2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance | MotorWeek Road Test

For years now, the Lexus RX has epitomized the suburban luxury crossover. Yet, underneath its skin it’s full of high-tech, including a hybrid all-wheel drive system that has powered the rear wheels with strictly electric motors way before that was fashionable. Well now, they’re taking the fifth generation RX to a whole new level of excitement with the RX500h F Sport Performance!
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[@jordez1]

Mr.John you’re a legend. Since my teenage years in the early 90s I been watching your auto reviews. Couldn’t speak English at that time, but you brought me into a world that I enjoy every day, the automobile world. Thank you Mr John Davis.

[@MercOne]

Yeah, losing Pat Goss was hard enough. John needs to be around for a long, long time.

[@MikeForsythe]

Fantastic review. The RX 500h is a absolutely a home run. It drives so much better than any past RX.

[@TheTimePostChannel]

WOW, i love your classic reviews on cars, it looks like a footage was taken from the 90s or early 2000s, Awesome 👍

[@schxn]

It’s funny seeing everyone talk smack about the RX, yet it consistently ranks number one in sales figures for luxury crossovers.

[@AAhmad3449]

Yeah no it’s a overpriced toyota and underpowered

[@americanboy48]

But it's mad reliable as usual.

[@naveenthemachine]

You don’t buy a luxury car because it’s reliable. You buy it for true luxury The RX is just a lifted Toyota Camry at the eod. Nothing luxury about that and that’s a fact

[@ryanturnerboles]

Yeah because suburban moms dig boring run of the mill SUV’s. And the Lexus is the top of the list NPC car.

[@schxn]

@@ryanturnerboles you wanna talk about NPC, you obviously have never heard of a Tesla 😒

[@roberthoyt7921]

A bit nicer than the previous-gen RX

[@jbpasion071]

We are loving our 500H so far!

[@3joewj]

Cool. Does it corner well or does it feel " boaty"?..thanks.

[@jbpasion071]

@@3joewj oh no its planted when it pulls through the corners! Not disappointed here.

[@patchesohoulihan9826]

Absolutely love mine!!! Glad I went with it over the 350h luxury after the sales consultant told me test drive it as I wouldn't be disappointed.

[@jbpasion071]

@@patchesohoulihan9826 Welcome to the 500H family 😁

[@americandude3825]

What’s the average mpg you’re seeing?

[@kaniskyevans3996]

Such a legend!!! The nostalgia watching his car video reviews!! 😊

[@CalvinHikes]

That's a handsome little guy.

[@g-forcepcrepair4347]

Love John, always and i mean always great reviews and advice 🙂

[@derekmorrison4239]

It’s fucking reliable looks insane and has a decent interior.

[@videogazer801]

Another fantastic review by John!!! The best. 👍💪

[@mackfar27]

0 to 60 in 5.7 sec…😎 That’s 2013 Lexus GS350 AWD performance. Damn!

[@93remix]

Do I detect SARCASM?? LOL

[@naveenthemachine]

That’s also the same performance as a Toyota Camry v6 😂 and the RX is built on the Camrys platform

[@MikeForsythe]

@@naveenthemachine stop spreading misinformation and get your credit fixed bro

[@naveenthemachine]

@@MikeForsythe it’s true lol. The Camry v6 has the same 0-60. 5.7 seconds. The rx500h does it in 5.9 seconds. The nx450h does it in the same time. If you get a really good launch on those, the times are nearly identical

[@mackfar27]

@@naveenthemachine In regard to performance. See that’s the problem. There is just too much similarity between the different platform. Making the GS not even worth the investment, unless you go for the GSF.

[@mrolskul]

102 ft stop from 60 MPH is not only good, it's sports car territory.

