The 2023 Lexus RX is a luxurious midsize crossover SUV that was designed as an upgrade from the outgoing RX generation. The Lexus RX has been one of the most popular luxury SUVs for more than a decade, and Lexus aims to continue that trend with the fully redesigned model–the 2023 Lexus RX.
The new RX model has four powertrains, providing something for everyone. The base model is the RX 350 (which is what the base model has been called for years). It uses a turbo four-cylinder with about 275 horsepower. The hybrid model, which is a step up from the base model, is the RX 350h which uses a hybrid version of the four-cylinder with just under 250 horsepower.
The RX 450h Plus is a plug-in hybrid model. Lexus is yet to release information about its powertrain, range, etc., on pure electric. But this information is coming soon. The RX 500h is the top of the line and is the performance version of the 2023 Lexus RX. The RX 500h also uses a turbo four-cylinder, which is also mated to a hybrid system for more power. It has an estimated 367 horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque. The entire powertrain of the RX 500h has been optimized for improved grip and handling and better acceleration. The result is 0-60 in under 6 seconds.
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Overview of the 2023 Lexus RX
The 2023 Lexus RX is a lesson in class and precision. It is a 2-row, midsize crossover SUV with features that make it stand out. There is no six-cylinder option with the new RX; it’s all four-cylinder powertrains.
This new RX rides on a new platform that helps reduce the weight of the vehicles. The 2023 Lexus RX is down about 200 pounds (90kg) compared to the outgoing model, which is pretty significant. This lost weight will help with fuel economy and quickness in handling.
Lexus is yet to announce the pricing for the 2023 Lexus RX, but they say the cars will be in the market fall of 2022.
Features of the 2023 Lexus RX
Exterior Design
The outgoing RX models were criticized for their overly large grilles; the grilles on the outgoing generation stretched up to the line where the hood opens. The 2023 Lexus RX is a thorough redesign of the outgoing generation, and its grille is much smaller than the previous model years.
An LED Tail Lamp hugs the back of the car, giving it a unique look. Lexus takes a step away from convention by exchanging its signature “L” with the word “LEXUS.” “LEXUS” is stamped on the tail lamp such that it cannot be missed.
Interior Design
The 2023 Lexus RX does not have a traditional door handle. Inside the vehicle is a little lever you can push to open the door electronically. You can also pull on the lever, which will operate as a traditional door handle.
The front and rear seats are made with high-quality perforated leather, and they have trims on the sides. Textured Alcantara is on all the door panels, right next to the speakers. The center console features a pinstripe trim that extends to the dashboard. The center console lid has a button on the driver side and another on the passenger side; a button on either side opens up the console lid on the side you pressed. All these give the interior of the 2023 RX a sleek, high-quality look that screams luxury.
The cabin lighting is mounted on the ceiling; a simple tap turns it on and off. An important safety feature that is also highly convenient is that the rear view mirror becomes a camera when you pull on a switch attached to it. This camera is mounted at the back of the car, so you do not have to look back to see behind your vehicle.
The 2023 Lexus RX has spacious room in the rear seats, especially for a midsize crossover vehicle. The rear seats have a separate climate control system, from which you can cool or heat them and adjust the temperature for the back seats. There are two USB-C ports next to the climate control system.
Infotainment System
The 2023 Lexus RX has a central infotainment system in the form of a touchscreen. The touchscreen, standard across the new RX models, has been a feature since the 2020 RX model year. The 14-inch touchscreen is an upgrade from the remote touch controller with a mouse pad, a somewhat confusing and frustrating feature in the 2019 model. This touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, with responses similar to a smartphone; you hardly need a user’s manual to operate it.
A downside to the infotainment system is that, unlike most smartphones, the touchscreen cannot split into double screens for convenience. For instance, if you open the stereo in the infotainment system, you cannot simultaneously view the map and vice versa. This is a disappointing aspect of the 2023 RX as many manufacturers offer the option to split screens, especially on a screen that is as wide as 14 inches.
The 2023 Lexus RX has a 360-degree camera system that you can access to view the vehicle and its surroundings. Upon accessing the camera system, the infotainment screen shows a live stream of the car from above, and the camera rotates to show the surroundings. But there is a downside; you cannot control the camera’s rotation. The camera rotates at its speed, and all you can do is pause the footage or change the camera’s angle.
The infotainment screen has an option for seat control, and from that menu, you can drop or raise the rear seats. This is much more convenient than manually pulling on levers to lift or lower the rear seats. Not many rivals of the 2023 Lexus RX have this handy feature.
Although the gauge cluster setup is a full-screen gauge cluster, the 2023 RX does not offer a lot of configurability with the gauge cluster. It is only the bottom center of the gauge cluster screen that can change and show various things such as music, direction, etc., but you cannot get a full-screen map like you can with Mercedes-Benz, Audi (Audi’s Virtual Cockpit), or BMW. But it is essential to mention that the gauge screen changes as you change drive modes. The gauge cluster alerts you if you leave the windows open after you have turned off the car. The gauge cluster also allows you to see what gear you are in when driving.
Cargo Area
The 2023 Lexus RX features a wheelbase about 2½ inches longer than the outgoing generation, but the overall length of the two generations remains the same. This uniformity in length is because the added wheelbase goes entirely inside the car, providing more room in the rear seat and the cargo area. Thus, passengers and cargo have more space in the new RX models.
The cargo area of the RX 500h is about 65mm long; this is quite spacious, especially for a midsize crossover SUV. The cargo has a lot of floor space, but the vehicle’s slanting rear design takes up some upper storage space. The 2023 RX does not have additional space under the cargo area; Lexus placed a spare tire in that position. There are buttons on the sides of the cargo area that drop and raise the back seats when you press on them. The cargo area also features two power outlets.
Conclusion
The 2023 Lexus RX is a luxurious midsize SUV that is perfect for families with children. Its array of features, such as spacious rear seats, roomy cargo area, heated rear seats, etc., make it a perfect choice for a family car.