For those who want a midsize luxury SUV with both a healthy helping of dependability and a pinch of attitude, I present the lengthily named Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. This version sits atop the range of RX hybrid models.
I expected a cushy, comfy cruiser, but in this guise it exhibits surprising grunt when accelerating and decent bite in turns, too.
That acceleration comes courtesy of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with electric motors. The combination returns a city/highway average of 27 miles per gallon, per the window sticker.
This F Sport also features Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension, which makes “near-instant adjustments that are based on driving operation and road conditions,” Lexus says.
This one is finished in a silver shade called Iridium and also features 21-inch black wheels and orange brake calipers as part of a $2,500 appearance package.
Inside, there’s eye-grabbing red and black leather. Additionally, “Lighting from a palette of 64 colors and 14 themes can be selected to best match a driver’s mood and energy,” according to Lexus. New for 2026: wireless phone charging is now standard across all RX models.
A 14-inch center screen is easy to use, as advertised, though some functions are buttonless and controlled only by the touch screen. I will continue shaking my fist at the sky.
This is a two-row SUV that has plenty of space for passengers. Cargo space is OK, though the stylishly sloping rear roofline slightly limits volume compared with boxier rivals.
This one comes to $75,724 after shipping, buoyed by a Convenience Package that features a panoramic view monitor and traffic jam assist ($1,670). In addition, there are heated and ventilated rear seats ($1,230) and triple-beam LED headlights ($1,565), among other goodies.
An RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD starts at $68,450 after shipping, but without those extra options.
A base RX begins at $52,775, including shipping.
