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The 2026 Lexus RX is a pillar in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, and for good reason. It’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive. In fact, it’s almost too easy to drive—so much so that you can practically fall asleep at the wheel. The RX is available in three flavors: gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. My tester came in 500h F Sport guise, meaning it’s the range-topping hybrid before crossing into plug-in territory.

The F Sport Performance model adds quite a bit of oomph to the RX’s look and feel. Its two-motor hybrid system and 2.4-liter turbo-four engine produce a total of 366 horsepower, compared to the non-F Sport’s 295. In terms of styling, it’s more aggressive, bolder, and inside, very red. It’s also a bit of a rolling contradiction.

While this model is a go-to for folks looking for a luxe SUV, buyers must beware that while some RX models may look sporty, and in this case of the F Sport Performance, it boasts a healthy hp figure, this isn’t an SUV that caters to enthusiasts. This extra power is primarily designed to help with passing on the highway or to feel some sense of sportiness when driving around town. Folks looking for better handling, steering feedback, or sporty dynamics should consider its crosstown rival, the Acura MDX Type S, or go European.

Cons

• Slightly contradicting exterior looks. The elegant and understated design clashes a bit too much with the F Sport elements, such as the body molding, larger black wheels, and orange calipers. It comes off a bit try-hard.
• It’s a similar situation inside the cabin. The red interior is too much, and it doesn’t match the RX’s overall persona.
• The F Sport seats are too heavily bolstered. This isn’t the canyon-carving SUV, its seats would lead you to believe. They are downright uncomfortable, especially if you are on the larger side.
• Even with the adaptive suspension, the F Sport package’s tire-and-wheel combo does not offer much better sporty handling. Ride quality suffers a bit in normal driving conditions.
• Confusing tech with touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, and overall, a very confusing infotainment interface.

Pros

• Serene ride. The cabin is well insulated, making for a peaceful and quiet ride down the highway.
• Steering the RX requires minimal effort in any situation, making it ideal for folks looking to get from Point A to Point B without having to think about driving.
• Sound experience. Paired with the quiet cabin, the optional $1,160 Mark Levinson premium sound system makes for a great place to pass the time on a road trip. The sound is strong and clear regardless of what kind of jams you get down to.
• Swanky rear accommodations. Rear seats get both heated and ventilated seats, as well as their own climate zone and two USB-C charging ports.
• Plenty of rear cargo space.
• Strong resale value. You can’t go wrong with a Toyota.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a luxurious but also practical and comfortable SUV, the 2026 Lexus RX should be a candidate on your list. For best results, skip the F Sport Performance trim and go for the 350h. That’ll save you some cash while getting the best RX experience.

Lexus provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review. 

2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD Specs

THERE have been mixed results from the latest round of ANCAP safety testing with four-star results awarded to the Suzuki e Vitara and Nissan Qashqai and a five-star score for both the Audi Q3 and Cupra Leon.

 

The Suzuki e Vitara, assessed under ANCAP’s 2023–2025 protocols, delivered solid performance across most categories but was ultimately limited by its Adult Occupant Protection score, with inconsistent results recorded in full-width crash testing.

 

The absence of a centre airbag to mitigate head contact in the event of a side impact also counted against the overall rating for the Suzuki e Vitara.

 

Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota said that while safety is “paramount”, the brand believes its products meet the expectations of buyers, focusing on value despite the lack of current five-star ratings across the range.

 

By contrast, the new-generation Audi Q3 achieved a five-star rating with strong, consistent results across all key areas of assessment, reflecting the benchmark required to secure top marks under the current regime.

 

Alongside the new model assessments, ANCAP has also updated ratings for three existing vehicles following specification changes and reassessment.

 

As such, the Audi A3 and Cupra Leon both retain five-star ratings, continuing to demonstrate strong performance across Adult and Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist categories.

 

However, the Nissan Qashqai has been downgraded to a four-star rating…

 

While it continues to perform strongly in Child Occupant Protection, its results in other categories were not sufficient to maintain a five-star standing under current criteria.

 

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said the latest results highlight the importance of balanced performance across all safety pillars.

 

“These outcomes show that higher levels of safety are within reach, and that continued focus on delivering consistent performance across all areas is key to achieving the highest rating,” she said.

 

A closer look at the latest ANCAP scores across Adult Occupant protection, Child Occupant protection, Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist categories reveals how the performance of the vehicles assessed.

 

	Adult Occ.	Child Occ.	Road User	Safety Assist
Audi A3	86%	80%	76%	75%
Audi Q3	87%	86%	80%	83%
Cupra Leon	88%	86%	82%	82%
Nissan Qashqai	78%	91%	68%	62%
Suzuki e Vitara	77%	87%	79%	71%

 

ANCAP says the latest round of vehicle assessments underscores the tightening standards required to achieve a five-star rating, particularly as newer models incorporate more advanced active safety and occupant protection technologies.