Jeffrey N. Ross | Nov 16, 2020
Aside from high-luxury interiors, Lexus has built its reputation around an expansive lineup of crossovers/SUVs and an equally diverse offering of hybrid electric vehicles. Positioned at the crossroads of all three sits the luxurious Lexus RX crossover available with a fuel-efficient hybrid model.
The current, fourth-generation RX was introduced for the 2016 model year, and Lexus has delivered a number of enhancements to this crossover for 2020. Recently, I got to spend a week in the 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport F Sport, to see how Lexus' promise of improved style and handling stacks up against an ever-growing list of rivals.
2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Exterior
Changes made to the 2020 Lexus RX are extremely subtle, but they help to provide an overall style that is sleeker and more refined. Up front, the RX still has Lexus' oversized (and polarizing) signature spindle grille, but this grille is now flanked by diamond-shaped LED headlights that sit above larger side vents and repositioned fog lights/cornering lights; adding even more style to the front end of this RX, our tester was equipped with the optional ($1,615) triple-beam LED headlights. Changes are even harder to spot at the rear of this luxury crossover with a restyled fascia and a different lighting pattern in the LED taillights.
The angular shape of the RX carries over along with the blacked-out portion of the C-pillar that gives the RX a floating roof look, and the only distinctions for the 450h hybrid model are the blue Lexus badges and "hybrid" badges on the lower rocker panel. Stepping up to the RX 450h F Sport F Sport brings sporty touches starting with a blacked-out mesh grille, lower chin spoiler and satin-finish chrome-plated lower protector. The F Sport also includes black side mirrors and exclusive 20-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Overall, the added black and satin chrome accents are a perfect complement to the Atomic Silver paint job found on this tester.
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2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Interior
Lexus has always crafted stylish, tech-filled interiors, and the 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is a shining example. The leather is ultra soft and all of the touch points are covered in high-quality materials, and new for 2020, the RX F Sport adds a Circuit Red interior color giving this model an even sportier appearance. In addition to its sporty style, the F Sport comes loaded with content including heated and ventilated front seats, perforated leather on the seats and three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum interior trim accents and drilled non-slip lightweight aluminum pedals. Similar to other Lexus F Sport models, the RX F Sport gets an eight-inch LCD instrument cluster inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, but this cluster does not have the motorized display that other F Sport models have; this digital gauge cluster does combine a tachometer and digital speed indicator while providing real-time information such as G-force metrics, navigation information, torque distribution and more.
Android smartphone users will appreciate that the 2020 Lexus RX now comes standard with Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration, and another new feature for 2020 is the smartphone holder next to the shift lever. Aside from these changes, everything else carries over including the massive, 12.3-inch screen that is optional on upgraded navigation/audio packages including this tester's $2,825 navigation/12-speaker premium audio system. As always, this large display is easily controlled through the Remote Touch controller found on the center console. Our tester was also fitted with the $600 full color head-up display unit, $500 panoramic roof and the touch-free power liftgate with kick sensor for $150.
The bigger dimensions of the fourth-gen RX means more space for passengers and their cargo, and even better, hybrid buyers don't have to sacrifice cabin space for fuel efficiency. The added hybrid components fractionally reduce cabin volume, and the RX hybrid can hold 18.0 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and up to 55.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat (that's only 0.4 cubic feet less than the RX 350); the rear seats can conveniently fold flat using handles located in the cargo area. That means the 2019 Lexus RX 450h F Sport will have no problem loading up five passengers and a weekend's worth of gear!
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2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Powertrain
With its total power output of 308 horsepower, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport holds the distinction of being the most-powerful Lexus RX ever. This powerful drivetrain starts with the same 3.5-liter V-6 used in the RX 350, which uses Toyota's advanced D-4S fuel injection system that combines port and direct injection allowing this to maximize power, torque and efficiency. The hybrid system adds a nickel metal hydride battery pack and a trio of electric motors on the all-wheel drive model.
With its hybrid components, the RX 450h F Sport has EPA-rated fuel economy estimates of 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway*, which is significantly better than the 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway* of the RX 350.
The fourth-gen RX already showcased a smoother, quieter and more responsive ride than its predecessor, but the 2020 Lexus RX gets even better with a retuned chassis, steering and suspension setup. New for 2020, the Lexus RX splits the F Sport model into an appearance and performance packages. Both get the same aggressive design, but only the F Sport Performance Package - like this tester - gets the Adaptive Variable Suspension. Sadly, it's hard to notice any add sportiness from the RX 450h F Sport F Sport since the hybrid components make this model almost 400 pounds heavier than the RX 350 AWD. It's no sports car with a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds, but it is extremely efficient, luxurious and especially practical right down to the 3,500-pound max tow rating.
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2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Safety
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport comes standard with 10 airbags and the advanced Lexus Safety System+ ( Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, intelligent high beam headlights, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Keep Assist), which helped this hybrid crossover score a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For families, one of the coolest safety features that comes standard on the 2020 RX is the rear seat belt reminder that lets the driver know if one of the rear-seat occupants (and specifically which one) isn't buckled up. This tester added even more safety content with a $1,865 bundle that included Blind Spot Monitor, Intuitive Parking Assist, rear cross traffic braking and a panoramic view monitor.
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2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Overall
Despite an onslaught of competition, the 2020 Lexus RX remains the most popular choice for luxury CUV/SUV buyers, and it doesn't take much seat time to see why that's the case. This RX 450h F Sport packs quite a punch in terms of cabin technology and high-quality materials, while the hybrid powertrain delivers a mix of added performance and fuel economy.
Add on the extra style from the F Sport, and you have the complete package! One key reason why the Lexus RX remains so popular is that it packs a lot of luxury, technology and safety without breaking the bank. A base 2020 RX 350 is priced starting at $45,070, while the hybrid model commands a $2,650 premium. This loaded and stylish 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport F Sport had an as-tested price of $60,970, which is a reasonable price for a fully loaded, mid-size luxury CUV/SUV.
