The Lexus RX is a two-row SUV with seating for five people and has been the luxury automaker’s best-selling vehicle for a long time. The 2023 RX, which has undergone a complete makeover, only has two rows as opposed to the last generation’s minuscule third row, offered as the RX-L. This large, luxurious car has plenty of standard amenities and high-quality materials throughout the range. It provides six trims to accommodate various requirements, price ranges, and a selection of gas, hybrid, and even plug-in hybrid powertrains. Finding an RX that is ideal for you is more straightforward because of the diversity.
This year’s all-new RX represents the fifth generation of this well-liked luxury SUV. This implies that almost everything has changed. There are now no less than four engine options available, along with additional security and infotainment technologies, and the interior and external aesthetics have been improved. With six trims, the portfolio has many options to suit most preferences. The portfolio is rounded off with a new 500h F Sport Performance variant that offers a plethora of luxury accoutrements and more exciting performance than prior RXs. Still, it lacks the BMW X5‘s energy.
There are a ton of competitors when it comes to midsize luxury SUVs. The Acura MDX offers seven seats but lacks the RX’s broad range of engine options. The Lincoln Nautilus has five seats, a comfortable cabin, and a smooth ride but has fewer engine options. The significantly bigger Aviator from Lincoln provides V6, V8, and plug-in hybrid engine options. The seven-passenger Infiniti QX60 was completely redesigned for 2022. It has a spacious cabin, considerable luggage space, and a long list of standard luxuries, but, to my surprise, it lacks the RX’s range of engine options.
The base engine for the RX 350 is a 2.4-liter gas turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and an eight-speed automated gearbox as standard. The 350h has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, a 246-horsepower electric motor, and a continuously variable automatic gearbox. The 500h, which has a 336-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, is at the top of the performance scale. The plug-in hybrid 450h+, released a few months after the others, will feature a bigger battery pack and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine than the 350h.
Except for the 500h, the new RX hardly improves on the mediocre performance of the previous model. On the positive side, depending on the grade you choose, you may pick between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), so there is a model of this SUV to suit most preferences. Although the old three-row RX-L model is no longer available, little has been lost since the far back seat was so small that it required room in the second row to be accessed. The inside of the new model is stunning; there are many standard convenience features, an easy-to-use entertainment system, and a ton of standard safety equipment.
The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on the RX. This complete safety package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition, traffic sign assistance, lane departure warning with steering assistance, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Optional features include traffic jam assist, which enables the RX to drive in advanced mode on congested highways. The RX is a terrific deal even though it isn’t the most exciting computer on the street because of the extensive list of essential features that come with it. Although Lexus has not yet provided us with accurate pricing information, we have included below our best guess at the price of each model.
What’s New?
- This year’s 2023 Lexus RX is entirely new and has several upgrades.
- Four powertrains are available, including the first-ever plug-in hybrid. Traffic Jam Assist debuts for the Lexus brand.
- A new RX 500h F Sport Performance variant with standard all-wheel drive is released.
- The RX series now offers Advanced Park as a feature.
- A new suspension system offers a more comfortable ride and better handling.
- The longer wheelbase and reworked Lexus spindle grille provide more and a longer wheelbase for better rear legroom.
Performance: Lexus RX
The RX range features four powertrains, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both come as standard in the RX 350, along with FWD or AWD.
All other models in the lineup are AWD-only. The 350h features a continuously variable automatic gearbox and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine with 246 net system horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre 4-cylinder in the late-arriving plug-in hybrid 450h+ will have detailed details (and an on-sale date) to come.
With a 2.4-liter hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 500h provides the best performance. Only AWD is available in this model, and much like the RX 350h, the whole back axle is powered by an electric motor. But in this case, the electric motor is far more potent. Depending on the scenario, it can distribute power differently, utilizing solely the front wheels or up to 80% of the back wheels. Only a maximum 50:50 power split is possible with the RX 350h. This new mechanism is known as Direct4 by Lexus.
Although the 500h is undoubtedly the best-performing RX ever, it still lags behind some of its rivals in speed.
The RX’s standard engine offers good performance, but the hybrid models—especially the 500h—make the SUV much more exciting and aggressive. All the vehicles in the range provide a smooth, quiet ride with adequate power to blend into oncoming traffic easily. It offers a smooth ride while maintaining a decent blend of sporty driving qualities.
