Is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport a BETTER performance SUV than a MDX Type S?

FIRST DRIVE: The RX 500h F Sport Performance is new from Lexus 2023. Under the hood you will find a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 that with electric motors produces 366HP & is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with AWD. On the outside you will discover satin black 20in wheels, massive 6-piston calipers, and special blacked out touches. On the inside you will be greeted by the perfect balance between luxury and sport. Is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport a BETTER performance SUV than a MDX Type S?
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[@zaryabkhan6988]

Hey Joe i really appreciate your work. Thank you very much for your amazing reviews.

[@rafaelbetancourt3551]

Been watching lots of your video's Joe, I do see you loved the rear wiper tugged away on the top :), another great video 👍

[@farazjafri836]

Nice review!! 👍 Your review was in detail inside and outside … you actually used the paddle shifters 👍

[@EndeavorsDnB]

Much appreciation for the pedestrian view drive-by and extensive in car drive.

[@MikeyD22]

Just bought the RX 500h. It is AMAZING.

[@raynguyen75]

i love your spirit, i remember i watched your channel first time , the video of 2015 Toyota sewuoia and i boght one because of your review, 8 years and you are still as good as 1st day.

[@Mark-de4hj]

According to the specs on the official Acura website the MDX type S has 355 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque while the RX 500h has 366HP and 406 lb-ft torque. The MDX on premium fuel is rated at 19 mpg overall while the Lexus 27. I like them both but the Lexus is obviously the better choice according to the numbers.

[@johnspartan5515]

Yes, the Lexus does get better mpg, and performance, but we went with the Type S advance because of the 3rd row for when the grandkids visit, more cargo space, but still handles like a sports car and is fun to drive, and has everything we need. I do like this Lexus, just didn't fit our needs.

[@Mrgulaman]

That V6 from the MDX will last longer than the V4 with the turbo any day

[@Mark-de4hj]

@JB-zc8mf I wouldn't bank on that. All V6s are not created equal, and in the past, Acura has had reliability issues with the MDX for a while now.

[@rich1958]

I have had 2 mdx and while price was great after 3 years I was happy to trade in. Cars felt like they had 2x as many miles on them.

[@hayden93]

@@Mrgulamannope, and especially know you don’t know anything about cars when you say v4 😂

[@GucciUzzi]

love your reviews. always entertaining!

[@joelglende5231]

Great job again Raiti TEAM! Any idea how soon they will be in dealers to drive??

[@jamersoncoates4690]

I love hearing him talk very informative And respectful to the car

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you saying that !

[@jftjimmy]

Joe you do a great job on your reviews. Only zonk for you is that the video doesn't inset mph/rpm when driving. This would add alot for me.

[@kyky9260]

Enjoyed this review!

[@jeffs6090]

It's 9-9, get ready for everybody's driving impression video on the RX! Joe is of course the first one I watch!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for being super supportive Jeff.

[@harleymartinez4053]

So do I what do you mean it's 9- 9. Do you know that he is comparing the Lexus RX 500h F Sport to the Acura MDX type S

[@harleymartinez4053]

@@RaitisRides what does the f stand for on the RX 500 h F sport

[@harleymartinez4053]

@@RaitisRides Joe you're the best

[@ZeryusXD]

That Lexus has all the features I like but as you said, it would be better if it had buttons for the different drive modes. Also thanks for video. That sun must be really hot

[@grisa12345]

HUD is controlled with steering wheel buttons and can be set to all drive modes.

[@Andy-dq1wf]

Most people drive 80% smooth ride 20% fun ride. Hybrid is more practical for sure.

[@raptors_leafs_toronto4486]

Totally agree, anyone who drives a lex cruises for the most part and on twist and turns or a straight highway with no one around then we push it a bit

[@RaitisRides]

Those are some interesting stats!

[@RaitisRides]

@@raptors_leafs_toronto4486 what about RC owners

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the good work 👏 real true and I love the video lot real true 👍 💯💯💯💯

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dominic! You are the man!

[@PluginDuo]

Hey Joe! The front looks very Honda Civic, not a bad look though. Looking forward to the Plug in version! Keep the good content coming!

[@RaitisRides]

Not to sure I am seeing Civic.

[@sexsphere]

How is the ride between the regular RX and the F sport version? Are they both comfortable? Much difference between the two?

[@redzoom7857]

Looks great in this trim and color. Definitely zonking no exposed exhaust pipes. Lol

[@jayshotta78]

Great informative review 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jay! I appreciate you sharing that!

