There is an argument to be made that the Lexus RX pioneered the premium crossover market. The 1998 Lexus SUV was a roomy two-row model equipped with all the usual luxury trappings. The automobile has always been known by that name, but the public has connected it with a concentration on utility and practicality rather than on making people happy. Lexus strived to improve the RX 500h throughout the years, and the 2023 F Sport Performance model is a far cry from the first impression. The hybrid SUV’s 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, from a supposedly family-friendly vehicle, are impressive.
Performance of the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport
A 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four powers the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance, along with a six-speed automated transmission, Power Control Unit, and electric motor. According to Lexus, the 80 kW eAxle in the back includes an inverter and motor that sends electricity to the back wheels in a flash. This system generates 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque thanks to a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery.
Design and Performance of the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport
The RX’s recipe for good looks hasn’t changed for the new model year, so we can expect the same stunning results. Instead of a spindle grille, Lexus is emphasizing the “spindle body” aesthetic. The vehicle’s front fascia has a grille that flows seamlessly into the body. The automobile rides on redesigned wheels that measure either 19 or 21 inches in diameter and are located at the vehicle’s outside edges. Wraparound taillights with a single lens are standard on this Lexus.
Manufacturers have focused heavily on improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. According to the designers, the front fascia serves two purposes: cooling the brakes and channeling air to the spindle body. There are also dimpled underbody coverings, a spoiler, and flush window and door molding.
Sport front and rear bumpers, as well as piano black accents on the grille, are exclusive to the F Sport Performance trim. Standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tires with a special formula and tread design. The sills and other details on the body of a Performance model are painted the same color as the car.
The exterior of the 2023 RX may be have in one of ten colors, depending on the trim level selected. Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water are also available.
Tuna idea, a design vision influenced by the Lexus Driving Signature, is included inside the vehicle. All that jargon means is that the driver has easy access to all the necessary controls and information without having to look away from the road.
In terms of functionality, the cabin scores quite well. Numerous spaces are available for stowing small items. A Qi-compatible wireless mobile device charger and a USB connection are stored in a front cubby placed in front of the gearshift and covered by a front-to-rear sliding lid. The redesigned glove compartment in the center console may be accessed from either the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
There are six USB connections accessible throughout the car, including two USB Type-C outlets in the optional 40/20/40 power split-folding rear seat so passengers may charge their devices. Power-folding rear seats with climate control and heating are standard.
The inside is styled using high-end materials and designs. Doors and seats may be upholstered in a design with a L shape. It’s based on the Japanese kageri style, which changes its appearance depending on whether it’s being illuminated from the inside or the outside.
Aluminum covers the pedals in the F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance trims, while a special steering wheel and instrument cluster sit in front of the driver. The sporty metal is used as inside trim, especially for the dashboard and cup holder trim. Two distinct color schemes, Rioja Red and Black, are available to buyers. F Sport Performance versions stand out from the crowd even more so with blacked-out emblems on the door sills and the steering wheel.
How Fast Is the New 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport? Thanks to Its Redesigned Underpinnings
The GA-K platform used to construct the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance is 198 pounds lighter than the one used for the previous generation. Lexus claims that the overall stiffness of the chassis has been increased, and that the vehicle’s center of gravity is now 0.6 inches lower. The length of the vehicle is unchanged at 192.5 inches, the wheelbase is lengthened by 2.36 inches to 112.2 inches, and the front and rear tracks are wider by 0.59 inches to 65 inches and 1.77 inches, respectively, to 66 inches.
The new RX’s rear suspension is an all-new multi-link system that is connected to a robust high-torsion rear body structure to allow for more constant suspension input/travel throughout acceleration, deceleration, and steering moments. Better legroom for rear passengers, additional baggage capacity, and a lower back door trim to reduce loading height are just some of the benefits that Lexus claims to have realized thanks to the new platform.
The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance is an attractively sporty variation of a well-known and useful SUV. In other words, it’s a fantastic choice for families looking for a vehicle that can haul everyone and their stuff while still looking and performing like a sports car.
As reported by Lexus.
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