The Lexus RX 450h F Sport, produced from 2016 to 2019, represents the fourth generation (RX IV) of Lexus’s popular luxury crossover SUV. This variant specifically combines a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a hybrid electric system, delivering a total system output of 313 horsepower. Positioned as a premium offering within the RX lineup, the F Sport trim emphasized sporty styling and enhanced driving dynamics compared to the standard RX 450h models. It played a significant role in Lexus’s strategy to appeal to buyers seeking a fuel-efficient yet luxurious and capable SUV in the North American market, where larger vehicles and hybrid technology were gaining traction.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lexus |
| Model | RX |
| Generation | RX IV |
| Type (Engine) | 450h F Sport V6 (313 Hp) Hybrid E-Four e-CVT |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3-5.5 l/100 km (44.4 – 42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2-5.5 l/100 km (45.2 – 42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2-5.5 l/100 km (45.2 – 42.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 120-127 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 149 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.5 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 1.9 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 288 V |
| Battery technology | Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| Battery location | Under the rear seats |
| Electric motor power (1) | 167 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (1) | 335 Nm (247.08 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location (1) | Integrated into the transmission |
| Electric motor type (1) | Synchronous |
| Electric motor power (2) | 68 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (2) | 139 Nm (102.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location (2) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (2) | Synchronous |
| System power | 313 Hp |
| Power | 262 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 335 Nm @ 4600 rpm (247.08 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FXS |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 13:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, Dual VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.1 l (10.67 US qt | 8.89 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2100-2155 kg (4629.71 – 4750.96 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2715 kg (5985.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560-615 kg (1234.59 – 1355.84 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 539 l (19.03 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1612 l (56.93 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4890 mm (192.52 in.) |
| Width | 1895 mm (74.61 in.) |
| Height | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2790 mm (109.84 in.) |
| Front track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1625 mm (63.98 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels, electric motors drive front and rear wheels. Full electric or mixed mode operation. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | automatic transmission e-CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The RX 450h F Sport utilizes Lexus’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. At its core is the 2GR-FXS 3.5-liter V6 engine, a naturally aspirated powerplant employing multi-port fuel injection and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. This engine produces 262 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 247 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine is paired with two electric motor-generators. Motor MG1 primarily functions as a generator, starting the engine and controlling the overall hybrid system. Motor MG2 provides drive power and regenerative braking. The e-CVT (electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) seamlessly blends power from the gasoline engine and electric motors, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, located under the rear seats, provides 1.9 kWh of gross capacity.
Driving Characteristics
The RX 450h F Sport’s e-CVT, while prioritizing efficiency, delivers a different driving feel compared to traditional automatic transmissions. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 7.3 seconds. The hybrid system provides instant torque from the electric motors, resulting in brisk initial acceleration. However, the e-CVT can sometimes exhibit a “rubber band” effect, where engine RPMs rise quickly under hard acceleration without a corresponding immediate increase in speed. The F Sport trim includes a Sport mode, which alters the e-CVT’s programming for more responsive acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. Compared to the standard RX 450h, the F Sport benefits from a slightly firmer suspension tuning, reducing body roll and improving handling. It doesn’t offer the outright sportiness of some competitors, but provides a comfortable and composed ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The F Sport trim level added several distinctive features to the RX 450h. Standard equipment included unique F Sport exterior styling elements such as a mesh grille, sport-tuned suspension, and exclusive interior trim. Inside, the F Sport featured sport seats upholstered in perforated leather, aluminum pedals, and a unique steering wheel. Standard features across the RX 450h range included a Lexus Display Audio system with navigation, a rearview camera, and Lexus Safety System+ which included Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Intelligent Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Optional extras included a Mark Levinson premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Chassis & Braking
The RX 450h F Sport utilizes an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension. The F Sport trim featured stiffer coil springs and dampers compared to the standard RX 450h, enhancing handling and reducing body roll. All four wheels are equipped with ventilated disc brakes, providing ample stopping power. The vehicle incorporates ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist. The electric motors also contribute to regenerative braking, capturing energy during deceleration and storing it in the battery pack.
Market Reception & Comparison
The RX 450h F Sport was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted the e-CVT’s unconventional driving feel and the lack of a truly sporty driving experience. Compared to other RX 450h trims, the F Sport appealed to buyers who desired a more visually appealing and dynamically engaging vehicle. Against competitors like the Acura MDX and BMW X5, the RX 450h F Sport offered a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, reliability, and luxury. Its hybrid powertrain provided a significant advantage in fuel economy compared to many of its rivals.
Legacy
The Lexus RX 450h F Sport has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is known for its longevity, and many examples have exceeded 200,000 miles with minimal issues. On the used car market, the RX 450h F Sport holds its value well due to its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and luxurious features. The powertrain, while not offering blistering performance, provides a smooth and efficient driving experience that continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The fourth-generation RX, and particularly the F Sport variant, solidified Lexus’s position as a leader in the luxury hybrid SUV segment.
