The Lexus RX comes in 2023, marking the start of the premium crossover’s fifth generation. The styling is similar, yet there are new components beneath the surface. Buyers have a choice of four powertrains, three of which are hybrids. The first sales will take place in late 2022.
The GA-K platform underpins the 2023 Lexus RX, allowing the car to lose up to 198 pounds (89.81 kilogrammes) in weight over the previous model. The wheelbase increases by 2.36 inches (5.99 centimetres), while the rear overhang decreases by 2.36 inches, resulting in the same total length as the previous model.
The RX’s longer wheelbase implies more interior space for passengers. A lower load height is also possible thanks to the lower back trim.
The 2023 RX will be available with four different powertrains, although Lexus is only revealing information about three of them at this time. More information on the 450h+ plug-in hybrid will be released later. The table below summarises what we currently know:
RX 350 | RX 350h | RX 500h F Sport Performance | |
| Engine | 2.4-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid | 2.4-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | CVT | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD | AWD | Direct4 AWD |
| Horsepower | 275 HP | 246 HP | 367 HP |
| Torque | 317 LB-FT | 233 LB-FT | 406 LB-FT |
| Estimated Combined Fuel Economy | 24 MPG | 33 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Estimated Acceleration To 60 MPH | 7.5 Seconds FWD / 7.2 Seconds AWD | 7.4 Seconds | 5.9 Seconds |
The new RX 500h F Sport Performance grade comes with some extra equipment. It has six-piston brake calipers and rides on 21-inch wheels. Inside, the leather upholstery includes suede door trim and perforated material on the steering wheel. The tread plates have F Sport branding.
A New Look
The 2023 RX will be available in six trim levels: Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and F Sport Performance. Depending on the grade, 10 colors will be available: Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.
The 2023 RX wears a new version of Lexus’ spindle grille with recessed, diamond-shaped sections in the upper portion. The RX 500h F Sport Performance grade has a different mesh pattern that has a woven design.
In profile, the new RX has an upward arching sculpted section that leads to the rear fenders. Like the previous generation, the roof has a floating C-pillar. The rear now features full-width taillights.
Inside, the new RX has an infotainment screen with a lower position that puts it next to the instrument cluster rather than being on top of the dashboard. A display as large as 14 inches is available. Other available upgrades include a panorama glass roof and a head-up display.
Buyers have six upholstery color choices:Â Macadamia, Black, Birch, Palomino, Peppercorn, and Rioja Red. There are four available trim styles:Â Black Cascade, Ash Bamboo, Black Open Pore, and Dark Graphite Aluminum.Â
All models of the 2023 RX get the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The suite of tech includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, intersection support with motorcycle detection, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, lane departure alert with steering assist, and an emergency driving stop system. The optional Advanced Park system has expanded support for parallel parking.