Lexus fully redesigns its ultra-popular midsize crossover luxury SUV for the 2023 model year, gracing the new model with improved looks, more powerful and efficient powertrain options, and an updated interior. The all-new RX heads into its fifth generation after achieving a model record of 115,000 unit sales in 2021 alone.
As part of a highly competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, the 2023 Lexus RX will face rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Macan, seeking to maintain its loyal fanbase through plenty of welcome updates. The new Lexus RX is on course to reach dealerships by the end of 2022 with an estimated $50,000 sticker price.
The 2023 Lexus RX will be available in six different trims, which vary significantly both in terms of performance and interior amenities. Let’s get into the details.
The 2023 Lexus RX Gets Healthy Engine Options
While the outgoing RX gets its power from a V6, Lexus has boldly decided to downsize the luxury crossover’s engine options for its fifth generation, and now offers an array of four different four-cylinder engines. The entry-level RX 350 comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, it’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels as standard, though AWD is optional. The FWD RX 350 can run from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version gets the deed done in 7.2 seconds. Next up is the 2023 Lexus RX 350h hybrid; it gets a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine along with 3 electric motors that combine for a total output of 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with AWD and a CVT automatic transmission, and the RX 350h is capable of going from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds.
Towards the top of the 2023 RX trim range, Lexus offers the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which sports the same 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder found in the 350h but with more capable electric motors, increasing its power output to 302 horsepower. As a hybrid, it comes standard with AWD and a CVT automatic, and it can blast from 0-60 mph healthily in around 6 seconds. Lastly, there’s the range-topping performance-focused 2023 RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid. It’s the only hybrid RX that gets the more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter engine along with 3 electric motors, and it also gets its own six-speed automatic transmission along with AWD. The RX 500h F Sport Performance can go from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, which is pretty good considering its expected $60,000 price tag.
In terms of handling, the 2023 Lexus RX provides responsive steering, yet the overall suspension tends to prioritize comfort over stiff, performance-oriented driving manners. However, setting the RX in sport mode stiffens it up just a tad more, making it just a little more compliant around corners.
The 2023 Lexus RX Is New Inside And Out
The all-new fifth-generation Lexus RX stays true to the luxury brand’s general appeal by providing a completely redesigned exterior shell and interior cabin. From the outside, the 2023 RX boasts slicker LED headlights, a reduced trapezoid front grill, and plenty of body lines and bulges to give it an aggressive front fascia. Down the side, the RX sports mildly flared fenders, subtly-molded side skirts, and a glass insert in the rear quarter panel that brings together the side windows and rear windshield seamlessly. Lastly, from the rear, the 2023 RX presents a tasteful rear lightbar taillight setup, a muscular bumper, and sporty air vents.
The RX’s cabin features a plethora of high-grade materials such as leather and micro suede fabric upholstery, satin metal and open poor wooden trimming, as well as ambient lighting to decorate the interior. It now comes with a dual-screen setup, featuring a 9.8-inch standard multimedia touchscreen display - with an optional 14-inch upgrade, as well as a fully-digital driver’s display. The climate control system is smartly integrated into the center touchscreen, and the RX provides heated and ventilated front seats as standard on the 350 trim. Other features and options come in the form of a heated steering wheel, a 360 surround view monitor, a digital rearview mirror, a heads-up display, and a Mark Levinson audio system. One of the strangest features of the new RX is the operation of its door handles, which are now fully electric and work via a button mounted behind the actual grab handle.
The 2023 Lexus RX Is A Practical Luxury SUV
While Lexus used to offer the RX as an optional 7-seater, it has decided to discontinue that option for the fifth generation, though the all-new RX is still practical enough in its own right. The interior has plenty of storage cubbies and bins, and there’s ample passenger space both upfront and in the back row. It also provides 30 cubic feet of rear trunk space, which is healthy as is and can be further increased by lowering the folding rear seats.
As far as fuel efficiency goes, the 2023 Lexus RX delivers a pretty decent mpg return considering its performance. The entry-level RX 350 does 24 mpg combined, while the RX 500h F Performance manages a combined return of 26 mpg combined. The hybrid 350h expectedly does even better with a return of 33 mpg combined.
Boiling things down, the 2023 Lexus RX is shaping up to be a midsize luxury SUV heavyweight, as the all-new model will emerge with plenty of power, tech, and design elements that should continue to establish the RX as a fan favorite.