2023 Lexus RX 500h Could Produce Over 450 Horsepower from New Hybrid Powertrain

The 2023 Lexus RX 500h has not yet been officially unveiled but news from Japan hints at the possibility of the first F Sport Performance RX.

The Lexus RX model line is the best-selling in the Lexus lineup. So, when the company plans changes to their bread-and-butter model it is big news. And the next generation RX has some potential powertrain changes that certainly qualify as big news. While nothing formal has yet been announced there is enough information out there to allow us to extrapolate what might power the next generation of RX vehicles. The biggest news centers around the expected 2023 Lexus RX 500h model.

Kirk Kreifels has recently posted a video on his YouTube channel. In this video Kreifels does an excellent job of taking information from various sources and putting together a plausible view of the new RX 500h. His theory seems solid and reasonable. And if what he is saying is even close to reality then we are all in for a big treat with the RX 500h. The vehicle will be ushering in a new era of hybrid technology for Lexus. As a result, it could produce power figures that are leaps and bounds ahead of what is available in any Lexus RX today. The 2023 Lexus RX 500h could be a legitimate sports SUV that could compete with the likes of the Porsche Macan GTS.

2.4L Turbo

The core of the RX lineup is going to be the 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The V6 is going to be dropped across the RX range and replaced with the 2.4L. In the RX 500h the engine will be connected to an electric motor up front. In another major departure Lexus is planning on hooking this to a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. The CVT will not be offered in the RX 500h. In addition, the RX 500h will have a powerful electric motor in the back of the vehicle. This will not only increase power but also give more rear-wheel drive character. Lexus seems determined to make this a more sport-oriented SUV.

Power Figures

In the current RX lineup, the power champion is the 450h putting out a combined 308 horsepower. The new RX 500h could up that figure by over 150 horsepower. The 2.4L engine itself is expected to put out 275 horsepower. The front electric motor could put out as much as 107 horsepower and the rear electric motor can kick in an additional 107. That would give a total combined horsepower number of more than 460. Of course, that is just a potential figure, the reality could be significantly lower. However, even if it comes in at 400 horsepower that is a 30 percent bump in power. That would be a major power gain.

F Sport Performance

With the new technology and new power figures the 2023 Lexus RX 500h could be the next F Sport Performance model to come out of Lexus. As Kreifels mentions in his video the IS 500 is the first F Sport Performance from Lexus and they promised more would be on the way. The RX 500h looks like it could be well positioned to be the next F Sport Performance in the Lexus range. Other luxury brands such as Porsche, and BMW already offer performance SUVs and they sell extremely well. This would be the perfect opportunity for Lexus to get into that game with the RX 500h. As we learn more, we will be sure to share it with you here.

Images: Lexus

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.