Lexus RX 2025 Review

In the luxury executive SUV market in Malaysia, consumers are increasingly demanding a "balanced experience"—they want the signature tranquility and quality of Lexus but are no longer satisfied with the performance of traditional hybrids. The arrival of the 2025 RX 500h F Sport Special Edition hits this sweet spot: not only is it the most powerful hybrid model in the RX lineup, but it also incorporates the sporty attributes of the F Sport package, with a starting price of RM 512,888, positioning it within the mainstream luxury SUV segment. The core of this test drive is to verify if it can simultaneously fulfill the seemingly contradictory demands of "luxury and comfort" and "sporty performance."

At first glance, the F Sport package stands out significantly compared to the standard version. The front spindle grille features a black honeycomb design, complemented by two raised lines on the hood, which diminishes the RX's original mild demeanor. The side profile retains a sleek proportion with a 4890mm length and 2850mm wheelbase. The 21-inch matte black wheels and red brake calipers are the standout details, directly emphasizing its sporty positioning. The rear features smoked L-shaped LED taillights, and the diffuser at the bottom of the rear bumper has a more aggressive design. Overall, the aesthetics retain the steadiness of an executive SUV while adding a touch of aggression.

Inside the cabin, the exclusive elements of the F Sport are immediately obvious: the sporty seats come with thicker side bolsters, and both the steering wheel and seats feature F Sport logos. The instrument panel can switch to a sport mode interface. However, the main focus remains on Lexus' quality—soft leather extensively wraps the central console, the metal toggles on the air-conditioning vents, and the stitching on the trim panels all display exquisite craftsmanship without evident plasticity. In terms of equipment, the 14-inch center screen has good responsiveness and supports wireless CarPlay. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is clear, and the HUD head-up display can show core information like speed and navigation, reducing the need to look down frequently. The front seats are equipped with 8-way electric adjustment, the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split folding and reclining function, and even a 180cm tall passenger can have two fist-widths of knee room in the rear seat, ensuring a comfortable long-trip experience. Regarding storage space, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 612 liters and can be significantly expanded by folding the rear seats, making it suitable for storing strollers or golf bags.

When starting the vehicle, the first impression is that its power response is faster than expected. The hybrid system, which combines a 2.4T turbocharged engine and dual electric motors (front and rear), delivers a combined power of 371PS and torque of 550N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds. In everyday commuting with the normal mode, the electric motor takes charge first, resulting in a very quiet and smooth take-off. When you press hard on the accelerator, the engine and motor unleash their power simultaneously, providing an immediate thrust that is evident during overtaking. Even during high-speed acceleration, there is ample power reserve. In sport mode, the gearbox adopts a more aggressive shifting logic, and the steering wheel becomes noticeably heavier, catering well to those occasional moments of "exhilaration."

In terms of handling, the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for "resilience"—when going over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the suspension quickly absorbs the bumps without any harsh impact. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the 235/50 R21 tires provide sufficient grip, maintaining stability even at higher speeds. The all-wheel-drive system is highly responsive; when driving in rainy conditions, it avoids wheel slip during hard acceleration, and changing lanes at high speeds feels more stable. Fuel efficiency is reasonable, with a combined city fuel consumption of approximately 7.2L per 100 kilometers, which can drop to 6.3L on highways, saving more fuel compared to conventionally-powered vehicles with similar performance levels.

Sound insulation is a traditional strength of Lexus, and the RX 500h F Sport does not disappoint. At a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise are well controlled, with only a slight engine sound entering the cabin. Paired with the 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, the sound quality is clear with rich bass, making external noise almost negligible when listening to music. The energy regeneration system offers three adjustable levels. At the lowest level, it mimics the coasting feel of a fuel-powered vehicle without noticeable drag; at the highest level, it enables single-pedal control, suitable for congested road conditions.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 RX 500h F Sport Special Edition are clear: it boasts the strongest power in the RX lineup while retaining Lexus's luxurious ambiance and comfortable experience. The configuration also has no obvious shortcomings—features like a 360-degree panoramic camera, full-speed ACC, seven airbags, and independent rear air conditioning are all standard, making it more practical than BBA models in the same price range. Compared to the BMW X5 Hybrid or Mercedes-Benz GLE Hybrid in its class, it is priced slightly lower yet offers richer features, making it ideal for consumers who don't want to pay for brand premiums.

To summarize with "demand matching," it is best suited for two types of people: firstly, middle-class families prioritizing comfort in a family car, requiring both spaciousness and safety features while occasionally enjoying powerful performance; and secondly, young people who prefer luxury without being overly pretentious. The sporty feel of the F Sport package nicely balances the formality of executive SUVs. Simply put, this is a "well-rounded" luxurious hybrid SUV—it is neither as aggressive as a pure performance car nor as plain as a traditional hybrid. Instead, it strikes a precise balance between comfort, performance, and features.