Fuel efficiency: Lexus RX
Although the EPA has not yet announced ratings for the 2023 RX, Lexus has provided predictions. It gets 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the interstate, and 25 mpg overall with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reduces those figures by one mpg overall, giving it a combined average of 24.5 mpg. This has a higher average fuel efficiency than the 22.3 mpg combined average of the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and Lincoln Nautilus.
Even more efficient hybrid vehicles are available. The standard hybrid engine achieves 36 mpg, 34 mpg on the interstate, and 37 mpg in the city. With 27 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined, the high-performance hybrid in the 500h nevertheless has decent fuel efficiency. The RX hybrid has long led the fuel economy in its class, along with the smaller NX and UX hybrids, and we predict that once official statistics are available, its fuel efficiency rating will increase.
Safety & Driver Support
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet given the 2023 Lexus RX a rating. The absence of evaluations from these organizations significantly impacts our total safety ranking. As a long-time safety leader, we anticipate that the RX will see an increase in ratings once official statistics are made available.
Pre-collision systems, road sign assistance, lane departure warning with steering assistance, lane tracing assistance, intelligent high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management are all included in Lexus Safety System+ 3.0’s standard safety features. Also had is a digital latch with a safe exit assist that prevents rear passengers from opening the door if a bicycle or car is seen coming up behind them.
A combination of cameras and ultrasonic sensors assists with parallel or perpendicular parking and departing via one of the available features, the new sophisticated park. A recent traffic jam assistance feature is now open; it keeps track of traffic when driving at a low pace and automatically advances or slows as necessary. It’s a wide-ranging selection that maintains important safety feature standards rather than bundling them into expensive packages or reserving them for higher trims alone.
Comfort and Space
Even though the wheelbase of the RX is 2.36 inches larger this year than it was in 2022, the cabin nevertheless seems smaller. The redesigned RX has 41.1 inches of front legroom and 37.4 inches of rear legroom. Even though those numbers are lower than the prior ones of 44.1 and 38, they are still positive numbers. Headroom is still positive but somewhat less so. The Acura MDX features 38.5 inches of second-row legroom compared to the QX60’s 37.7 inches. The Lincoln Nautilus offers the most space, with 39.6.
The three-row RX-L is no longer available. However, there is space for five throughout the range. Three people, even those tall, may fit comfortably in the back. The inside is roomy and comfy. Even on the primary 350, the material quality is superb and has a luxurious appearance and feel.
Eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats and multi-zone temperature control are also standard equipment. Ventilated front seats, leather and suede upholstery, and steering wheels with wood and leather detailing are added amenities as you progress up the specification range.
Infotainment: Lexus RX
A significant update to infotainment removes the original RX’s cumbersome touchpad controller. An ordinary 9.8-inch touchscreen with clear graphics and responsiveness is offered as a substitute. Along with a 12-speaker premium music system, Wi-Fi hotspot access, and navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features.
The RX does a fantastic job with voice activation, which can be excruciatingly difficult. The system accurately reacts to natural language instructions when you say, “Hey, Lexus,” instead of needing many tries. It also includes two microphones, making hearing the driver and front passengers simple.
As you go through the series, technologies like wireless charging, a massive 14-inch touchscreen, and high-end Mark Levinson PurePlay audio with 21 speakers will become available. There is no need to upgrade a trim for good infotainment since even the primary system has fantastic features, including a prominent touchscreen and wireless smartphone connection.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The RX is a medium luxury SUV, yet despite this, its luggage space is among the smallest in its class.
If no one travels with you, it is still a good freight mover with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seats and 46.2 behind the front seats. That’s not terrible, but it’s not even close to the competition. The MDX holds 39.1 cubic feet and up to 95 with all three rows folded, compared to 37.2 cubic feet behind the Nautilus’ back seats and 68.8 with all folded. The QX60 has the most space of the group, even though its total volume is just 75.4 cubic feet, thanks to the 41.6 cubic feet of cargo space it possesses behind its second row of seats.
Currently, the broad tailgate opening opens and shuts 3 seconds quicker. That may not seem like much, but you’ll appreciate the quickness when carrying heavy goods and standing in the rain. There are several places to store more miniature goods inside and sizable door compartments for keeping extras and beverages. Additionally, the centre console has doors that open and shut toward either the driver or passenger side, making it simple for everyone to use.
