Lexus shows out with RX500 hybrid
Highly popular Lexus does it again with revived model
Full size upscale SUV and a Copper exterior; what a match!
With the variety of upscale SUVs on the market today, manufacturers are in a wrestling match to try and beat their competition. Toyota’s upscale brand, Lexus, is just like the rest as their redesign efforts are now in full force with their recently released RX500h. Similar to their past generation
RX350, which has always been their most popular vehicle sold in the fleet, the time has come.
This time, Lexus enters Grasso’s Garage with the newly released RX500h.
The RX model has been the best selling vehicle in the fleet for Lexus and with this release, for good reason. Our pre-production tester came in a gorgeous Copper exterior paired with 21-inch 10-spoke matte black alloy wheels. With its new front end fascia design, recognizing this as a hybrid is no secret. It shows out nicely with updated curvatures and similar interior updates to its NX sibling.
A 2.4L Turbo Hybrid engine shows the way producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It seemed sluggish at times, but with the hybrid system, it really had the torque needed to get up and go.
“The new RX’s style upgrades and hybrid drivetrains may garner the most attention, but it’s the technology upgrades that most owners will appreciate. Big changes, like the larger touchscreen and improved user interface — hurray for the removal of the touchpad — finally give the RX a modern feel, while the Google-based operating system expands functionality and provides personalization for multiple drivers. Sure, the hybrid drivetrains are a proper nod to the electrification narrative dominating the industry right now…but the non-hybrid RX is the lightest model, and that’s reflected in its superior dynamics versus the electrified versions. While the RX500h boasts the highest power, it’s also the heaviest model, and those extra 500+ pounds hurt both fuel efficiency, acceleration, and handling.” mentions Karl Brauer, iSeeCars.com Executive Analyst
For me, the color was fantastic, the updates were really nice and for Lexus, this vehicle’s success is really important as its long history demands it. I enjoyed the comfort, the infotainment and the ride height of the new RX and think it will be a successful option for consumers as values are strong and appearance is exclusive.