As one of the first luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus RX looks to retain its hold as a segment leader with a complete redesign for the 2023 model year. Toyota’s luxury division is doubling down on the elements that have made the RX a success while scuttling the previous generation’s three-row variant.
In returning to its original two-row five-passenger only configuration, the 2023 Lexus RX will continue to offer multiple powertrains, including gas only in front- or all-wheel-drive, two all-wheel-drive hybrids and, later, a plug-in hybrid.
By sticking to its original two-row formula, the RX takes on a sportier look incorporating its signature spindle grille and floating roof cues in a shape that splits the difference between a traditional squared-off SUV and a four-door coupe.
The spindle grille design has been revamped with a shark nose leading edge that transitions from a solid textured fascia into the grille opening itself. There are two different looks with standard models using chrome buttons, while F-Sport has a black mesh design. The opening is flanked by vertical inlets and thin lighting elements that sit atop the fenders.
While overall length remains largely unchanged over the previous model at 195.5 inches the wheelbase is stretched 2.4 inches to 112.2 inches overall, which translates into a gain in rear seat legroom. There’s also a slight shift in the profile with a slightly longer front and shorter rear overhang. The body flows with sculpted side panels, the floating roof bordered in chrome accents and a blacked-out C-pillar.
Photo: Lexus
The interior features a new dash design that incorporates a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a center touchscreen that’s either 9.0 or 14.0 inches depending on the model and trim level. The infotainment system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Seating surfaces are upholstered in a variety of materials ranging from NuLuxe leatherette to suede and semi-aniline leather.
At launch there will be three powertrains. The non-hybrid gas model, the RX 350, is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain teams with a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox. It delivers 25 mpg combined (9.4 liters per 100 km), 22 mpg city (10.7 liters per 100 km) and 29 mpg (8.1 liters per 100 km) highway in front-drive. Going with all-wheel drive costs an extra mpg in all categories.
The RX 350h is powered by a 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It teams with electric motors and a continuously variable transmission to provide all-wheel drive and total system output of 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It’s the fuel economy leader in this family with 36 mpg (6.5 liters per 100 km) combined from its 37 mpg (6.4 liters per 100 km) city and 34 mpg (6.9 liters per 100 km) highway ratings.
The highest output comes from the RX 500h which mates the turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, tuned to produce 271 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive electric motors to put out a total of 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. What’s unique about this setup is that it employs a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Even with that prodigious output, the 500h manages to deliver 27 mpg combined on 28 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Photo: Lexus
While full specification is not available, the RX 450h+ will use the 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with an all-wheel drive hybrid drivetrain featuring plug-in capability. The 18.1 kWh battery will enable the vehicle to go upwards of 30 miles on a pure electric power.
The varying drivetrains provide decidedly different driving characteristics. If fuel economy tops your shopping list, then the RX 350h is for you. The least powerful of all the trims, it provides a comfortable and collected driving experience. The CVT, however, feels a bit rubbery and lazy in response. As a result, the 350h is not as razor-sharp as the other models in the lineup.
At the other end of the spectrum is the RX 500h F Sport Performance. This model not only is the most powerful in the lineup, it boasts 21-inch wheels shod with summer tires, tauter suspension and more precise steering feel. It’s quick, comfortable and quiet, thanks to active noise canceling that makes the cabin more serene than the lower trims. Acceleration is this model’s strong suit, aided in no small part by the 6-speed automatic transmission. With drive assists like a head-up display, full-range active cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane tracing technology, the RX 500h is every bit as polished and technologically advanced as the European luxury models with which it competes.
As impressive as the fuel economy is of the hybrid powertrains, the non-hybrid RX 350, especially models equipped with all-wheel drive, turned out to be my favorite when it comes to overall handling and performance. The lighter weight, good output, and flexibility of the 8-speed automatic transmission give the RX 350 an athletic character. It’s not as quiet as the 500h, but it is engaging. Front-drive models exhibit a bit of torque steer under enthusiastic acceleration and this setup seems to have a bit more understeer.
Photo: Lexus
The all-wheel drive RX 350 does much to cure these ills. Jump on the throttle and the front wheels don’t pull in either direction and the handling is much more neutral thanks to the extra grip from the rear wheels. While pricing hasn’t been released, its likely that the RX 350 AWD will be one of the more affordable models in the lineup, which make for a high bang-for-the-buck quotient.
The 2023 Lexus RX offers plenty of upgrades, different powertrain packages while maintaining the high quality, attention to build and value that has established the brand as a leader in the luxury field. Slated to go on sale late this year, the all-new RX definitely earns a spot on the shopping list of shoppers looking for an upscale SUV.
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