By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
After a major overhaul (wheelbase, track boost) just two years ago, the Lexus RX500 continues mostly as it is for 2025. We can say confidently that it has held its ground firmly in the crowded midsize luxury SUV segment made up of stalwarts from Acura, BMW, Audi, Genesis, Lincoln, Mercedes and Volvo.
Under the hood of the five-passenger SUV sits a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder intercooled and turbocharged engine, mated to front/rear electric motors. The RX puts out a total of 366 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 406 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm, plentiful to boost confidence in a driver. Drive modes include eco, normal, sport and custom. Lexus’ innovative DIRECT4 all-wheel drive provides immediate control to all four wheels. Zero to 60 mph takes just 5.9 seconds with maximum speed of 130 mph possible.
The RX500h is fitted with a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery in the trunk area, which is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the 6-speed auto gearbox-equipped car gets a regenerative braking system. When the car is coasting or the brakes are applied, electric power functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost. Instead, it converts the energy into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.
The most evident exterior feature of the RX500 is the exceptionally huge spindle grille flanked by triple bi-LED headlights and daytime running lights. A walkaround the vehicle reveals a single-lens taillamp wraparound the body, flush window, door molding and rear spoiler. Step in to find the center stack angled toward the driver, making it simpler to control buttons on the dashboard. The abundant sprinkle of aluminum trim throughout is a fine touch. The eight-way cooled/heated power front semi-aniline leather seats, FSport three-spoke power tilt/telescopic leather steering column, push-button start, multi-zone a/c, 40/20/40-split recline/slide fold rear seat, gated shifter, 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (optional), head-up display and power tilt/slide panoramic roof, hands-free lift gate come at no cost. And the central console box is deep to hold quite a few personal items. The mammoth and easy-to-use 14-inch infotainment touchscreen atop the dash stands out.
Ten airbags, vehicle stability/traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, blind spot monitor, rearview camera, keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard. Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 translates into a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, proactive obstacle anticipation/road sign/lane trace assists, lane departure alert and dynamic cruise control.
If in the market for a well-appointed, graceful and spacious SUV that boasts decent gas mileage while backed by a powerful engine, the spirited RX500 fits the bill. This one is a best buy, in our eyes!
RX500h (PERFORMANCE)
Tires: 235/50R21
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 192.5 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Width: 75.5 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear
Steering: rack and pinion electric power
Fuel capacity: 17.2 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 27/28/27 mpg
Weight: 4,750 pounds
Base price: $66,150
Web site: www.lexus.co