[@naveenthemachine]

I doubt it’s 102feet If reviewers like Alex on autos test the 500h he may get 110 feet

[@MikeForsythe]

@@naveenthemachine so you are arguing about the test from trusted motorweek? Alex on autos is a honda fanboy. No one cares what he thinks.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@MikeForsythe what does a Honda fanboy have to even do with this? 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MikeForsythe]

@@naveenthemachine the point is you are sitting here arguing with motorweek making up data and spreading more misinformation

[@naveenthemachine]

@@MikeForsythe what misinformation am I saying? The rx500h is as fast as a v6 Camry? That’s a fact

[@iansanderson]

John Davis is still the king of auto reviewers

[@candycorn04]

What was the 1/4 mile time? Wanted to compare to my 2022 Cadillac XT5 Sport where I turned a 14.45 @96.05.

[@Motorweek]

We were not able to record any quarter mile times. This model was a prototype and was not able to be driven over 90 miles per hour.

[@kbishop94]

@@Motorweek then why not at least mention that in the video? (instead of just leaving all your tech-hungry and anxious viewers wondering if we missed something or if you guys accidentally left it out. 🤔😉)

[@Motorweek]

Because there are time constraints on TV. We'd rather use the 5-6 minutes we have for our Road Tests to address things pertinent to buyers, rather than not being able to do a singular instrumented test since we had a prototype model. But we are happy to be transparent about it when viewers have questions.

[@9tube1]

As a past owner/lover of an RX, the move from a 6 to a 4 has me looking elsewhere now. If/when they wake up and go back to a 6, I’ll buy again.

[@MPDLR]

Driven only Yukon Denalis for 20 years but GM warranty service - in summary- really hurt me. This Lexus model looks so appealing to me. However I'm 5.11 and kinda fat. Wondering if this has enough leg room and butt room. Any opinions? Thanks

[@ytj22]

6'2" here and although I'm not fat, I doubt you'll have issues with cabin space. This won't have Denali room but it should have plenty of room. Find a dealer somewhere, check it out.

[@noseefood1943]

Any car with 500 on its name shouldn’t have a 4 banger

[@MikeForsythe]

A koseinegg has a 3 cylinder and the new AMG C63 is a 4 cylinder

[@noseefood1943]

@@MikeForsythe but they're not called 500 something

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Well it is, GET OVER IT

[@TheDoltonboy]

Annoyed that everyone reviews the one RX variant almost nobody will own😒

[@devinbiz]

Because it’s perhaps the most interesting variant

[@tuomasandersson3889]

@@devinbiz what's interesting in something one cannot afford?

[@devinbiz]

@@tuomasandersson3889 I mean, reviewers could spend all of their time reviewing Toyota Camry LE’s or base model Hyundai Elantra’s, but sometimes an enthusiast wants to see or hear about the more powerful, sporty variant.

[@planetfabulous5833]

Wow my 2019 Type R has the same amount of cargo space with the seats down as this Lexus SUV.

[@lukaszmatyszewski7198]

6 speed automatic in 2023? Yikes… I remember when my 07 LS460 had a 8 speed, good old times.

[@oreally8605]

Put that motor in my 2012 Scion xB PLEASE!!!!!

[@RobDaman]

using 500 in the name it should be a 5.0 liter V8

[@startsangam0992]

Still have my 2018 RX F Sport only 15K miles on it. Should I trade in my car for 2023 model?

[@naveenthemachine]

No don’t. If anything I’d try to find a 2020-22 model because that has a touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and android auto

[@MikeForsythe]

Yes. I’m driving a 500h now and owned a 350 F sport and this is far superior

[@wolfmanradio]

Still have my pristine 2000 RX300 garage queen with 23K miles on it. I saw this new Lexus on the TV and couldn’t believe how ugly it is. It has a nose! Genesis is now what Lexus used to be.

[@MercOne]

Imagine a RX500 with the twin turbo V6 from the LS500. Pass on the 4-cylinder nonsense.

[@naveenthemachine]

That exists. It’s called the genesis gv80

[@oreally8605]

Nonsense? Put that motor in my 2012 Scion xB and I'd smoke you.

[@oreally8605]

@@naveenthemachine Genesis is a piece of crap tho-

[@MercOne]

@@oreally8605 Think about how dumb that comment is and then see if you can delete it.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@naveenthemachine AND that is GARBAGE YOU FOOOL

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@andrewg9236]

" there taking this to the next level of performance and excitement" who wrote that line.?

