There’s something about stepping off a ship after more than two weeks at sea that heightens every sensation. The air feels fresher, the pavement firmer, and when we first approached the RX 500h waiting for us curbside, its sculpted lines shimmered in the Florida sun like a perfectly polished seashell. Lexus has truly mastered the art of design that balances elegance and athleticism, and the Copper Crest color amplified every curve and contour in a way that photographs simply can’t capture.

A hybrid with heart and hustle

The RX 500h proved not an average hybrid — it’s Lexus’ first performance-oriented hybrid SUV, designed to combine the brand’s legendary refinement with genuine driving excitement. Under the hood was a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with high-output electric motors, producing an impressive 366 total system horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

The result was a confident, responsive drive that left us impressed every time we pressed the accelerator. The Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, which continuously balanced power between the front and rear axles, gave the RX a planted feel through corners and instant traction when needed. Even on wet Florida roads, it delivered seamless control and a level of smoothness that made us feel as if we were gliding — almost like our ship had simply shifted to wheels instead of waves.

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Day one: Cruising to Key West

We decided to make the most of our time with the RX 500h by setting off on a Florida adventure of our own. Our first full day began early in Fort Lauderdale, with our sights set on Key West — a journey of just over 180 miles each way, stretching across a chain of islands connected by bridges that hover over turquoise water.

As we merged onto Highway 1 and began the scenic drive through the Keys, the Lexus immediately felt at home. The cabin was whisper-quiet, even as we cruised with the windows down to let in the salt air and occasional seabird call. Inside, the RX 500h coddled us with soft leather seats in a rich Palomino tone that perfectly complemented the Copper Crest exterior. The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen offered intuitive control of navigation and audio, with wireless Apple CarPlay keeping us connected to our playlist of island tunes.

The adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist were especially helpful during stretches of slower traffic near Marathon, allowing us to relax and soak in the tropical views.

Once we arrived in Key West, we made our way to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — a gem at the island’s southern tip. We wandered the old fort’s brick corridors, explored the cannons overlooking the sea and found a quiet spot along the beach where the Atlantic and Gulf waters blend in a brilliant shade of blue-green. The RX 500h’s generous cargo area easily accommodated all our luggage from the cruise, proving that luxury doesn’t mean sacrificing practicality.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

As we watched the sunset dip below the horizon from Mallory Square that evening, we couldn’t help but admire how the Copper Crest Lexus reflected the fiery colors of the sky. It was as if the RX 500h had been painted to match the Florida sunset itself.

Day two: Into the Everglades

The next morning, we set out for something completely different — a day in the wild heart of Florida. From Fort Lauderdale, we drove west toward Everglades National Park’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Everglades City, ready to explore a completely new landscape of mangroves, marshes and winding waterways.

On the open stretches of the Tamiami Trail, the RX 500h came alive. The hybrid powertrain switched effortlessly between electric and gas modes, giving us instant torque when passing and smooth, silent cruising when coasting. Despite its power, the RX 500h delivered an impressive 27 mpg combined during our trip — a testament to Lexus’ engineering prowess.

When we reached the park, we took one of the coastal trails on foot, marveling at the quiet beauty of the mangrove tunnels and spotting herons, egrets and even a few alligators sunning themselves along the banks. The temperature reached into the high-80s, but we knew our sanctuary awaited — the RX’s ventilated seats and automatic climate control kept the interior perfectly cool once we returned.

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As we wound our way back to the city that evening, we both agreed that few vehicles could have complemented our Florida road adventure better. The RX 500h offered the perfect balance of comfort for long drives, power for confident passing and luxury touches that made every mile feel special.

Comfort and technology in harmony

Inside the RX 500h, Lexus designers had created a cabin that felt both modern and serene. Every control was placed within easy reach, and the materials were of the highest quality — from the stitched leather dash to the metallic accents around the air vents. The new Lexus Interface system, controlled via the large central screen, was one of the best infotainment experiences we’ve used.

The Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system deserves special mention — it turned every drive into a concert hall on wheels. Whether it was classical pieces echoing our canal voyage or upbeat Caribbean music from our cruise playlist, the sound was crisp, rich and immersive.

Safety is always a Lexus hallmark, and the RX 500h included the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which added enhancements like proactive driving assist, intersection support and curve speed management. It’s reassuring technology that works quietly in the background — never intrusive, always ready.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Styling that turns heads

There’s no denying that the RX 500h stands out. The front fascia sports a refined evolution of the Lexus spindle grille, now integrated more organically into the body. The sleek LED headlights, sculpted side profile and bold 21-inch alloy wheels give it an unmistakable road presence.

But it was the Copper Crest paint that truly made this SUV unforgettable. Depending on the light, it shifted from a soft rose-gold hue to a deep, metallic bronze. At one stoplight in Islamorada, a fellow traveler rolled down her window just to ask what color it was. It’s the kind of vehicle that sparks conversation everywhere it goes.

The perfect post-cruise companion

After nearly three weeks of travel — by sea and then by road — we returned the Lexus RX 500h with genuine reluctance. It had become an extension of our Florida adventure, a vessel of its own kind that carried us comfortably, safely and stylishly through every moment.

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As we packed up for our flight home to Utah, we both agreed that this Lexus had turned our brief two-day Florida road trip into an unforgettable journey — one that felt like the perfect encore to our 16-day cruise. From the calm of the Everglades to the charm of Key West, the RX 500h matched every mood and every mile.

Base price: $64,800

Destination charge: $1,350

Price as driven: $74,254