2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD Review

If you want an RX that dazzles both with looks and performance, look no further than my test drive this week, the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance. The 500h is the range-topping RX of the lineup - meaning it's the most powerful and yes, the most fun to drive.  To that point, I absolutely loved my week in the F Sport Performance.

Exterior     

The RX 500h is going to get looks with its striking Iridium premium paint hue that looks super sharp set against the F Sport Performance's 21-inch alloy wheels with black matte finish. 

The F Sport treatment also includes exclusive front and rear bumpers, a piano black mesh grill, and F Sport Dark Chrome surround window trim surround. 

You'll also find F Sport front fender badges, color-keyed rocker panels and gloss black side mirrors.

Powertrain    

I've said it before and I'll say it again - the RX 500h moves.  Its impressive acceleration is thanks to a high-torque hybrid system that delivers 366-horses and a fantastic 406 pound-feet of torque which really gets power moving to the rear wheels.  Lexus cites a 0-60 is 5.9 seconds compared to the RX 350h AWD's 7.4 seconds.   All-wheel drive is standard as is F SPORT–tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension.   

Interior 

A striking Rioja Red leather-trimmed interior greets you when you open the driver's door.  Lexus' quality craftsmanship is everywhere you look from the soft-touch materials to the excellent switchgear.   Dark Graphite aluminum trim along with Ultrasuede trim on the door panels elevate sporty, elegant look.

The perforated-leather F Sport front seats with enhanced side bolsters are fantastic, super comfortable,  and both front seats are heated and ventilated. F Sport aluminum pedals greet your feet.  

An F Sport perforated leather-wrapped heated steering wheel hosts a variety of typical controls.  A 12.3-inch digital driver's display integrates navigation but overall the graphics and font are smaller than in many other vehicles.  F SPORT Performance grades feature an exclusive steering wheel and performance instrumentation.

A 14-inch high-definition touchscreen runs Lexus' terrific and easy to use multimedia system. It's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and more.   The touchscreen delivers great graphics and is very responsive. Map quality looks terrific, too, but rear view camera quality could be improved. This vehicle is also equipped with the available Panoramic View Monitor. 

The center console is minimalist and well-designed with more aluminum trim around the cupholders, though I am still getting used to the short, stubby, gear shifter Lexus is using now. 

The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with great sound quality is a highlight,  as is the standard panoramic moonroof.

One of the great things about the RX 500h is its optional power-reclining second row outboard seats, which you can operate from the cargo area as well as the multimedia system.  The seats are also heated and ventilated. On the down side you lose a lot of headroom in the 2nd row due to substantial stadium seating.  A center console armrest features storage space and small extending cupholders. Passengers in the second row can charge their mobile devices on two USB Type-C outlets or an available single AC power outlet. Cargo space is great for a SUV this size. 

Standard features include multi-zone climate, thematic ambient lighting, and a wireless charger. Connectivity features include 6 USB-C ports and a WiFi hotspot. 

Ride and Drive

The RX 500h's ride and drive is in a word, fantastic. It handles so well, delivers quick acceleration and its F SPORT–tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension gives you a incredible ride.  Steering is responsive especially in Sport mode, one of three drive modes, the others being Normal and Eco. They are accessed through the touchscreen and I'd prefer a physical knob or control. 

The ride is quiet, too. However, if you'd like a sporty engine note, active sound control gives you high, medium, low and off settings,  also accessed through the multimedia system.

Safety 

The 2025 RX lineup comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0,  a great suite of advanced driver assistance features. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist.  Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard as is intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking.

A 10-inch head-up display is easy to read with well-done graphics.

Optional Advanced Park executed flawlessly. However, note, unlike some other systems it doesn't search for a spot for you while you are driving. You must stop first and enable the system which will then look for a spot nearby and steer you into it.

Options 

Verdict

Power, style, and fantastic driving dynamics make the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance an SUV to love.

• What I liked most:   Driving dynamics, horsepower, looks, interior, panoramic sunroof.
• What I would change:  Sharper backup camera.
• MSRP: Base price $66,150; as equipped $71,475  with transportation.
• Fuel Economy:  27 city/28 highway/ 27 overall.
• Official Color: Iridium ($500).
• Odometer reading when tested:  261 miles.
• Weight:   4,750 pounds curb/GVWR 5,995 pounds.
• Spare Tire:   Compact Spare.
• Length-Width-Height:  192.5 ” long/ 75.6” wide/67" high.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
• Towing Capacity:  3,500 pounds (additional equipment required).
• 2025 RX 500h in a few words:   An amazing Lexus SUV performer.
  
• Warranty:  4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty, 8-year-year/100,000 Mile Hybrid Warranty.
• Final Assembly Location:  Toyota, Aichi, Japan.
• Manufacturer’s website:  Lexus