lexus rx Complete Overview
advantages
- Attractive design
- Simplified technique
- Neat interior
Disadvantages
- Lazy acceleration
- Occasional hard shifts
- smooth ride
The Lexus RX was an instant hit when it made its debut in 1998. Its unibody chassis – and therefore car-like ride and handling – appealing exterior design and spacious interior caught the attention of many buyers who wanted to ride higher while sacrificing little to nothing in terms of fuel economy and the luxury car experience. The RX300 was so good it became the first engine trend SUV of the year, and the RX has remained a top player in the segment ever since. Now the fifth generation model has arrived to replace an RX that, frankly, lost track in terms of ride refinement and design. So do it the 2023 Lexus RX350with its new platform, engine and reimagined technology, once again stand out in a crowded field of luxury SUVs?
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What’s new?
Inside, the biggest change is the new 14.0-inch touchscreen with Lexus’ updated infotainment system, which includes a much-improved navigation system with Google Maps. The whole system is easy to use with voice commands, and you don’t really have to dig through menus to find what you need. It also allows for over-the-air updates, so the system can be further refined and features added over time. It wasn’t all great though: a couple of times it took more than 60 seconds to respond after the RX350 booted – the screen was frozen and unresponsive. And although the RX350 we drove was a pre-production vehicle, This system has been used in other recent Toyotas and Lexus models without a similar issue, so it’s possible this was a one-time issue.
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The rest of the cabin will feel familiar to previous Lexus owners in terms of atmosphere and materials, but there are changes that make the RX more modern. Including the tidy center console, which offers space for two smartphones and two cup holders. Because the shifter is small, the center console area also feels spacious. The interior door handles are stylishly designed and can be operated by simply pressing with your thumb (rather than pulling with your hand). Materials feel soft and premium, from the leather seats to the microsuede on the door panels, resulting in a richer overall experience; Still, we wish Lexus had made the entire instrument cluster digital instead of just throwing in a small 7.0-inch display.
One thing we didn’t really like are the unmarked, reconfigurable buttons on the steering wheel; You can call up their functions in the head-up display by pressing one of the buttons on the left, but it would be easier and less distracting if they were each dedicated to a single function and clearly labeled. More complicated doesn’t always mean better.
Rear-seat passengers have enough space to get comfortable, but they won’t feel like they’re in a living room. What feels fairly spacious is the cargo area, which offers almost 30 cubic feet of space with the seats up. For now, the 2023 RX350 is just a two-row SUV; A three-row SUV was offered in the previous generation, but it is likely the forthcoming new TX will fill this role in the future.
Goodbye V-6, Hello Turbo-Four
With the move to the new platform, Lexus ditched the V-6 engine — a longstanding RX offering — in favor of a 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX350’s new engine might not be super powerful, but it’s acceptable, especially off the line. That means if you work the four-cylinder hard, you’ll just know it by the sound. The eight-speed automatic transmission isn’t super sharp either; a couple of times we noticed harsh third-to-fourth gear shifts at mid-throttle. But we recognize The RX350 F Sport is not a sporty SUV (despite the trim level name). Buyers who think about it will find plenty to like, and we suspect they’ll be overall happy with the way the engine and transmission work together.
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On bumpy roads, the slightly stiffer suspension that comes with the F Sport package delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, and we like how it feels a little more controlled. The steering, on the other hand, is too numb and we wish it provided a little more feedback on what’s happening where the tires hit the road.
Is the 2023 Lexus RX350 worth it?
Anyone entering the 2023 Lexus RX350 will be pleased with its modern interior, especially current RX owners. The new model is a step up, and the 2023 RX350 is definitely a competitive offering in one of the hottest classes on the market. With our test SUV priced at $64,635, it’s also good value for anyone looking to upgrade when compared feature-for-feature to SUVs from other automakers. The RX feels like it should again, and that should win many fans, new and old.
Looks good! More details?
| 2023 Lexus RX 350 AWD F Sport handling specifications | |
| BASE PRICE | $57,750 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $64,635 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE | 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4 with direct injection |
| PERFORMANCE (SAE NETWORK) | 275 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| TORQUE (SAE NETWORK) | 317 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic |
| TARGET WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 4,394 pounds (58/42%) |
| WHEELBASE | 112.2 inches |
| length x width x height | 192.5 x 75.6 x 67.3 inches |
| 0-60MPH | 7.3 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 15.5s at 91.2mph |
| BRAKES, 60-0 MPH | 123 feet |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.81g (average) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 27.4 sec at 0.62 g (average) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 21/28/24mpg |
| EPA RANGE, COMB | 428 miles |
| ON OFFER | now |
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