2023 Lexus RX 500h

Price Range: $61,600 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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27 mpg

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2023 Lexus RX 500h Review

byChristian Wardlaw^{Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.}

Pros

Speedy acceleration, handling that can increase your pulse rate
Improved interior design with impressive build quality
Roomy and comfortable seats
Accurate and smooth driver assist tech

Cons

New infotainment system not as intuitive as expected
Touch-sensing steering wheel controls cause frustration
Still not quite up to par with other performance-tuned SUVs

What's new

New performance-oriented version of the redesigned 2023 RX
Hybrid powertrain based on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Likely the most entertaining RX to drive in history
Kicks off the fifth RX generation

Overview

Recent versions of the Lexus RX midsize SUV have had three primary attributes to potentially win over shoppers: distinctive styling, a lower-than-average price tag among its peers, and the perceived reliability of its parent company. But the RX has also been rather blasé to drive. That changes with the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX, which is available in a new RX 500h F Sport Performance flavor.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and a hybrid system to produce respectably quick acceleration. All-wheel drive is standard, and Lexus says it's optimized to enhance traction on dry roads as well as in snowy or icy conditions. More secure handling and upgraded brakes specific to the RX 500h F Sport Performance should also contribute to the RX 500h's increased athleticism.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$203/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The new fifth-generation 2023 RX is the same size as before, but Lexus says it offers more rear legroom and cargo space inside. Lexus also reworked the tech, and the new RX features a fully digital dashboard combined with a choice of a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen display. Everywhere you look it's a step forward from the previous model, and the interior of the RX looks both more youthful and luxurious.

Bold styling, updated infotainment and driver assist features, and modern interior design and materials help the new RX keep pace with its European luxury rivals. And if you're looking for both a sporty and luxurious SUV, the RX 500h F Sport Performance is the model to consider.

Which RX 500h does Edmunds recommend?

The new Lexus RX 500h comes only in F Sport Performance trim. It is well equipped, but you can option it with many extras. We would add the 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment system, Mark Levinson premium audio system and surround-view camera.

Lexus RX 500h models

The 2023 Lexus RX 500h has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (366 horsepower, 406 lb-ft torque), a six-speed automatic transmission, and a dual-motor hybrid system with a Lexus Direct4 all-wheel-drive system.

Additionally, this model has a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and a dynamic rear-wheel steering system that turns the rear wheels to a small degree to improve low-speed maneuverability or high-speed stability and handling. A simulated engine and exhaust sound aims to enhance the driving experience.

The RX 500h is available only in F Sport Performance trim, as detailed below:

F Sport Performance
Every Lexus RX 500h includes appearance upgrades for an appropriately sporty look:

21-inch matte black alloy wheels
Unique F Sport front and rear styling
Dark chrome exterior trim
Black exterior mirror caps
Color-keyed F Sport body kit
Aluminum interior trim
Synthetic suede interior door trim
Sport-design steering wheel
Front sport seats

In addition, standard equipment includes:

LED headlights, foglights and taillights
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated exterior mirrors with auto-dimming glass on the driver's side
Power liftgate
Proximity-sensing keyless entry
Digital Latch electronic door latches
Ambient interior lighting
Triple-zone automatic climate control
Power sunroof
Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
Eight-way power-adjustable, heated front seats
Perforated leather upholstery
Heated and ventilated front seats
Memory for the driver's settings
Folding and reclining 40/20/40-split back seats
10-inch color head-up display

A next-generation Lexus Interface infotainment system is standard. It includes:

9.8-inch touchscreen
Satellite radio
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Connected service plans including:

Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and natural voice recognition systems
Wi-Fi Connect with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot
Remote Connect with remote engine start
Safety Connect with collision notification and assistance
Service Connect with remote vehicle health checks

Wireless smartphone charger
12-speaker sound system

Lexus also equips the 2023 RX with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This collection of driver assist and collision avoidance systems includes:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front and can also reduce speed for curves in the road)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high-beam headlights

Additional standard driver assist features include:

Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The RX 500h F Sport Performance is well equipped, but you can option the SUV with:

Upgraded LED headlights
Hands-free liftgate
Panoramic sunroof
Digital key (turns your smartphone into the vehicle's key)
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Heated and ventilated rear seats
Lexus Interface with a 14-inch touchscreen display
21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RX and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Traffic Jam Assist (hands-free, semi-automated driving system for low-speed traffic situations)

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2023 Lexus RX 500h pricing

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Lexus RX 500h Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

11 reviews

5(55%)

4(9%)

3(9%)

2(9%)

