Lexus launches the 5th generation of their best-selling RX series with a modernized, handsome appearance. The 2023 RX350 specs promote the model further ahead of competitors. This model solidifies the brand’s reputation for delivering soft and comfortable luxury vehicles. The 2023 Lexus RX350 offers the coolest standard features for a relatively low starting price. Considering its outstanding features, it is accurate to define the car as ‘value for money’. However, some properties are pretty mundane compared with their top European competitors.
Overview – What’s New?
For the 2023 model, Lexus decided to redesign the RX350 completely. The model looks sharper than its predecessors. The new face features a new version of the brand’s wide-mouthed grille and Lexus’s recognizable L-shaped running lights. Moreover, the SUV still maintains its original calm ride, which attracted most of its faithful buyers. The 2023 Lexus SUV is offered in 2 engine trims, delivering unique sets of features and performance.
Like all RX cars, the 2023 RX350 specs are geared towards comfort and reliability. The interior is also upscaled, featuring an improved infotainment touchscreen and some of the latest tech features. While some previous models offered an optional third row of seats. Moreover, the 2023 RX350 is offered strictly as a two-row SUV. This roomy setup provides much head and legroom with a regular-sized cargo space.
The 2023 model takes things up a notch with the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There’s much more we are going to look into for this well-rounded, cool car. Let’s go into details.
Trims and Options – The Different Engines, Drivetrain Setups, and Performance
The 2023 RX350 has two different powertrains; a hybrid and a gasoline engine. The base RX350 model runs on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces up to 275 horsepower and is mounted on an eight-speed automatic. An FWD comes standard, but you can choose the AWD option.
Meanwhile, the hybrid RX350h is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors. These powertrains deliver up to 246 horsepower and are mounted on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The AWD drivetrain is the only configuration for this trim.
Both systems deliver the same awesome blend of performance and efficiency. The gasoline-only engine can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds for the FWD option. While the AWD will get to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. This engine delivers 317 pound-feet of torque, which is way less than the torque of the V6 in previous models. However, the new engine delivers with a higher gas mileage.
Fuel Economy – EPA-estimated Gas Mileage
EPA estimated that the RX350h is the more efficient powertrain. This trim has a gas mileage of 37 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway (35 MPG combined). Whereas the gas-only RX350 is estimated to have a gas mileage of 22 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway for FWD drivetrain.
While the FWD has a combined 25 MPG gas mileage, the AWD trim performs at 24 MPG. This means you get a more responsive option at the expense of fuel economy. Now, let’s Find Out which options cost more.
Pricing Across Trims
The 2023 RX350 specs are impressive for an SUV within its price range. Top competitors like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 cost more while offering similar properties. Both models deliver a more exciting driving experience, but the RX delivers adequate power and a comfortable ride.
The starting price for a 2023 Lexus RX is about $48,950 for the base model. The price can go up to $59,545, depending on the trim and optional features you want. The RX350 F Sport trim is the best-selling trim. It costs about $58,150, which is just $1,400 below the RX350 Luxury trim.
In addition, you can save about $5,000 by opting for the RX350 Premium Plus trim. This trim offers all the optional luxury features but lacks the F Sport’s sporty exterior. It is a great choice for casual drivers.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2023 models ditched the third row to a more spacious five-seater interior. The 2023 RX350 interior design is way more attractive than the 2022 model. This vehicle is among the most affordable SUVs with the best interior.
These new models come with textured fabric sections on the upper door panels. The elegant ambient lighting and open-pore wood trim are a major upgrade from previous models. You can also enjoy the giant 14.0-inch infotainment screen and genuine leather upholstery as options for the more expensive trims.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 RX350 boasts a redesigned dashboard with an intuitive 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen coming standard. The larger 14.0-inch screen is optional for the more luxurious trims.
All infotainment screens are angled slightly toward the driver for easier navigation. They run the latest Lexus software interface. You get access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. However, advanced features like navigation, a head-up display, and a 21-Speakers Mark Levinson stereo system are optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Lexus RX350 offers a plethora of standard driver-assistance features. The most important is the RX’s automated emergency braking system, which has become standard in all models. This feature can detect pedestrians as well as motorcyclists.
All models also sport the adaptive cruise control feature with lane-centering. Lane departure warning is another important safety feature that has become standard in all models.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus provides one of the best-limited warranty and powertrain warranty packages in the industry. Although Hybrid components get longer coverage, complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year or 10,000 miles.
Other warranty coverages are; Limited warranty – 4 years or 50,000 miles, Powertrain warranty – 6 years or 70,000 miles, and Hybrid components – 8 years or 100,000 miles.
