Lexus RX500h 2023 review: snapshot

Introduced as part of the all-new, fifth-generation RX series, the 500h F Sport Performance AWD is the new flagship in Lexus' long-established large luxury SUV range, and an alternative to the likes of the sportier grades of the BMW X5 and Range Rover Velar.

Priced from $126,000 before on-road costs, all the basics are there, including LED headlights, electric and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, electric door handles, three-zone climate control, a 14-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 'Hey, Lexus' voice control, six USB ports, 40:20:40 split rear seats with auto fold, electrically adjustable steering column, a powered tailgate, roof rails and alloy wheels.

Plus, the 500h F Sport Performance also brings little luxuries like bi-LED three-projector headlights with auto high beams and washers, 360-degree surround view monitor, variable suspension damping for a comfier ride, a head-up display, heated/vented front seats, more salubrious leather, extra fancy front seats, 21-speaker premium audio, wireless smartphone charger, power reclining/folding rear seats with heating/ventilation, uprated brakes, kick sensors for that powered tailgate, rear sunshades, ambient lighting and 21-inch alloys.

The 500h F Sport Performance AWD is the new flagship in Lexus’ long-established large luxury SUV range.

Explore the 2023 Lexus RX500H Range

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The 500h is also alone with rear-wheel steering and an artificial exhaust note piped through the sound system as standard equipment.

On the safety front, you'll find Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise-control with full stop/go capability, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors, Intersection Turn Assist (ITA – providing early brake activation if required), Emergency Steering Assist (ESA – extra steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane) and a digital rear-view camera mirror.

These come on top of eight airbags (including dual-front occupant knees and a centre item to stop lateral head strikes), anti-lock brakes with brake-assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control systems, three rear-seat child-seat tether anchorages and two ISOFIX latches.

Priced from 6,000 before on-road costs, all the basics are there.

You also score Lexus Connected Services with – among other features – an SOS button or automatic emergency services notification with vehicle co-ordinates should the driver be incapacitated following an accident, as well as Safe Exit Assist – which won't allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.

Under the bonnet is a 2.4L turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, mated to two electric motors – one on each axle – and a battery pack, to create a performance hybrid luxury offering. With a combined 273kW of power, it will hit 100km/h from standstill in just 6.2 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 210km/h.

Under the bonnet is a 2.4L turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, mated to two electric motors.

On the economy front, the NEDC figures show that the 500h can return as little as 6.5L/100km on average, for a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 148g/km.

This powertrain combination is a first for any Lexus or Toyota in Australia.