[@naveenthemachine]

It’s just another one for Lexus pathetic marketing trying to fool us

[@BigDaddyAddyMS]

They’re **

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@naveenthemachine How? Stop posting foolish comments

[@crazyone1067]

The cargo space seems smaller than what I remembered. It must be the AWD system below the chassis. My 2013 FX37 has more cargo space unless these figures are wrong here.

[@naveenthemachine]

The previous ten RX had smaller cargo space. The new one has more than before

[@MikeForsythe]

This has more cargo space. Also the 500h has electric motors for awd.

[@yudhabagaskara98]

The second oldest luxury mid size suv turns 25 this year

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

$48K for the 350? Let’s see how much dealerships mark that up. The 500h F Sport could start at 72K

[@XX-166]

They only get away with what you allow them to. Become an informed buyer and know your worth.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@XX-166 I agree. I paid over stick price for my Highlander (1st time buyer at a dealership) but at least the maintenance has been low.

[@XX-166]

@@TheRealHungryJoe well at least there’s a trade off. You live and learn and the next purchase you’ll know better.

[@eugenek.165]

Can only imagine how much it will cost in Malaysian market

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@XX-166 thanks for the advice. Currently in the market but with ‘recession’ looming everywhere, big tech companies with laid off, I think I should wait

[@Tokyo_Views]

4 banger turbo… oh no

[@allentoyokawa9068]

get over it

[@raymarcable1292]

Lexus Thumbs up

[@gigi9467]

Say bye bye to that lexus smoothness and maybe reliability.

[@johnlukach4091]

A Toyota Camry from 2009 has the same performance. They last forever because they've been doing the same thing for 30 years

[@naveenthemachine]

Ikr. My 2020 Camry v6 XSE is as fast as the rx500h yet it uses a v6 and has similar legroom but a bit more headroom. Oh and the v6 is a lot smoother than the turbo 4

[@PabloCruise1]

That front end is a dealbreaker.

[@myintegruns12s51]

so they went backwards with the 6 speed?

[@jmin8400]

You really do not get it...🤦

[@myintegruns12s51]

@@jmin8400 no why don’t you explain it…………

[@jmin8400]

@@myintegruns12s51 The 2016-22 RX450h with a 2-speed CVTi-S is the only benchmark against this, so your question didn't make sense. Most Toyota hybrids are CVTs only. This is an exception and 4 speeds more than the last RX hybrid. This isn't a regular RX, which only went "backwards" by downsizing cylinder count (even if turbocharged). It's not my job to explain these things to stupid people, not willing to put in the effort to be informed on what they're judging.

[@myintegruns12s51]

@@jmin8400 you really do not get it…. 🤦‍♂️

[@jamaicanlovrboy]

i mean the price of this RX500h makes it way more than a top of the line Sequoia, basically the same price as a 2023 GX460 luxury, and about $15k less than a LX600.......nice SUV, but just too much money.

[@naveenthemachine]

The LX600 is much worse than the RX in every aspect 😂 Also a top end sequoia capstone can hit 80K

[@jamaicanlovrboy]

@@naveenthemachine i mean in your opinion the LX is worse....Some people may be looking for more luxury, space, off road capability, etc, so in that sense the LX issnt worse in my opinion. Moreover, the fact that a fully loaded, bigger Sequoia may be cheaper is my point, the RX500 is too pricey now

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jamaicanlovrboy the lx is worse and that’s not an opinion. That’s a universally accepted fact. Look at the Lx. It’s ugly and already outdated inside mo luxury features, no legroom or cargo space and it gets very expensive

[@johnablettbooth5691]

Just bought one of these and like it very much Excellent acceleration, very comfortable with the latest tech and really good quality overall. Sporty, not really. I just traded in my LC 500 because I was struggling to get in and out. I now have to slow down for bends where the LC would power around without lifting off the gas. The RX 500h is a great car, but sporty, I don’t think so. A quick comfortable cruiser which tackles A road bends with ease, but tight turns on back roads, forget it.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

It looks like a slightly larger NX

[@danrook5757]

Deal breaker if theres no towing option.