1(18%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

RX500H has it all

Clarence Kearney, 02/23/2023

2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

Coming out of 2022 RX350L (which was a great SUV) and into the 500H was a great surprise. The performance and handling is much better. And oh yes, it is still Lexus quiet. The new interior, the 14 inch touch screen, the 21 Speaker Levinson sound system and improved fuel economy are huge improvements. My wife said “ have to be careful when I step on gas now”! The new body design is …

Almost Perfect Lexus RX 500H

Ken B, 06/04/2023

2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

I picked up my new RX 500H a week ago and am almost totally enamored with it. There are a couple things that I don't like and therefore the 4 star rating. The biggest deficiency is that I have a 14" infotainment screen and can only display one thing at a time on it. In my old RX350 I could display the navigation map and another piece of information like the entertainment system, trip …

Its Great !

Mike, 11/14/2023

2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

Have had it less than a week but this is just what I was looking for . Great Handling , Fantastic Power ,Very Comfortable font seats compared to previous models . and best of all its a Lexus so I plan to keep it a long time .The tech is way better than previous models especially the wireless car play.

What a thrill

Nickmuy562 , 05/31/2023

2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

What Wonderful feeling

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2023 Lexus RX 500h Features Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$61,600
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Lexus RX 500h
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Lexus RX 500h vs. Acura MDX

Like the new RX 500h F Sport Performance, the Acura MDX Type S is a performance-tuned version of a popular luxury SUV. Acura takes a more traditional approach with the Type S, using a twin-turbocharged V6 instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid. Acura's pursuit of performance is arguably more aggressive, too, and the MDX offers a third-row seat in case you need it. You can learn what it's like to live with the standard MDX by reading Edmunds' long-term road test of the Acura MDX.

Compare Lexus RX 500h & Acura MDX features

Lexus RX 500h vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Equipped with an electrified and turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is a performance-tuned midsize SUV, just like the Lexus RX 500h. As you might expect, it costs significantly more than the Lexus RX 500h, and that's before you add any options. But the extra cost pays for superior performance, added cargo space, and more than double the towing capacity.

Compare Lexus RX 500h & Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class features

Lexus RX 500h vs. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is one of our favorite luxury SUVs, and in Polestar Engineered form, it is unexpectedly rewarding to drive. The powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, coupled with a complete package of mechanical upgrades, transforms this safety-oriented and sensible SUV into an impressively swift Swede. But it doesn't come cheap. And the Volvo is noticeably smaller inside than the Lexus.

Compare Lexus RX 500h & Volvo XC60 features

Build Your 2024 RX 350

At a Glance:

$49,950starting MSRP

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Safety

Key safety features on the RX 500h include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	15.5%

2023 Lexus RX 500h First Impressions

byKurt Niebuhr

•5/31/2022 (updated 9/09/2022)

What is the RX 500h?

Recent years of the Lexus RX have had three primary attributes to potentially win over midsize-SUV shoppers: distinctive styling, a lower-than-average price tag among its peers, and the perceived reliability of its parent company. But it's also been not all that exciting to drive, and it's let down by a non-touchscreen infotainment system with a frustrating and distracting user interface.

At least, those are the traits exhibited by the prior-generation RX, which dates back to 2016. Lexus is debuting a redesigned RX for 2023, replete with a range of new powertrains and other upgrades. The new RX 500h F Sport Performance will top the range of the redesigned model for 2023 and aim to address those criticisms from last year.

This fifth-generation RX is the same size as before, but Lexus says it's a bit lighter and offers more rear legroom and cargo space inside. On the outside, the new RX has a similar look to the previous model. The most noticeable change is that Lexus replaced the top half of the previous hourglass-style grille with a body-color panel that extends the hood line.

The new RX will compete against other midsize luxury SUVs such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

What's under the RX 500h's hood?

The redesigned RX will offer four different powertrain combinations, as designated by the numbers following the RX prefix. The RX 500h F Sport Performance uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and a hybrid system to produce a hearty 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Lexus says 0-60 mph will take a respectably quick 5.9 seconds. The last-generation RX 450h we tested, which had 308 hp, needed 7.3 seconds to get up to 60 mph.

All-wheel drive is standard for the RX 500h F Sport Performance, and Lexus says it's optimized to enhance traction on dry roads as well as in snowy or icy conditions. More secure handling and upgraded brakes specific to the RX 500h F Sport Performance should also contribute to increasing the RX500h's athleticism.

Lexus estimates the RX 500h F Sport Performance will achieve 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's 2 mpg better than the RX 350, which has 91 fewer hp. More power and better fuel economy — what's not to like?

How does the RX 500h drive?