[@natebruce1742]

🤣🤣🤣 Anyone else laughing at how he tried make the 0-60 manual shift look exciting 🤣🤣🤣 NICE!

[@sanadth]

Love your reviews!

[@novawolverine]

Looks pretty good and well done video! Only downside to me is the 6-speed and I don't love the front end (could live with it with a darker color). A 6-cyl would have been nice but an in-line 4 is acceptable with the electric motor setup. But I think that $59k-$69k range is on the low side, more like mid-$70k.

[@RaitisRides]

excellent points man!

[@Toyota4Life]

Someone else said a six speed is perfectly fine

[@LiHao8377]

70k ? Why not picking x5 and gle

[@dude-yg9ez]

They chose a 6 speed on purpose, it's not like they are trying to cost cut and put an old 6 speed trans in here. It's a brand new transmission

[@novawolverine]

@@dude-yg9ez That's fine, but it's not clear to me *why* they did that, what they're optimizing for, and how it's better than alternatives. Raiti seemed to agree but we will see in a couple of years after people have lived with the car for a while and the honeymoon era is over. It's possible that with the electric setup, you get enough torque early to where more gears aren't as helpful. Based on the early reviews I've seen, it seems that even though this is an F-sport, they're not really trying to appeal to a crowd that will drive in a more spirited way and still really want to prioritize fuel efficiency.

[@destinygil5617]

I’m getting it, can’t wait 🤗I’m l love with this one ☝🏼 love the white 🙌🏽

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Can you get the F Sport styling without the F sport interior and F Sport suspension?

[@josephchavis8232]

How the seats in the F sport? I sat in the NX and they are way to tight on the side. I love the look of it but I can’t stand the seats. Are they wider in the RX?

[@harrybosch8972]

Been looking for a new SUV. Will look at this more now. Thanks Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

That is fantastic Harry!

[@TjD__99]

Hey Joe, I’ve always been a Lexus/ Toyota fan. I personally feel this 500h look sweet. However for 2 things I’m not a fan of. I’m too happy about the 4 cylinder and the top front grill, it kinda looks like the grill was cracked and some found some white tape and just slapped it on the grill.

[@wanyamace926]

Yea that top part of the grill throws it off big time

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing how you feel about that is one.

[@johnboulet9889]

I disagree. I think the grill looks fantastic.

[@l.t.p4941]

@@wanyamace926 i mean it’s seperate with the lower part, you can take if off and wrap it in gloss black, would look much better. I would do that if i had one

[@gmoo0301]

Agreed with the 4 cylinder. Me personally can’t trust a 4 cylinder when it comes to a sporty vehicle. Not sure if it’s true but I’ve heard people blowing their 4 cylinder engines when they try putting gas on the pedal to take off.

[@Niles-Guy]

Hope you comeback to review its handling in winter snow

[@mohammedqasam4556]

Does the brake pedal have a vibration to it when you push them? I’ve noticed this on mine and idk if that’s normal

[@Proparkourgamer]

I love how the badging adds 5HP LOL

[@mystictk4149]

Double upload Friday!!!! I the last one you covered but this one might be my favorite, I like how this one brings a sporty style look to it alone.

[@RaitisRides]

This one is the top dog by far!

[@mystictk4149]

@@RaitisRides Oh yeah that’s 100% true and I can see why.

[@JMilMovies]

The RX500h badge should be black. The brand badging (L logo on front and LEXUS lettering on back) makes sense to be chrome since they are sitting on gloss black pieces anyway. If they stamped (debossed) the LEXUS lettering on the back, it would have been a good way to get rid of the chrome letters.

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you!

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

How adaptive is the adaptive suspension? Can you make it soft and pillowy, then change it to sport when you want sport stiff suspension?

[@RaitisRides]

You can feel the difference for sure.

[@richardverano6343]

Does the rx500h still operate in EV mode for short distances like all hybrids?

[@jemyjem1211]

I love it how lexus made a fast, reliable sport car, with good mpg. All the other brands are just about luxury design and performance. Find me a Mercedes or BMW like that.

[@RaitisRides]

Good call!

[@nitzer16]

Joe, another great review video. So, no 12V port in the center console?

[@RaitisRides]

Nope

[@nitzer16]

@@RaitisRides Joe, my thumbs down was the response to Lexus not providing the 12V port in the center console. 🙂

[@danrook5757]

Hmmm, interesting

[@phillipyau4234]

Hey what's happening Joel I loved the body style and you've the big grill and the moonroof 👋👍🙂

[@RaitisRides]

Hy Philip! Thanks for watching man.