[@schnuurtchke]

Keep it corolling

[@rushmatic]

26 MPG? I was expecting a little bit more.

[@torezgermy2]

This hybrid is tune for performance and horsepower rather than fuel economy.

[@XX-166]

Drive slower

[@weirdshibainu]

LOL. Yeah I'm old because I remember when 20 mpg was ground breaking and 0-60 in 7 seconds was super car territory. Cars are verging on the amazing today.

[@MrBigBoy4Life]

Well, that's the "sport" version. I'm sure the regular version will get lots better mpg's.

[@XX-166]

@@MrBigBoy4Life exactly

[@MartinGalway]

The base model of the world's best-selling vehicle, Tesla's Model Y, which Motorweek won't feature because Tesla does not advertise, is nearly $10K less (*before* the $7,500 tax credit) than this Lexus but accelerates nearly a second faster at 4.8sec (with optional $2K acceleration boost down to about 4.3sec) and there's a Performance variant that is still $5K cheaper than this Lexus and OBLITERATES the acceleration of the Lexus (3.5sec 0-60). Both variants have 76cu.ft. cargo space. The Lexus is trounced at every level... Motorweek just trudges on, oblivious, reading the script they have been handed. It's an advertising channel. Don't be thinking this is journalism

[@grisa12345]

I owned a couple of Teslas. Great cars for what they are, but nowhere even remotely near Lexus in terms of quality or user experience. Speed isn’t everything, especially in this class of vehicle…

[@MartinGalway]

@@grisa12345 speed isn't everything. It must be something else. What are the sales figures between these cars? Why is the Model Y the world's fastest-selling vehicle of any type/kind right now? Are all those Tesla buyers completely stupid? Or is your assessment wrong?

[@grisa12345]

@@MartinGalwayI’m a Tesla shareholder, and I’ve owned multiple examples of both brands. I would love nothing more than to see Tesla continue to succeed. That said, I’m shopping a RX500h and not even remotely considering a model Y, based on my experience with both brands. Quality matters to me. I guarantee I’m not alone, as buyers like me don’t just buy the product, they buy the end-to-end user experience.

[@billyrock8305]

The legend speaking is always better than the vehicle reviewed. 👍 RX - Poor fuel economy and overpriced 😔

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

The fuel economy is good for the segment

[@beri232]

Poor fuel economy? Do you know anything at all about the competition in this bracket?

[@billyrock8305]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey It’s awful . It’s 2023 not 2013.

[@billyrock8305]

@@beri232 No way you can be that clueless. 🤔

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

@@billyrock8305 What vehicle in the same segment gets better fuel economy?

[@revelare_xvii6269]

I expected it to be faster with that much power.

[@naveenthemachine]

It’s as fast as a v6 Camry 😂

[@revelare_xvii6269]

@@naveenthemachine you’d think with over 400 lb ft of torque it would at least reach 60 in under 5 seconds😂

[@naveenthemachine]

@@revelare_xvii6269 especially since a bmw with realistically 400lbft torque even though it’s rated for less it can do 60 at or below 5 seconds. The base aviator for instance is faster than the fastest RX

[@donaldbanner2185]

@@naveenthemachine beeeeeeeemer "" realistically 400lbft torque = CHECK YOUR ENGINE LIGHT NIGHTMARE". !!!!!

[@ryanturnerboles]

@@donaldbanner2185eNgInE lIgHt…meanwhile Toyotas fastest car is a BMW 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@WSOJ3]

So, what’s the point of getting a RX350 over a Hyundai Santa Fe?

[@turboman2019]

My 2020 run of the mill Honda Pilot with 280hp was just as fast,for just under $40k.

[@luptonpittman6520]

The pilot doesn’t do 0-60 in 5.7 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@turboman2019]

@@luptonpittman6520 Yes it does,you want to bet?I’ve seen tested vehicles with 0-60 acceleration runs from 5.7 to 6.3 seconds.

[@ONI1013.]

