Exactly as expected and more

The 2023 Lexus RX may also be a complete overhaul of the unique luxury SUV (sport utility vehicle), but there are multiples that could make consumers instantly accustomed to the freshest model in the Lexus lineup.

Sitting on an all-new platform, the 2023 RX has nearly the same footprint as the outdated model and can seat up to five people. The recent Lexus RX was only available in a two-row configuration, and Lexus has made room in its lineup for a three-row crossover, rumored to be coming soon.

It appears that the biggest change in the new RX from one era to another is its grille. Gone is the metal spindle lattice, replaced by an internet of interwoven plastic objects. From the entrance it looks a bit like a cheese sorter, but at the edges the way it clings to the body of the car is a reassessment of the price. Its headlights get bigger, while the SUV’s rear fascia presents a sight to those familiar with the company’s smaller NX SUV.

Lexus took an extra line from the NX when designing the interior of the RX. Compared to the final model, the brand new model is simplified without giving up too much complexity. The technology is up-to-date, and along with the infotainment system inherited from the NX, all traces of the Lexus trackpad are a thing of the past, but never forgotten.

Some of the RX’s quirky elements are carried over from various Lexus and Toyota products, especially the fact that Lexus determined that this model doesn’t need a drive-mode button, knob, or toggle switch. As an alternative, these modes are hidden in the infotainment system’s menus.

Toyota’s luxury division has outfitted the RX with the latest safety and infotainment expertise the model has to offer, as well as a slew of powertrain options, some available at launch and others due in 2024.

Lexus has provided powertrain examples for each model (all with all-wheel drive (AWD)) for drive viewing and evaluation, as well as 2023 Lexus RX 350 AWD, 2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD, Lexus RX Luxurious AWD 2023 , 2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ AWD, 2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxurious AWD, 2023 Lexus RX350h Premium+ AWD, 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD and prototype 2024 Lexus 450h Plus Plug-in Hybrid.

No matter which powertrain or grade customers choose, they’ll be driving a well-known model that’s been vastly improved, is greener on gasoline and remains America’s best-selling luxury SUV.

2023 Lexus RX 350 Take a Look

Equipped with Lexus’ 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, the Lexus RX 350 won’t suffer from a lack of energy. With 275 horsepower (hp) and 313 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque available for power, the car pulls off the meeting line relatively quickly and has satisfying stopping power that consumers will no doubt refer to urban tasks to the usual.

As with every different RX examined, the mannequin was easy to accelerate and held steady in turns. The seating area allows for good forward visibility, and small windows on all four sides behind the second-row seats help with blind spots and parking.

This tester features leatherette seats, heated front seats, multi-zone local weather management, 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital gauges, 12-speaker sound system, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, six USB ports , LED fog lights, sliding sunroof and roof rails.

It also comes with Lexus Safety System 3.0+, a suite of driver information and safety applied sciences featuring Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Management with Cornering Assist, Crossroads Help and bike detection. The visitor jam assistant also adds to the appeal.

While pricing isn’t available yet, it offers a strong entry-level bundle. Add in all-wheel drive and the prospect of a snow belt, and the RX AWD becomes a no-brainer for checking out the drive.

2023 Lexus RX 350h on view

Putting hybrid efficiency into the equation makes the Lexus RX even more fascinating. Its 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The powertrain achieves 36 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, making it essentially the most fuel-efficient model in the range.

Of course, efficiency takes a hit, but consumers who have this model more than 10 mpg more than the gas-powered RX 350 make up for the heartache. It also helps reduce the premium consumers may have to pay for a hybrid vehicle.

From the luxury interior, the car has only a few details that the bottom model doesn’t have, including heated and ventilated entry seats, wood trim throughout the cabin and steering wheel, semi-aniline leather seats, suede door panels, 10-way energy Adjuster entry seats, power rear seats, 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Mark Levinson sound system, wireless charging, headlight wipers and LED fog lights.

The RX 350h is one of the best-packaged models Lexus has ever put out. The model will be at the heart of the customer lineup, combining the options, appointments, expertise and elegance that Lexus potential customers are looking for, without straying too far from the expected level of value from Toyota and the RX 350. Lexus history repeats itself.

2023 Lexus RX 500h on view

With its top-of-the-line RX 500h, Lexus is showing consumers a hybrid powertrain with class-leading efficiency. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an 80-kilowatt (kW) electric motor and battery to deliver 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is normal.

Clean, regular acceleration is the secret here. Like the Lexus IS 500, the powertrain doesn’t offer very deep expertise, but there’s no doubt that it’s essentially the most efficient RX on offer.

However, the RX 500h takes an odd route. Its energy isn’t so lewd that it makes the car more enthusiastic. It couldn’t possibly push both in a sportier way. Many of the tweaks here are powertrain-related. The outfit is neither terribly luxurious, nor the more advanced ultra-modern expertise. This kills the model’s buyer base, making it less of a buy than the RX 350 or RX 350h.

2024 Lexus RX 450n+ review

The Lexus RX 450h+ won’t arrive in the U.S. until 2024, but it’s certainly already confirmed the promise on a first quick look at the drive. Efficient acceleration combined with all-electric drive capabilities make this SUV an instant contender for consumers who need agile driving but need a hybrid engine backup.