Ranking Every Lexus F & F Sport Performance Model from Worst to First!

What the F?

Lexus' obsession with the letter F dates back to the internal codename for the original Lexus LS, which debuted in 1989. In 2006, Lexus filed a trademark application for an "F" emblem which was inspired by the shape of the Fuji Speedway. This, of course, led to the first-ever F-model Lexus, the 2008 IS F. The recipe was, and remains, simple -- take a base car and add power, suspension, braking, aggressive looks, and better seats for a combination of luxury and track-readiness. Lexus followed the IS F up with its legendary LFA supercar and later set out to expand the F branding with the name "F Sport." 

Now, for better or worse, F Sport has been applied to almost every Lexus model, even the less-than-sporty ones. The idea here is that each F Sport model gets improved looks, handling, and seats, but no extra power. This all changed in 2022, however, when Lexus debuts its first "F Sport Performance" model, the IS 500, which combines improved handling and seats with extra power. It's almost like a true F model, but lacks a few of the ingredients one might need in a dedicated track vehicle.

For our purposes today, we thought it would be fun to rank every Lexus model with an F or F Sport Performance designation from worst to first in order to explore the last two decades of Lexus performance vehicles. (As such, we're skipping F Sport and F Sport Handling models.)

8. 2024+ TX 500h F SPORT Performance

The 2024 Lexus TX is a brand-new three-row SUV. It will be available in four grades including the F SPORT Performance. The F SPORT Performance model rides on exclusive 22-inch wheels, and packs a 2.4L turbocharged Parallel Hybrid system that is good for 366 horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque. We have no doubt that this will be an excellent vehicle, but a three-row SUV can’t defy the laws of physics and, as the heaviest F Sport Performance model ever, it goes last. Sorry, Lexus.

(Stay tuned for a full driving review later this fall!)

7. 2023+ RX 500h F SPORT Performance

The Lexus RX has been around since 1998, but it was not until the 2023 model year that it was offered in F SPORT Performance trim. The powertrain here is nearly identical to what you find in the TX 500h F SPORT Performance. In the RX you get a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. An Adaptive Variable Suspension is also available to help improve stability and steering response. The more compact size will make the RX more nimble than the larger TX. But the RX is still not a buttoned-down sports car. Overall, it's peppy and comfortable on smooth roads, but aggressive driving and/or terrible roads reveal a drivetrain and suspension that lack true dynamics and smoothness. 

In other words, it's a fun crossover. But it's not as good as something from Germany (something like the Audi SQ5) or other Lexus on this list.

6. 2008 – 2014 IS F

For the 2008 model year, Lexus gave us the full F treatment with the IS F. Thanks to a 5.0L V8 engine making 416 horsepower it was a Lexus unlike any other before it. Lexus is supposed to make soft, comfortable, luxury cars, right? Well, here was a 170-mph answer to that question. Sending all the power to the rear wheels and using a limited-slip rear differential Lexus was ready to take on the perennial sports sedan favorite the BMW M3. This was a game-changing car for Lexus and got people to look at the brand in a whole new light.

Today, looking back at the IS F in 2023, it's still pretty great. Lexus never truly goes full BMW M on any of its performance models (save for the LFA), but the IS F still hangs out all these years later, especially in the braking department. That said, it's a little less refined compared to other more modern F and F Sport Performance models, and now it's a touch down on power. Still, it might be the best bargain performer on this list if you can find a clean, used model.

5. 2015+ RC F

We lost the IS F after the 2014 model year but in 2015 there was a 2-door coupe known as the RC F that helped take some of the sting out of that loss. The 5.0L V8 used in the last IS F was reworked for duty in the RC F. And now it was bringing 467 horsepower to the party. And this is a high-tech powerplant with titanium valves and a 7,300 rpm redline. The 2023 model now makes 472 horsepower and can hit 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds.

The RC F sounds amazing, looks sexy, and handles well. It is one of the better Lexus F cars in history. Still, compare the RC F to a track-focused Mustang Mach 1 or a BMW M car or the new mid-engine Corvette and it's lacking a little something in terms of the way it drives. The eight-speed auto is a bit of a letdown too, lacking the rev-matching down-shifts and quickness of the 10-speed found in Lexus flagship models. 

4. 2022+ IS 500 F SPORT

After a seven model year absence a V8-powered IS returned in 2022. It uses basically the same powertrain that is found in the RC F. So, you get similar performance but in a more practical 4-door sedan body. And the IS 500 F SPORT is nearly $10,000 less expensive than the RC F. The IS 500 F SPORT is a well-built, quick, RWD sedan that makes all the right naturally aspirated V8 noises.

The IS 500 drives very similar to the RC, for better or worse. It too suffers in the transmission department, and the interior (again very similar to the RC) is starting to age. And, unlike the IS F, it could use a little more in the braking and cooling department. Still, it's fast and smooth and capable with the ability to seat four people. All you need is an exhaust and maybe better tires, and the IS 500 rules. Buy one now before they are gone forever.

3. 2016 – 2020 GS F

That V8 from the RC F and the IS 500 F SPORT found its way under the hood of the larger and more luxurious GS F. If the IS was the M3 fighter, then the GS was the M5 fighter. And it put up a hell of a fight. We already know all about the fantastic powertrain. But the GS was also a more comfortable car that could better serve as a family hauler. Turn up the optional 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system to drown out the noise of the kids arguing in the back seats. Then once you drop the kids off at school, turn down the radio, jump into Sport+ mode, listen to that V8, and slay backroads on your way home.

Sure, it's a touch heavier than the two IS models on this list, but that extra passenger room is terrific for sitting four adults comfortably. And, although we haven't piloted one on track, personally, we've seen some pros lead laps with them and they absolutely jam.

2. 2018+ LC 500

There is no F or F SPORT nomenclature used in the LC 500 model name. But don’t let that fool you. The LC was designed as a performance car from the outset, and it deserves a place on this list. It is powered by that same glorious V8 engine that is under the hood of the last several cars on this list.  And while the other cars all look good, the LC is drop-dead gorgeous. It has been out for over five years now, and it still looks like a show car concept. It is a comfortable and luxurious grand touring car that we would be happy driving from now until the end of time.

It may not be the ultimate sports car of this bunch, but it has the best transmission of all the modern F cars and the best factory exhaust, which makes it the most engaging... Well, most-engaging that you can buy new this model year.

Because if you want engagement, there's only one true Lexus F king...

1. 2010 – 2012 LFA

This must be the most obvious number one ranking in the history of rankings. How can the utterly brilliant Lexus LFA not be the greatest Lexus performance car in history? The V10 engine powering the LFA remains as one of the quickest revving, and best sounding units ever made by any automobile manufacturer. The other performance cars on this list competed with the likes of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. The LFA goes up against cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. The LFA is just in a different league. The only downside is that only 500 of these machines were ever made and they are now unobtainable by mere mortals.

Images: Lexus