Design: Lexus RX
The RX is a high-end model that offers a premium driving experience throughout the range. Although we have some issues with the wood-trim pieces on the console, the base trim is far from essential, with appealing materials and attention to detail befitting a premium car. It has an attractive design without being fussy or having excessive information, making it seem dazzling. Instead, the RX offers a thoroughly contemporary perspective on extraordinary, quiet luxury, making it even more polished and decent.
The outside of the vehicle has a new design where the iconic spindle grille now flows back into the sheet metal to form what Lexus refers to as a spindle body. It’s a bold claim that will either impress or come off as a little over the top, but it does demand attention. The RX is not flamboyant but seems like a premium car because of its assertive style, high-quality materials, and attention-grabbing features.
Is the 2023 Lexus RX Worth it?
No matter whatever trim you choose, the RX delivers a stunning and cosy interior with amenities that guarantee a luxurious experience. This automobile is ideal for longer road journeys because of the degree of comfort provided by the high-quality materials that offer a warm first impression. Particularly in the potent 500h model, it boasts a comfortable, quiet ride that prioritizes the passengers’ comfort while providing the driver plenty of involvement.
Despite the constant temptation to start at the top of the range, we recommend sticking with the 350h Premium+. It boasts the highest fuel efficiency and critical standard features of the various powertrains. These include the 14-inch touchscreen that simplifies infotainment, leather seating surfaces, and a heated steering wheel with wood and leather trim that enhances the RX’s luxury appearance.
The QX60 has a third row and a more upscale cabin, but it lacks the RX’s handling and performance. The MDX lacks the breadth of engine choices but offers a third row and better performance. The Nautilus has the most luxurious and comfy cabin, but only three versions are available.
How Much Does the 2023 Lexus RX Cost to Insure?
Based on the model from the previous year, our predictions for the Lexus RX’s insurance prices shouldn’t significantly vary. Although this figure covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate an average yearly premium of $2,491. Comparatively, the Genesis GV70 is $2,500, the Acura MDX is $2,232, the Lincoln Nautilus is $2,264, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is $2,591.
Verdict
This year’s Lexus RX is redesigned with several updates to enhance this premium SUV and increase its competitiveness in the market. The lineup’s luxurious interior has five seats and is spacious and soft, but the three-row version with compromises is permanently gone. Many fuel-efficient powertrain options exist, including gas, hybrid, and a late-arriving plug-in hybrid. There is also a thorough infotainment system with a sizable touchscreen and strong standard safety for extra peace of mind. Even if all these improvements result in a better experience, the RX is still a sluggish computer when compared to its primary.
Lexus RX Generations
Fifth Generation
2023-Present
The brand-new Lexus RX from 2023 represents the fifth generation of the premium SUV. A conventional gas-powered engine, two hybrids with up to 366 system horsepower, and a future plug-in hybrid model that will debut in the calendar year 2023 provide the RX with more powertrain choices and performance than ever. The three-row RX-L model is retired.
Fourth Generation
2016-2022
The most versatile RX to date was the fourth-generation Lexus RX. offered with conventional V-6 or hybrid powertrains (producing 295 and 308 horsepower, respectively) and front- or all-wheel drive, but for the first time, RX buyers were given the option of a sporty “F-Sport” alternative to the RX’s traditional luxury car styling, and a more extended model with six- or seven-passenger seating became available.
Third Generation
2009-2015
The Lexus RX of the third generation was once again available with either V-6 or hybrid power. The mixed RX 450h was powered by a less potent version of the V-6 with electric motors at each axle, giving it all-wheel drive capabilities and 298 horsepower. The RX 350 had a 3.5-liter V-6 with 275 horsepower.
Second Generation
2004-2009
The second-generation Lexus RX appeared similar to the first but was much more extensive and had clear-lens illumination on all four corners. In RX 300 models, the primary engine’s displacement increased to 3.3 litres, and its output increased to 230 horsepower. The first RX hybrid, the RX 400h, was released during the second generation. It had a V-6 engine and an electric motor that created 268 horsepower with fuel economy comparable to a four-cylinder engine.
First Generation
1999-2003
Launched in 1998 as a 1999 model, the Lexus RX. The RX300 was better on-road than off-road in recognition of the fact that most SUV owners at the time seldom, if ever, drove off-road since it was based on the ES300 luxury sedan rather than a truck. It had an available front- or all-wheel drive system and a 220-horsepower V-6 engine. The peacefulness, pillowy ride, and sensation of seclusion from the road were the RX300’s strong points.