[@colesloan4945]

Will you be at the international car show in Raleigh North Carolina

[@Iamshan1995]

15:09... OMG! This guy is HILARIOUS! Ive been laughing for 15 minutes! 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@jasonalpha]

Great car. Thanks very much for the video

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right!

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Can you turn off the noise coming into the sound system?

[@Bonemusic23]

Does it have power fold mirrors ..?

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Can you turn off rear wheel steering?

[@kentech878]

Looking forward to review of 2023 lexus rx 450h+ phev

[@hanialzaid8460]

Thanks for the review joe..one thing though: you twice said that the mdx type s has more horse power at 355 HP..but you also said that the lexus has 366 HP...im no einstein but 366 is more than 355, right?

[@kzn1996]

I thought I was the only one who noticed that 🤣

[@dinardalvi2010]

Does it come with a spare wheel?

[@hybridstiger]

I am not a big fan of Turbo 4 cylinder on a bigger mid-sized SUV. MDX Type S if you want a third row, and want a V6. Otherwise the RX 500H F-Sport is not a bad choice assuming you can afford one.

[@RaitisRides]

I can totally understand where you are coming from

[@emmijames358]

This RX 500h F-Sport trumps the Acura MDX hands down.

[@naveenthemachine]

Um no it doesn’t 😂. It’s the other way around The MDX is better looking outside and inside, better materials, better luxury features, more space, better handling, better ride quality

[@GODMODEPLUS]

From a design perspective the Lexus rx500h f sport is at the top of its class and the quality can't be matched.

[@t.h.3432]

😂 you didn’t have to do Circuit City like that 😂😂 I have a Acura TLX now. I’m considering the new RX. Thank you for your words in all your reviews & your beloved other half for the video work!

[@RaitisRides]

I used to work at circuit city

[@t.h.3432]

@@RaitisRides oh man! I’m sure that’s a story. I’m a nostalgic kid. Haha I just forgot all about circuit city.

[@Igotstaknowit]

Why is the top part of the Honda Accord grill on the front of this SUV?

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice review keep up the good work Joe

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Marcus!

[@lorenduran3347]

Deciding whether to get this or the IS 500 V8 I’m getting older and sooner or later going to want to have a family lol so it’s like what is the better decision 🤔

[@khadijadickens5378]

Thats the only hybrid I want😍😍😍

[@chenwilbur2602]

How does RX500H compare with Acura MDX Type S? Which one would you get?

[@android-ud2nf]

Thankyou once again to you and your wife for traveling and reviewing this beautiful car that I’m considering ordering. You two work so hard

[@RaitisRides]

We appreciate you being part of the Raiti’s Rides family!

[@Keishamarcia]

I can’t wait to get mine!

[@mariowhyte2816]

WHAAAAAAAT???!!!! Not one, but two Raiti's Rides RX reviews!!!??? Best. Friday. Ever!!! Keep on going Joe and Lori and Steven!!! Y'all absolutely killing it out there!!!

[@RaitisRides]

We are bringing it big Mario!

[@vaughnoliver2810]

Nice vehicle and review. To The Door Panels Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

Let's do this Vaughn!

[@tanyabee2024]

Love the info of this beast. After watching this, im on my way to reserve one and to get me a box of twinkies 😋

[@aiyoung17]

Imma get one of this

[@edl8056]

is there torque vectoring for the individual wheels/ front and or rear?

[@RaitisRides]

Yes

[@damianrodriguezs5215]

I swear Rouiti u would make a great car sales man NO lie

[@gdwfs]

What’s the quietest interior for an suv in this class?

[@SeanD2937]

I’m always excited what kind of junk food will fit the compartments next!

[@RaitisRides]

I will keep bringing it to you

[@Bluecollarguy87]

Wow Lexus!!!! A million thumbs up for this suv!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are really like liking this one.

[@sayandebbhattacharyya355]

Can you please review the 2023 RX 350 regular hybrid version please 🙏

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned!

[@chrisgelo1425]

Hey Joe how do you use a electronic shifter?

[@RaitisRides]

Just like any other.

[@chawkiaboughaida8301]

@ minute 24:05 u said "not as much hp as the mdx type ". The lexus has 367 while mdx type s has 355.

[@brianbarriger8553]

Yeah, I'm still leaning towards the Genesis GV-70. Would be interested to hear which one you would go with, Joe. The Lexus, Acura or Genesis, since you have driven all of them. Appreciate you. B

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great input. This competes with the GV80.

[@99-Zulu]

I'm surprised they went with the 6 spd auto. They have an 8 spd, that could probably improve the acceleration.

