The redesigned 2023 Lexus RX SUV maintains its signature smooth ride, catering to its loyal customer base. The lineup offers a range of powertrains, including an exciting new plug-in hybrid option. The updated styling showcases a sharper look, highlighted by a redesigned grille and Lexus’s distinctive L-shaped running lights. Inside, the cabin exudes luxury with upgraded accommodations, a large infotainment touchscreen, and cutting-edge technology. While the previous model had the choice of two- or three-row configurations, the 2023 RX is exclusively available as a two-row SUV. However, Lexus may introduce a three-row variant in the future or potentially launch a larger SUV with a standard seven-seat layout.
What’s New in 2023 Lexus RX?
The RX rolls into its fifth generation with an all-new design and it’s on track to hit U.S. showrooms by the end of 2022.
RX350 – $48,950
RX350 F Sport – $58,150
RX350h – $51,545
RX350h F Sport – $59,900
RX will be offered with a broad range of powertrains as well as in regular and F Sport trims. The sportiest model will be the RX500h F Sport Performance trim, which gets a 367-hp hybrid powertrain with standard all-wheel drive.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 RX offers an array of powertrain options, starting with the base RX350 model equipped with a 275-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Standard features include an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. The hybrid RX350h combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating 246 horsepower and featuring a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. During our initial test drive, we found that neither powertrain delivered exceptional performance, estimating slightly slower acceleration compared to their 2022 counterparts. However, opting for the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a more potent powertrain, utilizing the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and electric power to produce 367 horsepower, along with Lexus’s Direct4 system for all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the RX’s chassis engineers missed an opportunity to enhance its cornering capabilities, resulting in a soft and luxury-focused driving experience akin to the previous generation. While faithful buyers may appreciate this continuity, it may not attract driving enthusiasts. Later on, a plug-in hybrid variant named RX450h+ will join the lineup, likely featuring the same 302-hp powertrain found in the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Lexus NX450h+ SUVs.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t weighed in yet, but according to Lexus, the most efficient RX model will be the RX350h which carries claimed ratings of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The RX500h is said to be good for 28 mpg city and 27 mpg highway while the nonhybrid RX350 could be rated as high as 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we’ll test the new RX on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route to determine its real-world fuel economy. For more information about the RX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2023 RX takes a new direction by exclusively offering a two-row, five-seat configuration, departing from the previous model’s options for two- and three-row setups. However, there is a possibility of a later introduction of a three-row variant or the replacement of the RX L with a completely different and larger SUV that comes with a standard third row of seats. Inside the 2023 RX, you’ll find a more modern interior design compared to its 2022 counterpart. It boasts textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, elegant ambient lighting that adds a touch of sophistication, and open-pore wood trim on RX350 models. For the RX500h F Sport Performance, expect more prominently bolstered front seats, stylish black interior trim, convenient steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and sleek aluminum pedals.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In the center of the redesigned dashboard of the RX, you’ll find a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that takes a prominent position. For those seeking an even larger display, there is an optional 14.0-inch screen available. Similar to the smaller NX SUV, the RX’s infotainment screen is slightly angled towards the driver, providing easy access to Lexus’s latest software interface. With standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, staying connected is a breeze. While navigation, a head-up display, and a premium Mark Levinson stereo system are optional features, they add an extra layer of luxury and convenience to the driving experience.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Lexus offers many standard driver-assistance features on its new cars and SUVs, and the 2023 RX is no different. The RX’s automated emergency braking system can detect pedestrians as well as motorcyclists and all models also come with adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. For more information about the RX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus’s limited warranty matches most of its rivals in this segment and its powertrain warranty surpasses many. Hybrid components get longer coverage; however, complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year, whereas the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 both offer lengthier terms.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
2023 Lexus RX
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-engine and front- and rear-motor, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base (C/D est): $49,000–$60,000
POWERTRAINS
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 190 hp + 3 AC motors (combined output: 246 hp, 233 lb-ft); turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 275 hp, 317 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 275 hp, 317 lb-ft + 2 AC motors (combined output: 366 hp, 406 lb-ft)
TRANSMISSIONS
6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic, continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 192.5 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 67.3 in
Cargo Volume: 30 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4150–4750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.6–7.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4–16.1 sec
Top Speed: 112–130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 24–36/21–37/28–34 mpg
