w/Remote Park Assist enabling parallel parking assist from outside the vehicle using a smart phone.
- Traffic Jam Assist to monitor and adjust braking and throttle to assist in low-speed heavy traffic driving situations
WARRANTY
2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD warranty coverages:
- Basic: 4 yrs./50,000 miles
- Drivetrain: 6 yrs./ 70,000 miles
- Hybrid / Electric Components: 8yrs./100,000 miles
In addition, the warranty includes Free Maintenance first year/10,000 miles and 4 years Roadside Assistance.
LEXUS RX LINE-UP
Explore the wide range of RX trim level SUVs from Lexus here:https://www.lexus.com/models/RX
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KEY DATA: The 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD
- Model: RX 500h F Sport
- Trim: Performance AWD
- Class: Two-Row Mid-Size Luxury SUV
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $62,450
- As Tested: $75,135
- Powertrain: Hybrid
- Engine: 2.4L in-line Turbo 4-cylinder ICE
- Electric Motor: 80kW eAxle Motor
- Horsepower: 366 hp Combined
- Torque: 406 lb.-ft. Combined
- Battery Pack: 288V Nickel Metal Hydride
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic w/Integrated Control Unit
- Drive System: Direct4 AWD
- Drive Modes: NORMAL / ECO / SPORT / CUSTOM
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph ~ 5.9-seconds
- Max Speed: 130 mph
- Ground Clearance: 8.07-inches
- Towing 3,500 pounds w/Optional Hitch & Brake
- Suspension: Adaptive Variable w/MacPherson Strut Multi-Link (F)/Multilink (R)
- Steering: EPS Rack & Pinion + Optional Dynamic Rear Steering
- Brakes: Vented Disc 6 piston 15.74-inch / 1 piston 13.39-inch (F/R)
- Wheels: 21-inch Alloy
- Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S
- Tire Size: 235/50VR21
- Fuel Economy: 27/28/27 City/Highway/Combined
- Fuel Tank: 17.17 Gallons
- Range: 460 Miles Highway
Source: Media Test Drive and Press Release Materials
