Overview
Despite a complete overhaul for 2023, Lexus’s RX SUV retains its soft-riding road manners that seem tailor-made for its faithful buyers. A quartet of powertrains is on the menu including a new plug-in hybrid version. The RX’s new styling looks much sharper than the outgoing model’s and up front, there’s a new version of the brand’s wide-mouthed grille and Lexus’s recognizable L-shaped running lights. Interior accommodations are more deluxe this time around, and the cabin features a large infotainment touchscreen and the latest tech features. The outgoing model was offered in either two- or three-row configurations but the 2023 RX is strictly a two-row affair. A three-row variant may join the lineup later or Lexus may choose to launch a new, larger SUV above the RX with a standard seven-seat layout.
What’s New for 2023?
The RX rolls into its fifth generation with an all-new design, but it’s still the soft-riding, quiet cruiser it’s always been.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While it’s hardly as sporty as it looks, the RX500h F Sport Performance is at least the most exciting variant of the RX SUV—too bad it’s so expensive. While driving enthusiasts like us would find nothing but that range-topping model suitable, we think more casual drivers will be happy with the less powerful and even more relaxed RX350 Premium Plus. That mid-range model comes with added luxuries such as the larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, genuine leather upholstery, an ambient interior lighting system, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 RX is offered with no less than four different powertrains, starting with the base RX350 model which is powered by a 275-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. That model comes with an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. The hybrid RX350h pairs electric motors with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make 246 horsepower and comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. On our first test drive, neither of these powertrains delivered notable performance and we estimate both will deliver slightly slower acceleration than their 2022 analogues. Stepping up to the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a punchier powertrain. It combines the turbocharged 2.4-liter and electric power to make 367 horsepower and utilizes Lexus’s Direct4 system to route that power to all four wheels. Lexus had an opportunity to recast the new RX as a performer with the RX500h model, but its chassis engineers regrettably chose not to dial in any additional cornering confidence. At our test track, the RX500h F Sport Performance hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. All models we’ve driven so far are just as softly-sprung and luxury-focused as the outgoing generation RX, which will please faithful buyers but won’t attract any driving enthusiasts. A plug-in hybrid model—dubbed RX450h+—will join the lineup later, and although Lexus hasn’t released specs on that yet, we expect to see the same 302-hp powertrain that’s offered in the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Lexus NX450h+SUVs.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t weighed in on all of the RX trims yet, but according to Lexus, the most efficient RX model will be the RX350h which carries claimed ratings of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The RX500h is said to be good for 28 mpg city and 27 mpg highway while the nonhybrid RX350 earned ratings from the EPA of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. When we get a chance, we’ll test the new RX on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route to determine its real-world fuel economy. For more information about the RX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although the outgoing model was offered in both two- and three-row configurations, the 2023 RX is offered exclusively as a two-row, five-seat SUV. A three-row model may debut later or the RX L could be replaced by an entirely different and larger SUV with a standard third row of seats. The 2023 RX’s interior design is more modern than the 2022 model, with textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim on RX350 models. The RX500h F Sport Performance features more heavily bolstered front seats, black interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is parked smack in the middle of the RX’s redesigned dashboard; a larger 14.0-inch screen is optional. Like the smaller NX SUV, the RX’s infotainment display is angled slightly toward the driver and uses Lexus’s latest software interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but features such as navigation, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson stereo system are optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Lexus offers many standard driver-assistance features on its new cars and SUVs, and the 2023 RX is no different. The RX’s automated emergency braking system can detect pedestrians as well as motorcyclists and all models also come with adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. For more information about the RX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus’s limited warranty matches most of its rivals in this segment and its powertrain warranty surpasses many. Hybrid components get longer coverage; however, complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year, whereas the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 both offer lengthier terms.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $64,145/$75,065
Options: Mark Levinson stereo, $2265; premium triple-beam LED headlights, $1565; 360-degree camera system, $800; running boards, $725; heated and ventilated outboard rear seats, $680; cargo tray, mudguard, and door edge protective film, $640; Traffic Jam Assist, $620; Copper Crest paint, $595; 120-volt inverter, $550; power rear seats, $550; panoramic moonroof, $500; illuminated cargo sills, $300; digital key, $275; Advanced Park; $250; digital rearview mirror, $200; puddle lamps, $175; power liftgate with kick sensor, $150; Cold Area package, $100; rear bumper applique, $90; 21-inch wheel credit, -$110
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 271 hp, 339 lb-ft + 2 AC motors, (combined output: 366 hp, 406 lb-ft; nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmissions, F/R: 6-speed automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.7-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
235/50R-21 101V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 192.5 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 67.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 46/30 ft3
Curb Weight: 4793 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.0 sec
120 mph: 23.8 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 195 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 480 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/27/28 mpg