[@qnzman578]

Would def improve the acceleration, I'm surprised a luxury performance vehicle would still be using a 6 speed, I've got a CX-5 turbo and for as much power as it has, the 6 speed in that def holds it back from reaching its full potential, although that 6 speed will prob be more mechanically sound and cause less problems long term than an 8, 9 or 10 speed

[@battosaijenkins946]

Never though I'd say this but.. this looks SEXIER than the MDX dayam I SAID IT!!! I gotta go.. 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@reyperez3424]

6spd = less to minimal gear hunting 8spd = gear hunting most of the time except on highway

[@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree]

@@qnzman578 I have a Mazda 6 2.5L Turbo and you're right about it being held back, but I feel like it's mostly because of the stock tune limiting the RPMs on each shift. Still a fun car to drive.

[@kr9181]

@@reyperez3424 exactly 6 sp more refined transmission. No gears hunting. More then over that extra 2 gears for acceleration are electric motors.

[@slmdsdn351]

Hey Joe why don’t you ever open up the panoramic sunroof all the way?

[@RaitisRides]

Trying to save time in the review.

[@nh-bw7dc]

8 months ago I signed the new NX350h order form for my wife and which is yet to come though, now it’s my turn to sign another one , RX500h!!! Thank you Joe for your specific explanation!

[@bluehydro88]

So we ended up with the MDX. Lexus lies about the horsepower a bit. Not that it doesn't make the claimed 366hp... but that it's conditional on the battery being fully charged and the hybrid system helping out the 274hp turbo 4.. also a nickle battery means it doesn't hold the charge a lithium battery does. We test drove one up i70 by Eisenhower tunnel and ran out of hybrid assist halfway up, leaving us in a 4700lb suv with only 274hp going up 9k feet.... Plus, eventuality you're going to have to replace that battery if you keep it for a few years.

[@ChristianHiroseRomeoGraham]

2 Lexus RX review uploads in the same hour?

[@sly9263]

The trend of hiding exhausts will get more and more common to acclimate people from hybrids to full EV so it's less of a "shock" to people when they inevitably make the transition however many years/decades from now.

[@anthonysingleton4154]

I love this . Im thinking about either a Acura MDX or this . But im loving this suv

[@naveenthemachine]

Get an MDX. Easy answer. Better looking, better quality interior with better materials, more space, better performance and handling and more luxury features lacking on the RX

[@tonyhuynh6789]

@@naveenthemachine yes it is better on any aspect

[@Ronn58]

@@naveenthemachine consumer reviews on the MDX are not very good , infotainment not good

[@naveenthemachine]

@@Ronn58 only the infotainment isn’t great

[@MegaBlessing2011]

@@Ronn58 Thanks for the info.

[@kevinlim2049]

I'll stick with the Lexus for resale value but take the Acura for the fun. As always great review Joe. You forgot another great competitor to the Lexus RX is the Infiniti QX50.

[@RaitisRides]

Well it is very forgettable especially with the redesigned RX Kevin.

[@kevinlim2049]

@@RaitisRides True, Lexus really hit it out of the ball park with this redesign.

[@freddygenao6035]

Qx60 will be the competition.

[@kevinlim2049]

@@freddygenao6035 The interior of the Infiniti QX60 already looks dated compare to the Lexus.

[@rahimi4762]

Acura has great resale too

[@stevenlee1110]

15:30 Whoa whoa whoaaa, don't diss the City man 😅

[@Glakhman]

What is gross weight of new RX 550h?

[@ev7292]

I’m not Lexus fan but to me this is the most beutiful car ever

[@chocolateaddict1383]

Joe you can expand the door pocket for more one more big gulp!

[@RaitisRides]

Now we are talking!

[@brianbarriger8553]

Another great review, Joe. But the fake vents on this Lexus, or Audi models, or so many other manufacturers, really turns me off to their short cuts. Makes me want to get out my DRILL, and start drilling some venting holes for the added performance that should have been done from the start, right out of the box. And couple that issue with the high arrogance of the sales guys that come from the Lexus dealership experience, and I am a PASS on Lexus as a whole. This RX just doesn't get my blood flowing enough. Too many other options out there.. Love your vibe as always!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain Brian!

[@DJDynamik]

I was really excited for this since I have a 2019 NX300 F Sport I was looking to upgrade since it’s kinda small but the cargo room is a huge disappointment.

