What's the difference?
This is a BIG moment for the Lexus RX in Australia. And I'm not just referring to the spindle grille that adorns the front-end of this all-new model (though it too is almost commercially massive).
I'm talking more about the vehicle itself, and its importance to the Lexus brand here. The RX is one of Lexus' best sellers in Australia, and so this new one – which welcomes a new platform, new powertrain options and an all-new F Sport Performance trim level – is a big deal.
So, does it live up to the hype (and to its German competition)? Join me as we figure all that out ahead of the RX's debut here in early 2023.
The Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance is the flagship model for the RX line-up.
It’s a deceptively large SUV and it has some serious heavy-hitting luxury rivals; like the BMW X5 xDrive45e and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The new RX has been revamped, restyled and retooled, so how does it compete?
Read on to see what’s new and what my little family of three thought of it!
The RX is a big SUV that doesn't always look, or drive, like one, and – in 500h guise especially – can put a smile on a driver's face, too.
Gone are the cabin quirks and the polarising design elements (well, mostly...), and in their place you'll find a solid, premium-feeling family offering without much in the way of drawbacks.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance certainly gave a solid driving performance this week. I was comfortable behind the wheel and enjoyed the luxe features up front. I feel that it's missing some luxe items in the back seat and some of the family storage options that other large SUVs can have but otherwise, it suited my family’s needs. The fuel efficiency was quite surprising for a hybrid, so this gets a 7.0/10 from me.
My son really liked the panoramic roof and his high seating position. So, he gives this an 8.0/10.