Lexus continues to refine its reputation for luxury, reliability, and technological innovation with the 2025 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. The RX 500h delivers a combination of modern style, hybrid efficiency, and a strong performance profile that makes it a serious contender in the midsize luxury SUV segment. With the introduction of the Black Line Special Edition styling package, Lexus adds distinctive design cues while maintaining the comfort and refinement the RX series is known for.

What’s New for 2025

The 2025 RX 500h F Sport builds on the previous model with a Black Line Special Edition styling package that enhances its aggressive stance and sporty presence. The package adds exclusive black accents to the grille, window trim, and bumpers, giving the RX a more commanding road presence. Beyond aesthetics, Lexus has kept the RX 500h’s performance, luxury, and technology updates consistent with its vision of blending modern style with hybrid efficiency.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the RX 500h features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine. It delivers a net combined output of 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and confident highway performance. Power is transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive system, ensuring traction in varied driving conditions.

The RX 500h offers an estimated 27 miles per gallon combined, impressive for a luxury SUV of its size and capability. The vehicle also includes an adaptive variable suspension system, which adjusts ride firmness to match driving conditions and selected drive modes. Black brake calipers and 21-inch alloy wheels complement the performance enhancements, giving the RX a sportier look and improved handling stability. The SUV is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding a practical dimension for owners who need to haul trailers, boats, or gear.

Safety Features

Lexus continues to prioritize safety with the 2025 RX 500h. Standard features include the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and intuitive parking assist with automatic braking. Buyers can also opt for a panoramic view monitor, which provides a 360-degree perspective of the vehicle’s surroundings, making tight parking spaces and crowded streets easier to navigate. These updates reflect Lexus’s ongoing commitment to safety and driver confidence.

Interior Comfort and Seating

Inside, the RX 500h offers seating for five passengers in a cabin that balances luxury with practicality. The front seats are leather-trimmed F Sport perforated seats with enhanced side bolsters, and they are both heated and ventilated. Power-adjustable front seats include driver memory functions, while the F Sport leather-trimmed steering wheel is also heated for added comfort. The rear outboard seats are optionally heated and ventilated, a feature that adds $1,230 to the total price but significantly increases passenger comfort. Ultrasuede trim and other high-quality materials give the cabin a contemporary and refined appearance.

Technology and Features

Technology in the RX 500h continues to impress, with a 14-inch touchscreen central display and a 12.3-inch digital driver display. The vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it includes a wireless phone charger. The audio experience is enhanced by a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, available for $1,160, delivering crisp and immersive sound. Additional features such as a head-up display, thematic ambient illumination, and six USB-C ports enhance connectivity and convenience. The RX 500h also includes F Sport-specific aluminum pedals and exclusive performance instrumentation, emphasizing the sporty character of the model.

Design and Quality

The 2025 RX 500h F Sport presents a modern exterior design, featuring exclusive front and rear bumpers, a piano black mesh grille, and dark chrome trim around the windows. A panoramic glass roof adds an airy, open feel to the cabin while roof rails enhance practicality for carrying cargo. Optional features include a 120V AC outlet, advanced parking assistance, triple-beam LED headlamps, a power rear door with kick sensor, and premium Iridium paint. The SUV also includes side puddle lamps, wheel locks, and illuminated door and cargo sills, giving the vehicle a finished and refined appearance.

Cargo capacity is competitive within its segment, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 46.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. While slightly less than some rivals, the space is adequate for daily needs, weekend trips, and family outings.

Price and Ownership

Pricing for the 2025 RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD starts at $64,800, while the test vehicle equipped with options reaches approximately $74,000. The vehicle comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty and LexusCare coverage for two years or 25,000 miles, providing peace of mind for new owners.

Pros and Cons

The RX 500h offers a powerful hybrid engine that balances performance with fuel efficiency. Its modern and luxurious interior is both comfortable and visually appealing, while its seating provides ample comfort for driver and passengers alike. On the downside, cargo space is somewhat limited compared to competitors, some controls are not particularly intuitive, and the vehicle’s handling, while competent, is less engaging than some rivals in the luxury SUV segment.

Competition

The RX 500h competes with a wide range of luxury midsize SUVs, including the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLE Class, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Genesis GV80, Audi Q8, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT5, Maserati Levante, and Acura RDX. Each of these vehicles brings its own strengths, from dynamic handling and off-road capabilities to technology and cabin luxury, making the segment highly competitive.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD successfully blends hybrid power with modern luxury. It delivers strong performance, advanced technology, and a stylish interior, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking a refined yet capable midsize SUV. While cargo space is modest and the driving experience is not the most thrilling in the segment, the RX 500h remains a solid option for those who value comfort, efficiency, and Lexus’s signature reliability.

With its new styling, comprehensive feature set, and hybrid performance, the 2025 RX 500h F Sport continues to be a compelling choice in the crowded luxury SUV market.

Video link: https://youtu.be/kDgmDvS09P8

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Lauren Fix is an automotive expert and journalist covering industry trends, policy changes, and their impact on drivers nationwide. Follow her on X @LaurenFix for the latest car news and insights.