The RX 500h F Sport Performance (that is indeed its full name) uses the main performance benefit of a hybrid system — namely instantaneous torque — to create the quickest RX on offer. Paired with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic in place of the RX 350's eight-speed unit (Lexus claims the six-speed works better for achieving its performance goals), the 500h uses an electric motor situated on the rear axle for more engaging performance.

Tapping into that extra power, and having it come from the rear wheels, gives the 500h a sportier feel, especially accelerating out of slow- and medium-speed corners. Combined with the 500h's sport-tuned all-wheel-drive system (it's not the same hardware as what you get on the 350 and 350h), adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering, this RX is much closer in both feel and performance to its German rivals than ever before. Perhaps it's the extra weight of the 500h but we found the sport suspension to be less jittery than in the 350 model equipped with the F Sport package. It's also surprisingly fun on a back road and drives like a much smaller SUV. This definitely has enough performance to back up the RX's new looks.

How's the RX 500h's interior?

The outside might not look radically different from the outgoing RX but the inside certainly does. Dominating the experience is a fully digital dashboard combined with a choice of a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen display. Everywhere you look it's a step forward from the previous model and the interior of the RX looks both more youthful and luxurious. Even in its most opulent trim level, the new RX doesn't ever look or feel like your elderly aunt's old Lexus. Build quality, as you'd expect, is exceptional.

The new chassis gives the RX a slightly longer wheelbase and that pays dividends for rear seat legroom. We had the occasion to spend nearly an hour in the back of an RX and came away noting the excellent legroom and comfortable sculpting of the rear seats themselves. Unlike the outgoing model, Lexus says it had no immediate plans to offer an RX with a third row of seats.

How's the RX 500h's tech?

Lexus has finally done away with the much-maligned touchpad controller that made the user interface so clunky and difficult to interact with in the old RX. It instead uses a simple touchscreen, albeit punctuated with a pair of physical dials that allow you to quickly input the desired temperature for the front-seat climate system. We've tested this interface in several newer Toyota and Lexus products — including the new Toyota Tundra and Lexus NX — and while it's not as user-friendly as we'd like, it is significantly easier to navigate around the menus.

Navigation is available but only as a subscription, much like satellite radio. While we're not entirely sure how that will play with Lexus buyers, we did find the system easy to read at a quick glance and very accurate. Audiophiles can rest easy knowing the new RX continues to offer an excellent Mark Levinson system — this one features 21 speakers, 1,800 watts and a 9-inch subwoofer.

Standard on all RX models is Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a suite of advanced driver aids that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, emergency steering assistance, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. We had ample time to experience the RX's adaptive cruise control and lane centering and came away impressed with their smoothness. Though we're not enamored with the touch-sensitive multifunction steering wheel mounted pads that activate the system, it was definitely stress-relieving on longer highway stretches and it's nice to see the safety suite as standard equipment.

Edmunds says

Bolder styling diminishes the RX's formerly more subtle design, but updated infotainment and driver assist features help the RX keep pace with its European luxury rivals. And if you're looking for a sporty luxury SUV, then the RX 500h F Sport Performance should be the model to focus on.

FAQ

Is the Lexus RX 500h a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 RX 500h both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 RX 500h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RX 500h has 29.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus RX 500h. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Lexus RX 500h?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus RX 500h:

New performance-oriented version of the redesigned 2023 RX
Hybrid powertrain based on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Likely the most entertaining RX to drive in history
Kicks off the fifth RX generation

Learn more

Is the Lexus RX 500h reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus RX 500h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RX 500h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RX 500h's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus RX 500h is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 RX 500h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 RX 500h is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus RX 500h?

The least-expensive 2023 Lexus RX 500h is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $61,600.

Other versions include:

F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $61,600

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus RX 500h?

If you're interested in the Lexus RX 500h, the next question is, which RX 500h model is right for you? RX 500h variants include F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A). For a full list of RX 500h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Lexus RX 500h

Pricing

2023 Lexus RX 500h Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Which RX 500h does Edmunds recommend?

Lexus RX 500h models

Save as much as $4,477 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.

2023 Lexus RX 500h pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Lexus RX 500h Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

RX500H has it all

Almost Perfect Lexus RX 500H

Its Great !

What a thrill

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2023 Lexus RX 500h Features Specs

Compare the Lexus RX 500h

Lexus RX 500h vs. Acura MDX

Lexus RX 500h vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Lexus RX 500h vs. Volvo XC60

Safety

Key safety features on the RX 500h include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

2023 Lexus RX 500h First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Lexus RX 500h a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Lexus RX 500h?

Is the Lexus RX 500h reliable?

Is the 2023 Lexus RX 500h a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus RX 500h?

What are the different models of Lexus RX 500h?

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