2024 RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD
Written by Marco Carvajal
The new 2024 Lexus RX is the fifth generation of this model and offers a unique hybrid powertrain and a new PHEV version in one of its trims. The new RX family is faster than previous generations and very comfortable for long trips, with a capacity for five passengers, and plenty of space inside and in the cargo area.
New for 2024, the RX adds additional technology and convenience features to enhance the driving and in-cabin experience. The much-anticipated 2024 RX 450h+ Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle is the first PHEV in the RX family, showing the trend towards an electrified lineup.
The RX model was initially made in two main different models, the 350 and the 450. Last year in 2023 Lexus introduced one more model, the RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD, the first performance-focused hybrid for the RX lineup.
Now in 2024 the RX 500h continues to improve and offer hybrid performance and luxury style for those who want the best of both worlds.
The RX 500h is powered by a 2.4 Liter Turbo in-line 4-cylinder engine with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive of two electric motors, inverter, and an electric motor, with an eAxle rear unit that integrates a high output electric motor, inverter and reduction gearbox.
The RX 500h produces good performance as its F Sport badge claims, but is not a high-performance vehicle compared to other Lexus cars powered by larger and more powerful V8 engines.
Its hybrid engine produces a 366 net combined Horsepower and a high 406 lb-ft Torque, while fuel economy stays on 28 MPG average. Horsepower is not amazing at 366, but the 406 Torque is very impressive.
Technology and certain controls like door handles can be difficult to use for drivers who are not used to Lexus’s new controls, but in general, the system works well and we just need to learn how to use the new RX 500h.
Driving a Lexus gives you very good status but the purchase price budget is only a little higher than what it would cost you to buy a less luxurious car.
Driving a Lexus RX 500h F Sport you can enjoy the ride with great performance, good efficiency, but also feel that you are driving a superior premium car on the road.
Lexus is Premium at a Lower Cost
You can buy a Lexus and keep your budget in a good low range, less expensive than other premium cars.
If you want to drive a premium car and feel the luxury interior and features of top high-end cars, but keep your cost low then new Lexus models can be a great choice. Toyota is a very good value car that would last long and give you very few mechanical problems, but many drivers want to drive a more premium and exclusive brand like Lexus or other luxury car-makers competitors.
As new features and technologies are available, together with inflation factors, new cars, and even used cars keep increasing in pricing. I used to think that in the future, cars would be cheaper due to mass production and new technologies but actually, the opposite is happening and every year it costs more to buy a new car.
Even with recent pricing increases car buyers are still getting more for their money, with more features, especially safety and comfort features.
Lexus is one of the few brands that is staying in the middle range budget and still keeping the prestigious style and brand name of the luxury Japanese automaker.
Lexus is known as the premium and luxurious brand from Toyota, but something I love about most recent version models is that pricing is staying pretty low compared to most Luxury brands.
RX Hybrid Family
The name RX is based on the key words Radiant Crossover.
The first Lexus RX 300 arrived in 1998 with a very different shape and format than other cars Lexus makes.
The RX is a very attractive crossover half SUV and half four-door luxury, crossover utility vehicle, or unique CUV.
There are several RX models, including the RX gasoline model, the RX hybrid, and the RX Plug-in hybrid EV.
The Lexus RX hybrid family is available in several models, with a starting MSRP price of $52,100.
RX models include the RX 350h, RX 450h, and RX 500h that I am test driving.
All Lexus RX hybrid models are only available as all-wheel drive.
The RX 500h is the top of the line, one of the best hybrid versions of the RX family.
According to Lexus, the RX was the first luxury crossover that existed in the past. The RX continues to become more popular among car buyers and Lexus continues to evolve all the features and construction of this crossover. Over the past 20 years, there have been five RX generations.
As part of Lexus’s early start and innovation into hybrid cars, the first RX hybrid version was released almost two decades ago. Thanks to the use of a hybrid engine, the RX hybrid combines a sporty design and style with low fuel consumption of 28 miles per gallon.
The Lexus RX 400h was the world’s second mass-produced hybrid crossover after the Ford Escape Hybrid and the first luxury hybrid crossover.
RX 500 Hybrid
Onboard the Lexus RX 500h I did not have to put gas while driving around 475 miles, thanks to the great range and fuel economy of this hybrid car, with an incredible range close to 500 miles per tank.
The Lexus RX’s audio equipment is high quality, my passengers’ guests enjoy the ride with luxury seats and interior, great quality audio, and a vibrant modern design that makes you enjoy every mile you drive onboard the RX 500h.
