Lexus shows out with hybrid
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 its redesign efforts are now in full force with the recently released RX500H. Similar to the past generation RX350, which has always been Lexus’ most popular vehicle, the time has come.
Our pre-production RX500H tester came in a gorgeous Copper exterior paired with 21-inch 10-spoke matte black alloy wheels. With its new front fascia design, it’s no secret that this as a hybrid. It shows out nicely with updated curves and interior updates similar to its NX sibling.
A 2.4-liter Turbo Hybrid engine shows the way producing 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet 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,” said Karl Brauer, iseecars.com executive analyst. “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.”
For me, the color was fantastic and the updates were really nice. I enjoyed the comfort, the infotainment and the ride height of the new RX. For Lexus, this vehicle’s success is really important, and I think consumers will recognize its value and exclusive appearance.