Based on how many luxury crossover SUVs were launched in recent years, one may assume that this segment is relatively new. The reality, however, is that they've been in the scene for a long time now, and the Lexus RX was one of the pioneers of this segment. First unveiled in 1998, the Lexus RX is now in its fifth generation, and since its release, it's been the best-selling Lexus in the United States. No pressure then. 

Evolutionary But Edgy Styling

With the RX being the best-selling Lexus in the United States, Lexus decided to not mess with success. The styling of the new RX is evolutionary, though designers opted for a more edgy appearance this time around. The spindle grille has been updated with a more upright design and an upper portion that's been closed off. This is then flanked by new LED headlights, while the sides of the grille feature a pair of new air curtains where the foglights are also located.

On the sides, the number of character lines has been reduced for a cleaner appearance. The signature sloping roofline and D-pillar design of the previous RX have been carried over to this fifth-generation model, and it's a design piece that has given the RX its own visual identity. And then towards its rear end, the tailgate design has been resculpted to adopt the full-width LED taillight design that has now become a visual identity of every Lexus since the second-generation NX. Like the NX, the "L" badge has been ditched in favor of the "LEXUS" script being integrated at the taillights.

Completely New From The Ground Up

 

While the styling is evolutionary, its structure is completely new from the ground up as the 2023 Lexus RX finally migrates to the GA-K platform that also underpins the ES and NX. Some of the highlights of this platform are its increased rigidity, a weight loss of 198 pounds, and a new multi-link rear suspension that's attached to a rigid high-torsion rear body frame that allows for more consistent suspension movements when accelerating, braking, and turning. The wheelbase has also been lengthened by 2.36 inches, but its length remains the same at 192.5 inches. As a result, the rear overhang was reduced for more legroom, yet despite that, cargo capacity has been increased.

Luxurious Interior Appointments

Moving inside the 2023 Lexus RX, you'll see an interior that adopts many of the design cues that debuted in the NX. These include the push-button electronic door latches, the standard 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch Lexus Interface touch screen infotainment system, and a fully-digital instrument cluster. The dashboard design is also completely new, and it comes with LED ambient lighting that surrounds the entire dash of the vehicle. 

Because of the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, the number of buttons has been reduced, and this includes the horrid touchpad of the previous Lexus Remote Touch infotainment system. If you're a fan of the previous RX's analog clock, then you'll probably be disappointed at their decision to eliminate it in favor of an all-digital interface. 

No V-6 in the 2023 Lexus NX

The 2023 Lexus RX comes in four powertrain configurations. Unfortunately, all of these are four-cylinder powertrains, as the V-6 has been dropped from the RX lineup altogether.

Kicking things off is the RX 350, which now comes with a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. That's a significant decrease of 20 horsepower, but torque has significantly increased by 50 pound-feet. This powertrain is also what powers the updated Toyota Highlander, and this is mated to an eight-speed automatic that drives the front or all four wheels.

Despite having fewer cylinders, the all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the new RX 350 sprints from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, which is faster by 0.7 seconds compared to its predecessor. Unfortunately, if you think this will be more fuel-efficient compared to the V-6, then you'll be disappointed to find out that this engine only manages to be 1 mpg better at 24 mpg combined versus the V-6's 23 mpg combined rating.

Next is the RX 350h, which likewise has a four-cylinder -- a 2.5-liter non-turbo in this case, that's mated to electric motors and an eCVT. This is the same powertrain that's in the NX, and it has a combined output of 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque.

However, despite being significantly less powerful than the V-6 RX 450h, the new RX 350h does the 0-60 mph dash in just 7.4 seconds as opposed to the previous model's 7.9 seconds. This model is also rated at 33 mpg combined, which is 3 mpg better than the previous RX 450h.

If you want a higher degree of electrification out of your RX, then you'd be happy to know that there's a new RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid variant. Just like in the NX 450h+, the one in the RX has the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder non-turbo engine that's mated to three electric motors and an eCVT. It has a combined output of 302 horsepower and an all-electric range of 37 miles.

Say Hello To The 367-HP RX 500h F Sport Performance

If you want the most powerful and sportiest RX out there, then the RX 500h F Sport Performance will be the one for you. with the first-ever hybrid powertrain that combines the 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, a rear eAxle with powerful electric motors, and a six-speed automatic transmission, the RX 500h F Sport Performance has a combined output of 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

As a result, the RX 500h F Sport Performance sprints from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, all the while having a fuel economy of 26 mpg combined.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 As Standard

The 2023 Lexus RX will come with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard across the entire range. This includes full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a new Curve Speed Management, improved Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Support, Motorcycle Detection, Emergency Driving Sop System, and Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist.

In addition, the new Lexus RX comes with a new Advanced Park system. It's a semi-autonomous parking feature that not only allows for hands-free reverse parallel and reverse perpendicular parking, but it can now also do forward-facing parking maneuvers as well.

2023 Lexus RX Pricing and Availability

Expect the 2023 Lexus RX to hit dealerships before the year ends, with pricing to be announced soon.