2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Review

The Executive-class SUV market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Consumers not only value luxurious quality but also have higher expectations for a balance between power and fuel economy. As a cornerstone of the brand, the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport was launched in this context. Its core selling points include the 2.4T turbocharged hybrid system delivering a combined 371PS horsepower, extensive standard safety features across the range, and sporty tuning enhanced by the F Sport package. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can find the optimal balance between luxury, performance, and practicality, as well as to see if the differentiated tuning of the F Sport version truly enhances the driving experience.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 RX 500h F Sport continues the brand's latest "spindle grille" design, but the grille features a black mesh structure inside, paired with the F Sport-specific front bumper for a more aggressive visual appeal. The streamlined side profile, with a shoulder line extending from the front fender to the rear, enhances the muscular look, while the 21-inch matte black wheels further accentuate the sporty vibe. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design, and the F Sport logo is subtly embedded in the lower right corner of the tailgate, contributing to a high level of recognition. As for the lighting system, LED headlights are equipped with an automatic adjustment function, providing sufficient brightness when illuminated, and the L-shaped design of the daytime running lights makes it a distinctive element in traffic.

Stepping inside, the F Sport version's interior features a combination of black leather and Alcantara, with the steering wheel and seats bearing F Sport logos. Red stitching details enhance the sporty vibe. The center console layout leans towards the driver, and the 9.8-inch touchscreen offers smooth responses, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has a clear and user-friendly interface. Core configurations include a HUD head-up display, 12-speaker audio system, and front-row 8-way power-adjustable seats with heating functionality. The front seats provide good support, ensuring comfort during long drives. In terms of storage space, the central armrest compartment is quite spacious, door pockets can hold two 500ml bottles, and the trunk offers a standard capacity of 838L, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for family travel and storage needs.

As for space, the vehicle's dimensions are 4890mm/1920mm/1709mm (length/width/height) with a wheelbase of 2850mm, placing it at the mainstream level among Executive-class SUVs. The front row offers about two fists of headroom, while the rear row provides more than two fists of legroom and about one and a half fists of headroom. Even passengers with a height of 180cm won't feel cramped in the rear seats. The rear row comes equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail. With a minimum ground clearance of 206mm, the vehicle performs well on rough roads or light off-road scenarios, with no concerns about maneuverability.

In terms of performance, the 2.4T turbocharged engine and electric motor hybrid system produce a combined output of 371PS, with a total electric motor torque of 461N·m. This is paired with an 8AT transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the electric motor provides ample torque at startup, ensuring quick and smooth response with virtually no turbo lag. When the accelerator is pressed deeply, the engine engages promptly, delivering a linear and powerful acceleration process. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.9 seconds, which is outstanding in this segment of hybrid vehicles. In Sport mode, the transmission shift logic becomes more aggressive, and the steering wheel provides a heavier feel, offering more direct handling feedback.

The handling and chassis tuning are the highlights of the F Sport version. The front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension is sportily tuned, providing stronger support compared to the regular version. It controls body roll well during cornering and remains stable during high-speed lane changes. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, while retaining an appropriate amount of road feel without compromising ride comfort. The all-wheel drive system provides better traction on slippery roads or during light off-road conditions, while primarily operating as a front-wheel drive in daily use, balancing fuel efficiency.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km. In real-world testing, the fuel consumption is approximately 9.2L/100km in congested urban conditions, while cruising on highways reduces it to 7.8L/100km. For a 2.1-ton four-wheel-drive hybrid SUV, this performance is quite impressive. As for noise control, wind and tire noise are well suppressed during high-speed driving, and the sound of the engine when engaged is relatively gentle. The cabin's quietness aligns with the positioning of a luxury brand.

In terms of safety features, 8 airbags, lane departure warning, automatic parking, hill-start assist, etc., are all standard. The Lexus Safety System+ is also included, offering comprehensive active safety protection, which is an advantage compared to models in the same class.

In summary, the core highlights of the 2023 RX 500h F Sport include its powerful hybrid powertrain, sporty handling, a wealth of standard features, and Lexus's consistent reliability. Compared to similar models from BBA brands, it offers better value for money—delivering similar luxury and stronger performance at a lower price. Overall, this car caters both to young consumers who value power and handling as well as to families who require space and comfort.

If you are looking for an Executive-level SUV that balances luxury, performance, and practicality, the 2023 RX 500h F Sport is a worthwhile choice. It has no significant shortcomings and achieves a balanced performance in all aspects, making it an "all-rounder" contender.