2023 Lexus RX350h: New Take On A Classic Recipe
Front End of Lexus RX350h
Lexus launched the original RX back in 1998 to give buyers a practical, comfortable and high riding alternative to their popular sedan models. The original concept of the RX was to combine the best characteristics of a luxury sedan and an SUV. At the time, its styling was unlike anything else on the road as most luxury buyers back then could only chose from a limited array of large body on frame, truck like competitors. The RX proved to be highly successful and basically invented a new premium midsize crossover SUV segment. Fast forward to today, the RX is now in its fifth generation and is still a top choice among buyers in its segment. Lexus has used the same ingredients for years that has made the RX so successful and this new generation is no different. The ingredients of comfort, quality, quietness are still there but add in a brand new exterior design, new tech features and easier to use infotainment system and that makes this new take on this classic recipe more appealing than ever before.
Styling is always a part of the conversation, especially when it comes to recent Lexus models. The all-new 2023 Lexus RX looks pretty good and a lot nicer than the previous generation. Up front, the new RX features Lexus’ trademark “spindle grille” that they have been using for quite some time. This grille design has been very controversial due to its bold design, but the version on the 2023 RX looks very nice and it blends in better with the overall styling. The grille has been remastered as if the hourglass shape has been molded into the front of the vehicle. The mesh pattern grille fades into the edges and into the front end design. The front styling is complete with slim, yet more squared headlights and a smooth hood that pulls back from the nose. The side of the new Lexus RX is smooth and the diagonal rear quarter window is a unique touch, that is not only visually distinctive but is also a design feature that harkens back to the original RX in 1998. Lexus refers to this design element as a “floating roofline” and while this window design is not exactly the same as the original, it does add some interest to this area of the vehicle like the very first one did. The rear end of the new RX is sleek, sporty and also elegant. The Rear taillights are one piece, connected by a narrow strip. Overall the new design of the 2023 Lexus RX is very attractive and almost futuristic.
On the inside, the new Lexus RX350h that I drove has some very soft and plush seats. I found the seats to be extremely comfortable and they really reminded me that Lexus’ mission has always been about comfort. Of course the seats can also be adjusted in multiple positions as can the steering wheel. The design is an overall improvement from the previous version of this vehicle, as its more modern and luxurious than ever before. To me the design is cleaner and more straightforward and it is a look that will appeal to a younger audience. The vehicle is very technology heavy with a digitalized instrument panel. This is combined with a choice between a 9.8-inch or a very large 14-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen connects you to the highly intuitive Lexus Interface multimedia system. The biggest change on the inside is that Lexus has replaced the old touchpad controller that was located in the center console and controlled the Lexus interface. This old system was hard to use and they have now replaced that with a simple touchscreen system. With that said, the new system can still be confusing at first glance and will take some time to fully learn. The rear seats are also quite comfortable and legroom is generous thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase than before. The new Lexus RX350h’s interior features exceptional build quality, opulent luxury and amazing comfort in a design that is attractive and radically different from before.
The Lexus RX is offered in many different powertrains. I drove the Lexus RX350h, which is the hybrid version. This hybrid version pairs two electric motors to a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine that makes a combined total of 246 HP and 233 lb-ft of torque. The base RX350 comes with a 275 HP turbocharged 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and the more potent hybrid, the RX500h comes available with a punchier turbo 4-cylinder engine paired with electric power to make 367 HP. All available models will be tuned differently and for this review I will focus on the driving impressions for the RX350h. The Lexus RX350h has a smooth and calm demeanor. It has relaxed road manners, meaning that it is super quiet and the ride is soft, therefore maximizing comfort. When you press the gas, power comes on fairly strong, in a smooth and uneventful kind of way. The vehicle feels stable at higher speeds and the suspension feels plush at all times. It feels like the RX350h is floating over the road and bumps go unnoticed. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is refined and engine noise is limited. Steering is accurate and it does not feel too heavy or too light. All RX models come standard with the Lexus Safety System + 3.0. This system helps aid the driver with features like lane departure alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and vehicle detection among many other features. Having all of that as standard equipment is a great move by Lexus as the brand is also putting safety at the forefront. The new RX350h drives in a similar manner as before and to most buyers that a good thing.
A stretched wheel base makes for a spacious rear seat
As for pricing, the gas powered RX350 will start around $61,000 and will go up from there depending on what features and packages you select. The RX350h will start at $63,000 for the Premium Package and can top out at $75,650 if you opt for the Executive Package. Lastly, the sportier RX500h is priced from $83,000 and beyond.
Lexus logo on the grille
The 2023 Lexus RX family offers buyers a range of different models and whether it be gas or hybrid or maybe you prefer a sporty drive or a comfortable one, there is an RX for you. Lexus practically created this segment back in the day and while that very first RX back in 1998 was a revolutionary product, all successive generations have basically been an evolution upon one another. Lexus has found tremendous success with the RX and have kept its strong qualities the same but have made subtle and smart improvements with every new generation. This new RX is similar to past versions but also different at the same time. For the first time the RX has so many different flavors to choose from and it is impressive that buyers can pick a version that has a more dynamic driving feel or one that is very traditional Lexus. The brand has built upon their core values of luxury and comfort and added a few extra ingredients to an already successful recipe. The 2023 Lexus RX offers a great design inside and out, smart packaging and efficiency in the hybrid versions. Lexus has a new winning recipe and I’m sure many people will like what they did.
A Special thanks to Product Specialist Frank Fang and OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody for the vehicle.
Lexus RX350h rear quarter angle. Notice the diagonal rear quarter window design
