2023 Lexus RX debuts with new plug-in hybrid and performance trimmer
2023 The Lexus RX comes to inaugurate the fifth generation of the premium crossover. The styling has a familiar look, but there are new parts under the skin. Buyers have four powertrains to choose from, and three of these are hybrids. Sales will start at the end of 2022.
Major mechanical updates
The 2023 Lexus RX runs on the GA-K platform, and the fresh surface allows the vehicle to drop to 198 pounds (89.81 kilos) compared to the previous generation. The wheelbase increases by 2.36 inches (5.99 centimeters), but the rear overhang shrinks by 2.36 inches, which means that the overall length does not change compared to the previous model.
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The longer wheelbase means there is more room for passengers inside the RX. Lowered trim at the rear also enables reduced load height.
The 2023 RX comes with four powertrains, but Lexus is only offering details on three of them right now. Details on the 450h + plug-in hybrid will come later. The table below shows what we know now:
| 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 |
| Transfer | 8-speed automatic | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drives | 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 class comes with some extras. It has six-piston brake calipers and runs on 21-inch wheels. Inside, the leather upholstery includes suede door cover and perforated material on the steering wheel. The tread plates have an F Sport mark.
A new look
The 2023 RX will be available in six equipment 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 the Lexus spindle grille with recessed, diamond-shaped sections in the upper part. The RX 500h F Sport Performance grade has a different mesh pattern that has a woven design.
In profile, the new RX has an upwardly curved sculpted section leading to the rear fenders. Like the previous generation, the roof has a floating C-pillar. The rear now has a full-width taillight.
Inside, the new RX has a lower-position infotainment screen that places it next to the instrument panel instead of being on top of the dashboard. A screen as large as 14 inches is available. Other available upgrades include a panoramic glass roof and a head-up screen.
Buyers have six draw colors: Macadamia, Black, Birch, Palomino, Peppercorn and Rioja Red. There are four trim styles available: Black Cascade, Ash Bamboo, Black Open Pore and Dark Graphite Aluminum.
All models of the 2023 RX get the Lexus Safety System + 3.0. The technology package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, intersection support with motorcycle detection, dynamic radar cruise control with cornering speed control, lane change warning with steering assistant and an emergency stop system. The optional Advanced Park system has expanded support for parallel parking.
