For 2023 the Lexus RX is all-new from the ground up for the first time in seven years. The Lexus RX arrives with futuristic styling that further establishes Lexus's new and even more aggressive corporate styling. Technology finally catches up to the Germans with an entire suite of active systems. It is also the most efficient luxury crossover in its field, with two hybrid variants and a standard turbo-four variant for Lexus's traditional crowd.
Consumers trust Lexus to provide a reliable product even if it means some feature introductions happen a few years after other brands. This minor annoyance pays out in the future as Lexus is once again the most reliable brand on the road for the eighth year in a row. Overall, the new RX is sure to excite long-term buyers and entice crossover buyers from less reliable European brands.
Note: While we wait for official word from consumers on the upcoming RX, HotCars' 'Costs, Facts, And Figures' rating defaults to 1 out of 10. Once we start fielding what owners think of this upcoming vehicle, we'll be sure to update the score to reflect what drivers think.
2023 Lexus RX
- Lexus Safety System 3.0
- Three Hybrid Trims
- Lighter Platform
- Model: RX
- Engine/Motor: 2.4-2.5 Liter Turbo4 With Mild Or Plug-In Hybrid TEchnology
- Horsepower: 246-367 Horsepower
- Torque: 233-406 Lb-Ft
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Transmission: 8 or 6 Speed Automatic
- Best In Class Efficiency
- Standard 19-Inch Wheels
- Higher Base MSRP
- Dated Six-Speed Transmission In Non-Hybrid Variants
Generous Powertrain Options
The 2023 Lexus RX launches with four-distinct powertrains that feature various levels of performance and efficiency. The base model is the RX 350 and is the only non-hybrid in the mix. The 350 utilizes a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This is also the only FWD variant with AWD as an extra-cost option. The RX 350h utilizes a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that couples with a mild hybrid system. At 246 horsepower, the 350H trades power for efficiency and achieves an impressive 33 MPG in mix driving; AWD is standard. The RX 450H+ is a plug-in variant that adds an 18.1 kWh battery to the mix. The 450h+ can travel approximately 35 miles on battery-only before returning into a mild-hybrid mode, achieving similar specs as the 350h. The release of the 450h+ will happen in Q1 of 2023, while the other variants will arrive in the fall, and as such, Lexus is waiting to share further details. The top trim is 500h F-Sport which utilizes the same basic powertrain as the 350h with heavy tuning and an even more powerful electric motor. The 500h provides an impressive 367 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and returns 26 mpg in mix driving.
Athletic SUV With Good Looks
The last thing consumers associate a crossover SUV with is performance. While the 2023 RX is no German sports sedan, it takes on performance and handling with a level of confidence above its Infiniti and Acura competition. While the base 350 loaves to 60 mph in an adequate 7.5-seconds, the 500h is the model you want if maneuvering through traffic at rush hour, with quick 30-60 jaunts, is part of your everyday life. The 500h F-Sport reaches 60 mph in a brief 5.9-seconds, while an optional adaptive F-Sport suspension setup means you can take corners without feeling as though the car is going to tip over. (We are looking at you, GX.) The large standard 19-inch wheels still help return a comfortable ride on the highway, while the optional 21-inch wheels will give consumers noticeable harshness when hitting bumps and the occasional pothole. The only real downfall is the stubborn six-speed automatic on AWD models. The transmission is an ancient unit, and 8-speed automatics are now the bare minimum in this class.
Comfortable Cabin With Lots Of Tech
The inside of the 2023 Lexus RX is as sleek and modern as its exterior. Lexus is a brand that is slow to adapt to change, and a cabin that sports all the contemporary technology consumers expect in this segment is refreshing. Upon sitting down, buyers will immediately notice that the rugged plastic that plagues so many Lexus models now sports soft-touch faux leather coverings. The seats themselves are comfortable and sit high with a commanding view of the road. The door panel fit and finish is excellent, and the wood or aluminum accents are decidedly more premium than the outgoing model. The speaker grilles for the optional Mark Levinson sound system are also a great touch. Directly in front of the driver is a three-spoke leather wrap steering wheel that features aluminum accents and tactile controls for the cluster and infotainment. Handling of the cruise control takes place from a stalk at the wheel's base. A digital display in the center of the cluster provides basic information. At full color, the resolution is poor, and the ability to configure it is low. Small LED bars flanking each side show engine temperature and fuel level. The optional head-up display is full color and features better graphics than the gauge cluster. The simple design features clear speed readouts as well as simple guidance from the navigation.
The most exciting update is the standard 14-inch center touch capacitive display that features the latest Lexus interface software. The system is straightforward and tablet-like, a sharp departure from other Lexus models. The perfect amount of tactile controls flanks the bottom for climate as well as controls for some safety systems. Lexus Safety System 3.0+ is standard and includes several assist features that are optional in other models, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a full suite of accident mitigation features. The only annoyance is safe exit assist which disables the electric door popper if it detects traffic while you are in a parallel parking spot. This means you must wait a brief second after a car passes. Otherwise, you will pull the handle to exit, and nothing will happen.
The rear seat room is better than the outgoing model, with an extra 2.5-inches going to its inhabitants. Rear climate controls and sunshades are welcome features in this segment. Power-folding rear seats are the most welcome feature, and they can fold flat and back up from both the driver's seat and rear cargo area. The rear cargo area features two 12-volt outlets as well as a three-prong outlet for camping gear, a full-size spare underneath the flat load floor is also standard.
Affordable Luxury SUV
While pricing for the 2023 Lexus RX is decidedly premium, it is below some competitors. The base RX 350 will start at just below $50,000, while a 500h will command a $15-17,000 premium over that model. Full pricing is currently only available to those placing preorders through Lexus dealers, though we expect the configurations to open this fall. Options will include premium paint colors that feature a wide array of blues, browns, and even greens. Overall, the 2023 Lexus RX packages practicality and luxury together in an efficient and reliable package and is a worthy successor to Lexus's best-selling model.