Our Opinion - 2023 Lexus RX Review Even though it will get a significant facelift in 2023, the Lexus RX SUV still has a soft ride that seems made for its loyal customers. There are four different powertrain choices, including a new plug-in hybrid model. The new RX is much more angular than the old one. It has a new version of the brand’s signature wide-mouthed grille and L-shaped running lights. The inside is more luxurious this time, with the latest technology and a giant touchscreen for information and entertainment. The 2023 RX only comes with two rows of seats, while the previous model had two and three rows of seats. A model with three rows could be added later, or Lexus could put a new, larger SUV on top of the RX that has seven seats. What's New? The fifth generation of the RX will have a completely new look. It should be in American showrooms by the end of 2022. Pros And Cons Pros: A nice ride Interior design that looks good and feels good Fantastic range Many similarities Cons: Unwieldy entertainment system Less space for cargo than other cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 2023 RX comes with four different powertrains. The base model, the RX350, has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 275 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on this car. An all-wheel drive option is available as an additional upgrade. All-wheel industry, a CVT, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine work together to give the hybrid RX350h 246 horsepower. During our first test drive, neither of these powertrains impressed us, and we expect them to be a little slower than their 2022 counterparts. You should get the RX500h F Sport Performance if you want a more powerful engine. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and electric motor make 367 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels by the Lexus Direct4 system. With the RX500h model, Lexus had a chance to make the new RX a performance vehicle, but the company’s chassis engineers decided against making the vehicle more stable when turning. All of the cars we’ve tested so far are as softly sprung and luxury-focused as the RX from the previous generation, which will please loyal customers but not driving enthusiasts. Even though Lexus hasn’t said much about the RX450h+ plug-in hybrid, we expect it to use the same 302-hp powertrain as the Lexus NX450h+ and Toyota RAV4 Prime SUVs. Safety Lexus’s new cars and SUVs always come with several driver-assistance systems, and the 2023 RX is no different. The RX’s automatic emergency braking system can detect people and motorcycles, and all models have adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. Among the essential safety features are the following: Standards for automatic emergency brakes that can detect bikes and people You can get both lane-keeping assistance and the standard lane-departure warning. Common adaptive cruise control that lets you stay in your lane. Internal and External Cargo Capacity Only a two-row, five-seat SUV is offered for purchase as the 2023 RX model year. On the other hand, the previous model could be bought with two or three rows. A different, bigger SUV with a regular third row of seats could replace the RX L, or a three-row vehicle could come out later. The interior of the 2023 RX is more modern than that of the 2022 model. The RX350 models have open-pore wood trim, textured fabric on the upper door panels, and ambient lighting that looks very expensive. The RX500h F Sport Performance front seats have more support, the interior is black, paddle shifters are built into the steering wheel, and aluminum pedals come as standard. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA has not yet given its opinion on all RX trims, but Lexus says that the RX350h, which gets 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, will be the most fuel-efficient RX model. The non-hybrid RX350 got 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the road, while the RX500h was said to get 28 mpg city and 27 highway. When we get the chance, we’ll put the new RX through its paces on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route to see how much gas it uses in real-world driving situations. Infotainment and Connectivity The updated RX’s dashboard has a 9.8-inch touchscreen for entertainment in the middle, and a 14.0-inch screen is an option. The RX’s infotainment screen is slightly tilted toward the driver, just like the one in the smaller NX SUV, and it uses Lexus’s most recent software interface. CarPlay and Android Auto from Apple come standard, although navigation and a Mark Levinson audio system are upgrades. Price and How to Choose The most exciting version of the RX SUV is the RX500h F Sport Performance, but it’s more sporty than it looks. It’s too bad that it also costs the most. We, as driving fans, would rather have the top-of-the-line model, but more casual drivers will be happy with the RX350 Premium Plus, which is less powerful and even more laid-back. This mid-level model has a bigger infotainment screen (14.0 inches), genuine leather seats, an ambient lighting system, and other excellent features.