Traveling long distances can be a very different experience depending on the car you use to transport you. A luxury vehicle like the RX is an ideal car for a trip like this.
This midsize SUV has an excellent navigation system, audio, and the visual system of its dashboard to make any trip more pleasant.
Fuel Economy
2024 RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD has good fuel economy but is not the best when compared to other models like the RX350h or other brands.
- 27 MPG City
- 28 MPG Highway
- 27 MPG Combined
F Sport Performance
The Lexus 500 hybrid is only available as the F Sport Performance Trim.
The RX 500 Hybrid is a great mix of good interior space, luxury, performance, and maneuverability. It is a great comfortable automobile for fast highway cruising and driving around town.
I love driving the RX 500 hybrid with all-wheel drive F Sport trim level for enhanced performance and speed, for maximum power on any off-road. This crossover is very fast reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds.
F Sport is a Lexus badge that offers fast, durable, highly capable performance cars that rely on a wide range of technologies to help make their performance accessible to drivers of all skill levels.
When you drive an F Sport car, like the RX 500h F Sport I am driving, you get a racing-type car that you can drive every day. F-Sport adds performance technology to regular Lexus sedans or SUVs.
Lexus F Sport models are sporty, powerful, fast, and fun to drive. As I drive the RX 500 hybrid F Sport the emotions and passion for fast and precise driving bring excitement on the road.
F Sport Lexus trim models are one of my favorite Lexus cars to drive. The F Sport trim is not only about performance, as these vehicles also include exterior and interior design touches to reflect their high-performance level.
Among many features, the F SPORT tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension can make you feel like you are almost flying on the road.
Highlights of the RX 500h F Sport:
- 2.4 Liter Turbo in-line 4-cylinder engine with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive
- Six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and paddle shifters
- 366 net combined Horsepower
- 406 lb-ft Torque
- 130 MPH Top track speed
- 0 to 60 MPH 5.9 seconds
- Direct4 All-wheel drive system
- VDIM with dynamic rear steering
- (VVT-i) Dual-cam, 16-valve, with continuous Variable Valve Timing with intelligence
- (SULEV) Certified Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle
Direct4 Lexus All Wheel Drive
The RX Dynamic Torque-Control All-Wheel Drive works fantastically, under normal cruising conditions the system engages front-wheel drive to help reduce fuel consumption.
The advanced AWD system takes input from various sensors such as wheel speed, engine RPM, steering angle, throttle opening angle, and yaw rate, to actively govern torque distribution to the rear wheels using an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential.
When the vehicle is accelerating, the system automatically shifts to AWD to help prevent front-wheel slippage. While cruising, the system reverts to FWD, and when sensors detect wheel slippage, it can vary front-to-rear torque distribution.
2024 Lexus RX 500 Prices and Trim Models
The 2024 Lexus RX is available in several models and prices starting around $52K. The Lexus RX is a luxury car with a very reasonable price considering everything it gives you. There are three main RX models and some of these models are available with standard gasoline engines, hybrid, or hybrid PHEV that you can use with gasoline and also charge plug-in with electricity.
Lexus is a premium luxury car with a very interesting style, and with many advanced safety features, but its price is generally lower than other luxury brands such as its luxury competitors.
The model I am driving, the RX 500h is a hybrid. The RX 500h has a powerful engine supercharged as the only available trim, F Sport Performance AWD.
The most economical hybrid model in the RX lineup is the Lexus RX 350h AWD with a base price of $52,100 and from this model, there are many options for gasoline or hybrid models until reaching the top-of-the-line RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD with a base price of $64,100.
Driving a Lexus gives you very good status but your budget would stay low. The asking price of the RX is low considering all the luxury, technology, and power this car gives you. The top-of-the-line RX 500 hybrid is priced at $64K which is a low price when compared to similar European luxury cars that are more expensive.
The 2024 Lexus RX is available in different trim models, prices, and purchase options, but the RX 500 is only available as a hybrid RX 500h F Sport Performance. So far for 2024, no other model variations are available for the 500.
The price range and models and variations of the RX are very diverse, allowing you to find the ideal luxury car according to your budget.
- 2024 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, MSRP $64,100
PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
If you want to go for the Lexus RX plug-in hybrid then you have the 2024 RX 450h+ Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, starting at $70,580. With time one can expect that eventually, all Lexus vehicles would be available as PHEV or Electric only.
Even if the RX 500h doesn’t offer a very high performance compared to other F Sport Lexus vehicles, it still delivers Luxury Style and a good Hybrid Performance at 366 HP & 406 Torque
