2023 Lexus RX 500h+ F Sport AWD
You definitely can't say this color doesn't catch your eye. Copper Crest. It isn't for me but I had a guy come up to me in a parking lot raving about how much he liked the color. I'll say one thing, it sure was easy to find the RX 500h+ F Sport AWD in a crowded parking lot.
Lexus has a full range of SUVs, six models (with more variants of some models), with the RX being the third from the top. I used to be able to tell what engine was in a Lexus by the numerical part of the model name but that doesn't work anymore. Now every RX has a 4-cylinder engine.
The RX 500h+ F Sport AWD has a 2.4-liter, DOHC, turbocharged, 4-cylinder combined with two electric motors (front and rear) for a total of 366 hp, and 406 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic.
Driving around town the RX 500h+ F Sport AWD was very docile, very quiet. Drive it gently and it is often using electric power only. Put your foot in it and that "little" four comes to life, making a nice roar, rushing from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds according to those who test such things. What is more astonishing is that the RX 500h+ F Sport weights a hefty 4,750 lbs.
Although the 235/50R-21 tires are fine for most driving they definitely won't do if you live in snow country or head there for skiing. You're going to need chains or four real snow tires if you can find them.
Like just about every vehicle that is rated for five people, four would be more comfortable. The rear seat has a pull down armrest, and the seat back is split 60/40 that will fold down for increased cargo capacity.
The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with the usual easy to use electric controls. Some may not like the monochromatic dark gray interior, and yes it can get hot in the sun, but I prefer muted colors inside my cars. The front seats are heated or cooled depending on your desire (they even have an automatic setting that works in conjunction with the climate control).
The controls look fairly easy to decipher right? Well yes and no. The test RX 500h+ F Sport AWD had a Heads Up Display (HUD) (where information is shown on the windshield in your line of site), and with the HUD the smart cruise control is partially controlled by icons. I had to get out the owner's manual to figure it out. I found it distracting because I had to focus on the icons.
On the other had the climate control and sound system where pretty straight forward. Admittedly the volume dial (center below the screen) was small but it was easy to find without taking my eyes off the road.
You can load in a lot of stuff into the RX 500h+; there is 29.59 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, and up to 46.19 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Towing capacity is only so-so; 999 lbs. without a trailer brake, and 3.494 lbs. with the brake.
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