@@turboman20195.7sec 0-60 for a 2020 Pilot?? Haha. Please share links.

[@luptonpittman6520]

@@turboman2019 downhill, maybe 😂

[@turboman2019]

@@luptonpittman6520 Oh you are a comedian too?😂😂😂

[@pokerfred68]

Great improvement, but the 0-60 is disappointing…must be a porky suv.

[@naveenthemachine]

It’s as fast as a v6 Camry and RAV4 prime 😂

[@digitaldoc100]

Interesting that nobody has tested the 2.4T without the hybrid, which will be what the majority of what buyers end up with. Makes me suspicious of Lexus.

[@naveenthemachine]

The 2.4 turbo is the same one used in the Highlander and nx.

[@ianclaudio777]

É, ta bom Mas eu ainda prefiro um SUV alemão ou Urus com 0 a 100 abaixo de 4 segundos e câmbio de 8 marchas

[@성태김-c1w]

Cadillac 1

[@briangarner]

It's great, if you want a loud buzzy motor, questionable reliability, new tech(albeit confusing as hell, and way way way too many beeps and dings), great looks, very comfortable seats, non pretentious Lexus badge.

[@ONI1013.]

Yeah agree. Just can’t get over the I4 engine in a car this size.

[@AxlAX]

Exactly why I bought a 22 over this model. They can keep their puny I4 and start stop engine. More things to break later on. No thanks.

[@ONI1013.]

@@AxlAX Me too. Have a 2022 RX 350 V6 F-Sport. Although I regret not getting the 2022 RX 450H V6.

[@ChaiNinja]

I feel like in the last decade Lexus has gone down. Over priced and their style is a decade old.

[@naveenthemachine]

They’re going the path of infiniti. They’ve already become irrelevant. The question is how long until they go out of business

[@AAhmad3449]

Camry based? 😂 performance suv?😂😂 lol

[@naveenthemachine]

The RX performance can’t even outperform a Camry v6

[@jensgotthardt593]

No V6,No LEXUS !!!

[@cthitman]

No one buying Lexus RX nowadays because of how easily it gets stolen.

[@MikeForsythe]

It’s best selling in class still

[@cthitman]

@@MikeForsythe rip

[@93remix]

HONDA/ACURA, NISSAN/INFINITI, & TOYOTA/LEXUS WILL NEVER MAKE A "PERFORMANCE" SUV BETTER THAN the 3 GERMAN MARQUES. @ $60k all 3 GERMANS HAVE REAL PERFORMANCE SUVs in their lineup, JAPAN WILL NEVER.

[@alpha7ization]

True...the Japanese can but they always play it safe

[@93remix]

@@alpha7ization I'd spend my money on a real IMPRESSIVE ASIAN AUTOMAKER SUV... GV70 V6 & the I4... that's more performance oriented than the LEXUS

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

The Acura MDX Type S is better.

[@XX-166]

Let’s see your reviews on your KZbin channel.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

I agree.. and this is coming from a Toyota owner. The MDX is more spacious

[@XX-166]

@@TheRealHungryJoe only if you need a 3rd row where it has to be more spacious

[@devinbiz]

I do like the driving experience of the MDX better when I’ve compared the two a few years ago, but I do find the RX to be the more luxurious model for the money.

[@XX-166]

@@devinbiz apples and oranges so differences will be noticeable.

[@adamnelson4814]

Yikes ... Lexus will have to do better than this to get me out of my older, quicker, more efficient BMW x5

[@naveenthemachine]

They won’t. They’re going down and soon they’ll no longer exist If you want a Lexus that performs like a bmw go genesis

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@naveenthemachine they have plenty of old Lexus that is faster than a unreliable genesis lol 😂😂😂,you must be high boy and there also certain Lexus faster than plastic bottle bmw engine

[@naveenthemachine]

@@courtneyprimo8056 name one single Lexus that is faster than genesis. Oh yeah you can’t 😆 Also no Lexus is faster than bmw. In fact some Lexus models are slower than a civic w the 1.5 turbo

