Talk about an RX to get excited about! This week I bring you one of my favorite SUVs - the powerful, performance-minded 2026 RX 500h F Sport Performance. It's the range-topping RX of the lineup and for 2026 it looks even better than it already did with a new Appearance Package based on the 2025 Black Line Special Edition. (The appearance package is available for both F Sport Handling and Performance grades.)
I was lucky enough to review the RX 500h during a week when I spent a lot of time on the highway attending various car events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Exterior
In a word, the exterior of the RX500h impresses. Its Caviar black hue paired with black styling elements is incredibly effective in asserting a sportiness you don't necessarily think of when you think about the RX. That's due in part to the new Appearance Package that includes 21-inch black alloy wheels and orange brake calipers. The F Sport Performance rides on Michelin® Pilot Sport® tires made from what Lexus calls "a bespoke compound". The tire tread pattern features a matte black finish.
Other grade features include F Sport front and rear bumpers and a piano black grille. Body-colored sills , side puddle lamps, F Sport badging and additional black elements also distinguish the Performance model.
While Triple-Beam headlines are available, my tester has the standard BI-LED headlights. Foglamps are also standard. A long, single tail lamp and rear spoiler round out the rear
Performance
It's no secret I think the RX 500h is an incredible performer. How could it not be with its 366 horses and fantastic 406 pound-feet of torque that really gets the rear wheels moving. That's thanks to its high-end torque hybrid system that's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. F Sport front 6-piston front brakes and F-sport tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension are also standard.
Interior
The interior immediately delivers on the exterior's sporty promises with its Rioja Red interior. Leather-trimmed F Sport front seats feature side bolsters to hold you in place without sacrificing comfort. They're both heated and ventilated.
The well-designed and crafted cabin features a mix of materials - including dark graphite aluminum on the console and Ultrasuede trim on the door panels. The appearance package adds gray interior switches.
The F SPORT grades feature an exclusive leather-trimmed steering wheel with a darkened F Sport logo. They also get an exclusive digital driver display meter as well, along with aluminum sport pedals
Technology includes a standard across-the-lineup 12.3 inch digital driver display. The F Sport features an available 14-inch touchscreen that runs Lexus' last-generation multimedia system. (So, too, does the 2027). Thankfully we don't have to wait for a standard across the lineup wireless charger which finally happened for 2026.
A minimalist center console is home to a short gear shift knob, two cupholders, auto brake hold and electric parking brake. Instead of integrating USB ports into the console itself, designers added them to the center stack just underneath the climate controls.
A 40/20/40 power split-folding rear seat offers plenty of leg room for passengers, as well as a fold-down center armrest with hidden cupholders.
The roomy cargo area is very nice with tonneau cover and an optional F Sport badged cargo mat and illuminated cargo sills.
Other F Sport Performance features include 64-color, 14 theme ambient lighting, a panoramic roof and a 10-inch head-up display with terrific graphics.
Standard RX features include 6 USB port and a tonneau cover.
Ride and Drive
The 500h is a true performance hybrid - and that's to say - it's exciting to drive. Acceleration impresses thanks to the hybrid engine's 366-horsepower and 400+ high-end torque. You'll really enjoy it in Sport mode.
It follows that overall driving dynamics are fantastic, too. It's engaging to drive thanks to its platform's low center of gravity paired with its responsive steering which is also aided by F SPORT–tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. That suspension also gives the RX a really comfortable ride, too. It's also quiet. None of this except maybe the performance will come as any surprise to Lexus RX fans.
Active sound control offers high, medium, low and off settings to match your mood.
Options
Options include the Appearance Package ($2500), 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ($1160), heated and ventilated rear outboard seats ($1230), convenience package ($1670), technology package with a digital review mirror ($575), black badge overlays ($325), wheel locks ($99), carpet cargo mat ($150), illuminated cargo sills ($300), and power rear door with kick sensor ($150).
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 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 and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking are also standard.
The convenience package adds Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, which executed flawlessly when I tested it on the 2025 RX.
Verdict
The RX 500h is one of Lexus' most exciting vehicles - and deservedly so. It's powerful, stylish and turns the every day commute into anything but mundane. The newly available appearance package really takes its looks to another level. The roughly $75K price point is on point for a performance SUV with all the goodies this SUV offers.
2026 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Peformance
- What I liked most: Performance and driving dynamics, F Sport appearance Package, luxury interior.
- What I would change: High-resolution backup camera.
- MSRP: Base $65,400. As equipped $75,009.
- Fuel Economy: 27 City /28 Highway/27 combined.
- Official Color: Caviar.
- Miles: 5,432 miles.
- Weight: 4,750 pounds curb/GVWR 5,995 pounds.
- 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).
- Spare Tire: Compact Spare.
- Final Assembly Point: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- 2026 RX 500h in a few words: A true performer and one of Lexus' most exciting vehicles!
- 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.
- Manufacturer’s website: Lexus
