2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

Over the past couple years the Lexus RX has gained immense respect in my head. When my then fiance and now wife bought her 2009 RX350 nearly five years ago,  I knew it would be a nice car for her but, I wasn’t quite excited. My attitude towards it changed after we got married and we actually had things to move. Between a house and two greyhounds soon after, we joke that the RX is near undefeated in transporting items. We rarely need to borrow my dads truck. I ended up admiring the RXs capability so much it ended up as my first article here on RightFootDown. I ended that article suggesting everyone needs a 2018 RX450h in the family. RightFootDowns editor, Will, has tested both the RX350 F-Sport and more recently the RX350L and definitely came away positively from both but my recent test of the 2019 Lexus RX45h AWD F-Sport confirms the Hybrid is still the one you want.

2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

Toyota’s Hybrid System is still one of the most impressive powertrains on the market. In basically everything but the Prius, it is plenty powerful and efficient as can be. The refinement of the system never ceases to amaze me. The start and stop of the engine is barely noticable and the torque from the electric engine helps the silky smooth CVT around town.  With 308 combined horsepower, it will move the big RX to 60 in 7.8 seconds. While 0.2 seconds slower than the standard 295 horsepower RX350, it returns 12 city and 2 highway miles per gallon better than the standard RX350 AWD. The combined 30 MPG is fantastic, even with the gas tank size reduced by two gallons to accommodate the battery. Under heavier than normal driving, I used less than half a tank of gas before it was returned. In the C-HR the entire tank of gas was gone in five days. Not having to visit the gas station but every two to three weeks is a fantastic bonus onto what is already a great crossover.

2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

In the handling department, the RX450h AWD is no Acura RDX SH-AWD. It’s heavy and understeer. Luckily the center of gravity is low thanks to the battery and body roll is kept to a minimum. For all the bling of the F-Sport package, it doesn’t really feel like it brings a lot to the table. The suspension is firmer with a Sport+ option added but there’s an issue. This is an RX I’m not looking to hit the race tracks in my RX. I’m not looking to hit the canyons or the back roads either. I want to get from home to soccer practice comfortably. That’s it. The F-Sport is perfectly good at performing this task, but why not get the standard RX450h AWD and enjoy the comfort.

2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

Other than the suspension the F-Sport package is mostly visual which will talks about HERE. There are a few things I’d like to keep though.

  • The F-Sport Heated and Ventilated seats are very comfortable as well as supportive
  • Other interior Trim options look great too but I am a fan of the Aluminum
  • The 20” wheels ride harsher but look great

2019 Lexus RX450h AWD F Sport

As tested my RX came in at over $60,000. Apparently January and February are monsoon season in Tennessee and thus I couldn’t get any pictures so we had to make due with the pretty Lexus pics. Apparently electronics don’t like rain or something. Do know my car was red though and it should not have been. In general, I said it last year and I say it again: if you are in the market for a comfortable crossover perfect for any activity, the RX450h AWD is the one to get.

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