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@naveenthemachine LS500 twin turbo v6 Rcf f sport, and mine,i have 2002 Lexus gs300 2jz gte twin turbo inline 6 lol 😅😂🤣😂😂😂,oh and i have 420hp ,a little bit more than the LS500 Lexus

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@naveenthemachine and the Lexus is300 is a RWD 4 cylinder with turbo,what makes you think a civic is beating it,unless its tuned,only way and that doesn’t count,if we are talking stock for stock,civics are FWD cars 😂🤣😅😅😅

[@vidaacheampong2563]

Lexus makes boring looking cars

[@ttinnovations3310]

front of that suv is still soo ugly,

[@americanboy48]

It may be ugly but it's mad reliable u have a lot of SUVs out there that are beautiful but are unreliable. Garbage 🗑️🚮

[@papagen00]

Lexus made a Big Mistake by going to the sport route. They have lost the luxury plush ride and me as a longtime Lexus customer.

[@o-o6355]

Lexus's are all so slow no matter what horsepower they are. I know they're about refinement etc etc, but for $70,000, this suv should be in the sub 5 second 0-60. Every other $70,000 suv is doing 4.5 second 0-60's. I had a 2021 IS 350 F sport. Got rid of it, thing was a dog for $50,000. no one keeps cars longer than 3-4 years anymore. Lexus, make your cars faster, let's have some fun.

[@alpha7ization]

People are keeping their cars longer as inflation continues to rise and cars become more overpriced.

[@naveenthemachine]

Go genesis if you want a faster Lexus

[@basshead.]

1st

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

Good to know

[@AxlAX]

So...

[@93remix]

GENESIS GV70...

[@naveenthemachine]

The performance is so pathetic It can’t even outperform a Camry v6 or RAV4 prime yet it costs significantly more The RX has nothing on any of its rivals

[@jmin8400]

Not that I love Lexus, but it seems as if you are just here to troll regarding everything Toyota/Lexus, than to make tangible observations. It's not very original.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jmin8400 what I observe is tangible There’s nothing the RX does better than the competition.

[@jmin8400]

@@naveenthemachine I disagree, even if I wouldn't buy one, as I don't purchase vehicles with FWD origin that aren't compacts. The RAV4 Prime (AXAPH54) is a smaller vehicle with less sound deadening and engineering components on the GA-K architecture compared to the new TALH17 RX500h. It is no better than comparing a Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack 10AT to a Lexus LC 500 coupe and calling the Lexus too overpriced. The Camry V6 is again a smaller vehicle, which weighs vastly less and they perform equivalent to each other in the end, with this putting out better EPA numbers in a much more comfortable package. Someone buying a Camry V6 is not even crosshopping this. It is someone who wants a larger crossover, with a premium nameplate and adequate power. Your comparison isn't tangible, like others one can make. Today has deliberately targeted the RX to have no competition in the luxury segment. There are no mid-large hybrid 5-seater crossovers with a FWD basis, priced below $65k. The GLE and X5 don't compete with this. Only the Q5 somewhat, barely on par with performance of the SQ5. Only complaint is how the RAV4 Prime has more rear legroom than this, when this is supposed to be a luxury vehicle LARGER than the RAV4, in order to accommodate backseat passengers more comfortably. Ditto for the SQ5 and Camry V6 with half an inch LESS rear seat legroom. The shining spot for this is the fuel economy compared to the others.

[@jmin8400]

*RAV4, Camry V6 and Audi SQ5 have half an inch more rear legroom than the RX 500h. Something isn't right about that, as RX-sized 5-seaters are supposed to be more spacious at the rear than those vehicles.

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

@@jmin8400 stop wasting your time and words on this $tupid a$$ naveen !! He won't understand a word !!

[@Stinkybutt6979]

Boring , outdated.. why Porsche is dominating

[@babyb360]

All that power, for nothing. This is disappointing @lexus. 🥲 My 2010 v6 camry 0-60 was 5.7 seconds, with half that power. This is nothing but a tall camry wagon. 🥱

[@naveenthemachine]

My 2020 camry v6 has the same 0-60 while like yours offering more refinement