[@Flying-Fox-of-Snowy-Mountain]

Your car is only 2019 and you want to upgrade dude? My car is 2009 and I seriously need the upgrade very soon not you. Keep enjoying your NX which I don't mind you selling to me for 60% of what you paid. : )

[@DJDynamik]

@@Flying-Fox-of-Snowy-Mountain lol I only want to upgrade because it’s too small. Might just end up with a GX. I got a pretty good deal on my NX even with this crazy market back in 2021.

[@tonyrooster]

JJ ~ the dead pedal looks like home plate, lol it's fricking huge & I love it. the interior is so good, I about had to grab the drool bucket. ultra torque plus electric assist = bite my dust MDX Type S - tony

[@RaitisRides]

I am right there with you Tony!

[@rahimi4762]

While it still handles and drive like a Buick

[@rimarcadu]

Hi , I need to know witch is better Alfa Romeo, MDX,LEXUS? Tell me please because all of them are in in the same price range. Thanks

[@8xus_]

Im suggesting lexus

[@dgvette1]

Which would you buy? Thank you Lauri

[@RaitisRides]

I am going with the Lexus! Lori is the best for sure David!

[@alengreen589]

Hi Joe, are you sure that the V6 T MDX has more HP as this RX?

[@RaitisRides]

This is very true

[@alengreen589]

@@RaitisRides Ok thank you Joe, i was wrong because i think that 366 HP from the RX is more as the 355 HP from the MDX type S, sorry Joe my fault.

[@omendarklight1526]

RX for me, I have 3 lexus vehicles and really enjoy all of them. Besides reliability I'm looking for unique design and this car doesn't look like anything else on the road. Oh me and speed don't mix 😂 which is why I'm choosing this lexus. Not trying to go fast trying to enjoy the ride. Great job Raitis Rides 👌🏾👌🏾

[@mrsalviboy94]

I own a GS350, I definitely relate, this design does it for me, looking to get it as well 👍🏽

[@parveshpoeran8036]

Love you guys..

[@chuckkerber4735]

I have a 2011 RX 450H that runs perfectly- I was considering keeping it indefinitely, but after watching this, I'm going to trade it in for one of these bad boys! Thanks for the comprehensive review brother!

[@HumperMKB]

How’s the fuel economy of your RX45h, 11 yr ago when new compare to now ?

[@twfinc6855]

and you can start putting premium fuel in now.. big zonk for me

[@bruceyung70]

@@HumperMKB It averages around 21-22mpg, but on a good day, which is rare, I got it up to 29 mpg but that's super rare. I sometimes average 23-24 mpg.

[@NSV610]

@@twfinc6855 indeed-but all hybrid lexus required premium even the past generations 2022 is still regular gas-which is what I got lol

[@twfinc6855]

@@NSV610 only the turbo models needed premium, the NX for example. In this day and age when trying to get better efficiency and cost savings switching your models to premium is idiotic.

[@deundreward7057]

Once Again, Very legit Suv!!

[@sovan781]

the rear lower fake vent thing style looks like they copy it off the LFA

[@sferaebbasta3667]

Great Job Joe ⚡⚡🙏🏻

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for having my back!

[@pireina1]

Hands down Lexus RX-500h. Such a good vehicle, the rear steering works so good around corners, curves and the turning radio is zero turn grade. 😅 Quick, quiet, luxurious. I got it for my wife and I am like, dang I got you something good for reals. 😅

[@mattmekhaeil]

To get 366 horses from a turbo 4 is a lot for this size of suv. A NA V6 can’t do that. I’ll still take the mdx type s over this. You get my favorite they offer which is tiger eye and Acura is known for their amazing handling from their awd system

[@RaitisRides]

Well that is exactly a fair statement since this does use electric motors.

[@hybridstiger]

I think the four-cylinder Turbo Hybrid only make about 270 something horsepower. The total 366 horsepower and 406 ft pounds of torque is when combined with the two rear electric motors.

[@beri232]

I think the slight sacrifice in performance but the gain in mileage makes the RX500H the best choice for me over the Acura

[@harleymartinez4053]

Well to me when I think of Lexus, 2 of the Lexus SUVs, the two RX from Lexus, the Lexus RX 350 h and this one the Lexus RX 500 h. So I remember when Joe did one of the Jaguar SUVs I remember when he said about the f sport

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that input!

[@harleymartinez4053]

@@RaitisRides you're welcome

[@harleymartinez4053]

Thank you Joe ☺️ you're the best! I really like when you compared the Lexus RX 500h F Sport with the Acura MDX type S just for this video. Is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport a better performance then a Acura MDX type S

[@josephmann1770]

The best car review you’ll ever see. This guys the man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Joey for having my back on this one.