The RX500h blends turbocharged performance with hybrid efficiency while still delivering the kind of luxury Lexus has built its reputation on. For my family, that familiarity goes back decades — to 1989, when my father traded his SL380 Mercedes convertible for the very first LS 400. That was our introduction to Lexus, and it set the tone for a relationship that has now lasted 36 years. Reviewing this SUV isn't just about numbers or features. Lexus has always been personal. Over the years, my parents added everything from the first RX 300 to the 1998 LX 470 and 2004 SC 430 — both of which my dad still drives.
While I haven't owned a Lexus in recent years, the brand continues to impress. Every time I bring one home for a review, my wife notices immediately. "This feels like a Lexus," she says — and that familiarity, that comfort, that refinement — it's all still there.
Electrification Without Compromise
If you’re new to electrified vehicles, the RX 500h is the perfect gateway. It’s a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) — meaning you don’t plug it in. It uses regenerative braking and engine cycling to charge itself as you drive. That’s key for buyers who want better fuel efficiency but aren’t ready to alter their lifestyle or invest in home charging.
Lexus equips the 500h with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine mated to a high-output hybrid system and their DIRECT4 all-wheel drive. Together, it produces 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 0–60 mph time? A quick 5.9 seconds.
Acceleration is smooth and immediate, with the hybrid system filling in torque seamlessly. You get a sense of effortlessness in city driving, and passing power on the highway is sufficient — all while maintaining respectable fuel economy at an EPA estimated 27 MPG combined.
That balance of power and efficiency is more than just a spec sheet highlight — it's driving sales. In fact, electrified vehicles (hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs) now make up nearly half of Lexus's U.S. sales. Through the first half of 2025, Lexus posted record-setting results, with electrified models representing about 50% of Q1 volume and 48% of Q2 volume, growth fueled by strong demand for hybrid SUVs like the RX, NX, and new TX. Which means, buyers aren't just curious about electrification — they're embracing it in their daily lives, and Lexus is meeting them where they are with practical hybrids like the RX 500h.
Drive Modes for Every Mood
The RX 500h F SPORT offers multiple drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport+, and Custom — letting you tailor the experience to your day.
Eco Mode softens throttle response and helps maximize efficiency.
Sport and Sport+ sharpen the steering, stiffen the adaptive variable suspension, and activate Lexus' Active Sound Control, adding synthesized engine noise through the speakers to enhance the driving experience.
Custom Mode lets you mix and match performance, steering feel, and climate settings to your liking.
And while the added sound and responsiveness make Sport mode feel more dramatic, this is still a Lexus at heart — more composed than aggressive, more graceful than edgy.
Exterior Design: Purposeful and Bold
The F SPORT design language is fully embraced here, with:
• A black mesh spindle grille framed by satin-chrome trim
• Gloss black 21-inch wheels with performance tires
• F SPORT-specific front and rear bumpers
• Dark chrome window surrounds
• Subtle "F SPORT" badging throughout
The design balances elegance and edge — bold enough to stand out, refined enough to wear a Lexus badge. The Iridium exterior on my tester shimmered differently throughout the day, with a cool metallic finish that played well with the blacked-out trim.
Interior: Sporty Sophistication
Step inside, and Lexus reminds you why it built its reputation on interior quality. The two-tone interior with black and Rioja Red gives the cabin depth and character.
The F SPORT heated and ventilated front seats are heavily bolstered and wrapped in leather-trimmed upholstery. They're supportive without being stiff, though drivers with broader frames may feel a bit snug.
The F SPORT steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with paddle shifters and the signature "F" badge.
Real aluminum pedals and trim complete the performance look. Technology is robust without being overwhelming.
The RX includes:
• A 14-inch touchscreen with a clean, intuitive interface and natural voice recognition
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Cloud-based navigation with over-the-air updates (Drive Connect subscription includes a 3-year trial)
• A crisp, full-color head-up display that projects speed, directions, and safety alerts right into your line of sight
Convenience and Safety at Every Turn
This Lexus is packed with features that make everyday driving easier:
• Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist: The door opens electronically and prevents you from opening it into oncoming traffic or cyclists
• Panoramic View Monitor: Offers a bird's-eye 360-degree camera view to simplify parking
• Advanced Park Assist: Can autonomously park the RX in both parallel and perpendicular spaces
• Traffic Jam Assist: Enables low-speed, hands-free driving on certain roads (when paired with the Lexus Teammate system and subscription)
• Intuitive Parking Assist with automatic braking: Helps prevent fender benders in tight spots
Every RX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist
• Proactive Driving Assist
In a world where advanced safety often costs extra, Lexus gives you all of it standard.
Practical Luxury You Can Count On
I recently advised a neighbor to go with the RX 350 when she was torn between three midsize SUVs. Her top concern was longevity. That made it easy — get the Lexus. It's a brand built on reliability and craftsmanship, and in this segment, the RX continues to be a benchmark.
RX Lineup at a Glance: 2025 Buyer's Guide
Whether you're shopping for comfort, efficiency, or performance, Lexus has an RX to match.
RX 350 (Gas)
• Powertrain: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 275 hp
• Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
• MPG: 24–25 combined
• MSRP: From $49,950
• Best For: Traditional luxury SUV buyers who don't want electrification
RX 350h (Hybrid)
• Powertrain: 2.5L hybrid, 246 hp
• Drivetrain: AWD standard
• MPG: Up to 36 MPG combined
• MSRP: From $51,950
• Best For: Efficiency-minded buyers who want Lexus quality without charging
RX 450h+ (Plug-In Hybrid)
• Powertrain: 2.5L PHEV, approx. 304 hp
• Electric Range: Up to 37 miles EV-only
• Drivetrain: AWD standard
• MPG: Combined 83 MPGe
• MSRP: From $64,800
• Best For: Drivers with access to home charging and short commutes
RX 500h F SPORT
• Powertrain: 2.4L turbo hybrid, 366 hp / 406 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: DIRECT4 AWD
• MPG: 27 combined
• MSRP (as tested): $74,009
• Best For: Drivers wanting more performance and tech, without sacrificing luxury
Final Verdict
The 2025 RX 500h F SPORT may not be the most aggressive SUV in its class, but it's not trying to be. It brings power, refinement, and technology together in a way that feels purposeful and familiar. For me, it's a reminder of what Lexus has always done best — building vehicles that people keep for decades, not just lease for two years.
Whether you're new to electrification or just returning to Lexus like I did, the RX 500h F SPORT is the kind of SUV that makes you feel right at home. And in a world chasing trends, that's a rare and valuable feeling.