Lexus RX Review

In Malaysia's current executive SUV market, consumers are increasingly valuing the balance between performance, features, and fuel efficiency. Pure gasoline models tend to have high fuel consumption, while early hybrid versions struggled to meet expectations in terms of features. The Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition, which will be launched in July 2025, addresses this pain point precisely — it is equipped with a 2.4T hybrid system delivering a combined output of 371PS, along with upgraded features such as 21-inch wheels and a 14-inch central control screen, at a price of RM 512,888. Through this test drive, we aim to see whether it lives up to its positioning as a "performance hybrid executive SUV" and to identify the specific improvements compared to the older F Sport models.

At first glance, the sporty genes of the F Sport are very prominent. The front features Lexus's iconic spindle-shaped grille, filled with black honeycomb patterns and outlined with chrome trim, complemented by sharp LED headlight groups on both sides, which give it high recognizability. The side profile of the car is sleek, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, making the car appear longer. The 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are an exclusive configuration for the Special Edition, offering more visual impact compared to the wheels of the older F Sport model. At the rear, the smoked LED taillight group adopts a through-type design, with the Lexus branding embedded in the center. The lower part of the car features diffuser accents and dual exhaust tips on either side, further emphasizing the sporty feeling. The lighting system comes standard with LED light sources throughout, and the automatic headlights and front fog lights are extremely practical in daily driving, especially at night or during rainy weather, providing stable illumination.

Opening the car door, the interior strikes a good balance between luxury and technology. The dashboard adopts an asymmetrical design, tilted towards the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the seats and the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in leather, while the armrest and the central control area use soft materials with a delicate texture. Exclusive F Sport metallic pedals and steering wheel stitching enhance the sporty ambience with attention to detail. Regarding key features, the 14-inch floating touchscreen central control display steals the spotlight—it’s significantly larger than the 9.8-inch screen on older F Sport models and shows noticeable improvements in display clarity and operational smoothness. The built-in intelligent system supports mobile phone connectivity and voice control. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel can switch between different display modes, and the HUD head-up display projects information like speed and navigation onto the front windshield, reducing the need for the driver to take their eyes off the road. When it comes to seating, the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment and offer good cushioning for comfortable long-distance drives. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split electric folding and recline function, making it convenient to adjust seating positions or expand storage space.

In terms of space performance, the body dimensions are 4890mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1695mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2850mm—this size is considered mainstream in the executive SUV segment. The front-row seating space is ample, leaving a gap of about one fist and two fingers above the head for a 175cm tall person after adjusting the seat. Rear space is equally spacious; for a person of the same height sitting in the back row, there is more than two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The almost flat middle floor ensures that the center passenger is not too cramped even with three passengers in the back. For storage, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 612L, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats—making it easy to accommodate several large suitcases or a stroller. The cabin also features well-designed storage compartments; the door pockets, center armrest box, and front cup holders meet daily needs, while the rear row is equipped with air-conditioning vents and power outlets to cater to rear passengers' requirements.

In terms of power, this hybrid system, comprising a 2.4T turbocharged engine and front and rear dual electric motors, delivers a combined system output of 371PS and a total torque of 550N·m, which are more impressive parameters compared to the previous F Sport model's 371PS power (but with lower torque). During actual driving, the electric motor engages quickly at the start, and the power response is very responsive with almost no noticeable lag. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle pedal becomes more sensitive, and acceleration is even more robust. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 6.2 seconds, and during real-world testing, as long as the accelerator is pressed adequately, overtaking or rapid acceleration is effortless. For daily driving, the Eco mode is sufficient, and the transitions between the engine and the electric motor are smooth, with almost no sense of stuttering. The transmission is a 6AT, with a clear shifting logic and prompt upshifts and downshifts, which, when paired with the hybrid system's output, ensures a seamless power delivery.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of an executive-level SUV. The steering wheel has a moderate weight and precise directionality. During high-speed driving, the steering wheel becomes heavier, which enhances stability. The suspension system uses a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned more towards comfort while still maintaining a certain level of support. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, and the vehicle doesn’t exhibit significant bouncing. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and passengers won't feel obvious swaying. The vehicle employs a full-time all-wheel-drive system, prioritizing front-wheel drive for daily driving. When encountering wet or slightly off-road conditions, the AWD system automatically distributes power to enhance traction.

Fuel efficiency testing is a key focus area since fuel efficiency is a core concern for hybrid vehicle consumers. We conducted comprehensive driving tests in both city and highway scenarios, with 60% city driving and 40% highway driving, while consistently running the air conditioning throughout. The final test results showed a combined fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km, which is close to the official figure of 6.5L. This result places it in the excellent range among hybrid SUVs in the same class and is significantly more fuel-efficient compared to the petrol-only RX 350 Luxury (9.4L/100km). In terms of noise control, the vehicle performs well in suppressing tire and wind noise, maintaining a quiet cabin even during high-speed driving, and engine noise when it kicks in is minimal, not interfering with passenger conversations.

In summary, the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition has standout core highlights: powerful performance combined with fuel efficiency, with the 371PS system output meeting the needs of performance-demanding users, while a fuel consumption of around 6.5L/100km reduces daily operating costs. The upgraded features, including a 14-inch central control screen and a fully digital instrument cluster, make it more competitive compared to the previous F Sport model. The spacious and practical interior makes it suitable for family or business use. Compared to similar models at the same price point, such as fuel-only SUVs, its fuel efficiency is a clear advantage. Compared to other hybrid SUVs, its power performance and luxury features give it an edge.

This car is clearly tailored for specific consumer groups: first, family users who value balanced performance, as it offers ample space, economic fuel consumption, and comprehensive safety features (seven airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, etc.) to meet daily family needs. Secondly, it appeals to young people seeking luxury and comfort, as the tech-savvy interior and sporty ambiance, combined with robust power, suit the aesthetic and driving preferences of the younger demographic. Additionally, business users can also consider this vehicle, as its luxurious feel and quiet cabin are well-suited for business receptions.

Overall, the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition is an executive-level hybrid SUV that balances performance, fuel efficiency, and features. It is highly competitive in its class. If you are looking for a mid-size SUV with strong performance, good fuel economy, and rich features, it is worth adding to your consideration list.