By : Krish Persaud
June 26, 2022
In 1997, a lot of cool things happened, like when the google.com domain was registered for the first time, The Titanic was one of the most popular movies, people used Netscape Navigator to browse the Internet, and Toyota released the Harrier, which we call the Lexus RX.
The fourth-generation Lexus RX is unaltered for 2022 and adheres to the maxim “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Our request to test the 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport for a week was happily granted by Toyota Canada. Our test vehicle came well-equipped with Matador Red Mica exterior paint, 20″ dark-graphite alloy wheels, a 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, a plethora of safety features, as well as a plush interior touch and feel. The list of features is endless.
The 2022 Lexus RX has two engine options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine and a Lexus Hybrid Drive 3.5-litre V6 engine with electric motors that work in conjunction with an electronic continuously variable transmission to produce 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. We discovered that acceleration off the line is smooth but a little slower than we’d expect from a V6, but once you get past the very slight hesitation at the start, the RX is quite quick. We noticed that the transition from electric to gas motor is so smooth it would be difficult to tell the difference if you weren’t paying attention, which could also be attributed to the utter silent interior.
Our 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport test vehicle was outfitted with the F Sport Series 3 package, which includes the large spindle grill that adds very nicely to the rest of the styling cues of the vehicle. The triple-beam LED headlights do an excellent job of illuminating the dark back roads, and the stylish, elegant design will undoubtedly set it apart from the competition. We were completely smitten by the looks.
When you step inside the 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport, you are greeted by interior pieces that have a soft touch, a fit and finish that is very upscale as anticipated from a premium brand, and it is nearly impossible to find any panel gaps. The front leather seats are heated and ventilated, and they come with just the right amount of support. Additionally, the rear seats are just as plush, which makes it enjoyable to travel for extended drives.
Even though we adore the interior’s pure elegance, it feels a little dated when compared to the competition. The 12.3-inch infotainment system is still difficult to use, and it can be distracting when trying to navigate through the system while driving. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is simple to obtain by either plugging your device into the USB or connecting your device wirelessly. The 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system accurately reproduces sound giving a perfect balance of high, medium, and low frequencies. Turn the volume up and enjoy your favorite playlist, we sure did.
Lexus has simplified the selection procedure for the 2022 Lexus RX. You have four options: hybrid and non-hybrid versions, five-seat or larger six-seat configurations, a starting price of $57,500 for the non-hybrid RX 350, and a price tag closer to $78,000 for the fully equipped RX450h L with the optional executive package. Our 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport test vehicle was equipped with the F Sport Series 3 package, bringing the as-tested price to $74,300 before tax and delivery.
If you are wondering if the RX 450h is more fuel-efficient than the RX 350, the answer is yes. With a city average of 12.2 L/100km and a highway average of 9.0 L/100km, the RX 450h is the more fuel-efficient model. With 7.5L/100km in the city and 8.4L/100km on the highway, we managed to muster a 7.9L/100km with a combination of city and highway drives. We found that the hybrid model had the right amount of power to keep us happy as well as the right amount of fuel savings to make this the right choice.
The 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is the car for you when it comes to a sporty appearance loaded with safety technology, a whisper quiet interior with an amazingly balanced Mark Levinson premium audio system, and a suspension setup that can toggle between a relaxing smooth drive to a tight sport machine with the turn of a dial. We’ve always admired the design of the Lexus RX, and we are confident that you will as well
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