2023 Lexus RX First Drive Review: Turbo? Hybrid? Why Not Both?

With 2.3 million examples bought to date, it’s a must to admit that Lexus was onto one thing when it created the luxurious crossover phase with the debut of the RX again in 1998. Now, the automaker is again for a fifth crack at its best-selling mannequin, and it is bringing the warmth with three variants at launch and a fourth plug-in hybrid coming quickly. 

Meet the brand new RX

The brand new Lexus RX will solely be obtainable in a two-row configuration at launch. The way forward for the three-row RX L is unclear; Lexus mentioned the five-seater outsold the seven-passenger mannequin by a really huge margin and that, for now, it is selecting to focus its consideration on the most effective match for its clients.

The brand new RX’s dimensions stick fairly intently to the outgoing mannequin. It is precisely the identical general size as earlier than however the 112.2-inch wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer, making a extra planted look and liberating up cabin area. The huge and low look is not simply an phantasm; the SUV can also be an inch wider and 0.4-inch shorter than earlier than.

The RX’s spindle grille has change into what Lexus’ designers name a “spindle physique,” dropping its chrome encompass, mixing and fading extra seamlessly into the remainder of the fascia. The entrance finish is extra upright with a pronounced nostril between the enlarged headlamps’ L-shaped gentle signatures. The SUV retains its floating roof design, whereas a extra raked windshield and muscular contours over the rear arches add a sporty aptitude. Citing the rear, the horizontal taillights now join throughout the hatch to kind a steady gentle bar. Total, the brand new RX is a handsome SUV. 

Prime quality inside

The RX’s cabin is handsomely appointed and has a simplified design. A lot of this redesign comes on the expense of bodily controls — akin to local weather controls completely positioned on the touchscreen — which is a little bit of a user-friendliness bummer, but in addition comes with sure benefits for affected person drivers. 

For instance, the steering wheel buttons are virtually utterly devoid of printed labels. As a substitute, tooltips seem in the usual 7-inch digital instrument cluster or the elective head-up show when the motive force’s thumb contacts the capacitive pads. This implies there is a little bit of a studying curve for memorizing the place your thumb must go, and there is a little bit of lag in responsiveness, however customers can now program a second layer of controls to place their mostly used capabilities at their literal fingertips. It’s kind of annoying at first, however might be an enormous profit to homeowners who take the time to personalize.

The tall seating place is sweet, and I dig how the steering wheel could be positioned fairly low with out blocking the gauges. The doorways pop open on the push of a button with digital latches (there are hidden mechanical pulls in case the battery dies) and combine with a brand new function referred to as Secure Exit Help, which prevents the doorways from opening if the RX detects they could collide with a automobile shifting into the blind spot.

Rounding out the brand new creature comforts is a faster opening rear hatch with a decrease load-in top and a brand new function that Lexus calls Stroll and Lock. When the RX detects that the motive force has walked away from the open hatch, it mechanically closes the liftgate after 90 seconds and locks itself. That is very helpful when your fingers are full with cargo. The RX additionally continues to supply kick-to-open hands-free entry on method.

Lexus Interface cabin tech

The 2023 RX waves goodbye to Lexus’ awkward Distant Contact controller and introduces customary 9.8-inch touchscreen or an elective massive 14-inch display for Premium grades and above. The brand new {hardware} is dwelling to the Lexus Interface, a reskin of Toyota’s latest-gen software program that debuted on the brand new Tundra. Right here once more, there is a little bit of a studying curve; sure choices and toggles could be tough to search out within the reorganized menus, however that is general a a lot better dashboard expertise than virtually something Lexus has supplied earlier than.

The software program works finest whenever you reap the benefits of looking to search out what you are searching for, whether or not that be utilizing web-connected Google Vacation spot seek for factors of curiosity or the “Hey, Lexus” voice-recognition assistant. The system is extremely customizable and options integrations with streaming companies like Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify. There’s an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and phone-based Digital Key functionalities, however many of those linked options are subscription-based, so you will should pay to play after the preliminary trial interval.

For customers who aren’t a fan of Lexus’ onboard infotainment, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are additionally customary with wi-fi connectivity. Passengers can maintain their units juiced by way of an obtainable wi-fi charging pad in addition to 4 USB Sort-C ports on the primary row alone, plus two extra Sort-C ports to maintain backseat drivers occupied.

Commonplace Lexus Security System Plus 3.0

The Lexus Security System Plus 3.0 driver assist suite is customary gear for the 2023 RX, rolling in precollision emergency braking — together with new detection and intervention throughout turns at intersections — highway signal help, lane-tracing help, lane departure prevention, automated excessive beams and adaptive cruise management. The brand new mannequin additionally introduces a function referred to as Proactive Driving Help, which applies a contact of automated braking and slight steering help to regulate pace round bends and handle distance when approaching a slower-moving automobile. I used to be happy to search out PDA to be pretty refined in its operation, however was equally happy to be taught the function could be simply deactivated in a menu.

Superior Park Help is elective for all grades and is ready to steer, brake and speed up below the motive force’s supervision to information the RX into and out of perpendicular or parallel areas. Additionally new for 2023 is Visitors Jam Help, which mixes adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping help, and works on highways at speeds beneath 25 mph, permitting the motive force to calm down hands-free in heavy site visitors. They cannot calm down an excessive amount of, nonetheless; the system requires the motive force’s consideration to perform and makes use of infrared cameras on the steering column to make sure their eyes stay open and pointed on the highway.

The bread and butter: RX 350

Of the three fashions obtainable at launch, the lion’s share of gross sales will seemingly be the RX 350. This spec is powered by Toyota’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine — seen beforehand within the Highlander — sending 275 horsepower and a peppy 317 pound-feet of torque by way of an eight-speed automated transmission. That is a 50-lb.-ft. improve over the outgoing V6, leading to extra passing energy that’s instantly noticeable on the highway. 

Out there with front- or all-wheel drive, the RX 350 positive factors about 2 mpg throughout the board relative to the mannequin it replaces, however that also makes it the least-efficient RX within the lineup. Anticipate 22 mpg metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 25 mpg mixed with FWD and 21 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed with AWD.

The RX 350 could be optioned with an F Sport Dealing with bundle that upgrades to bigger 21-inch wheels (versus the usual 19s), adaptive dampers and bigger six-piston entrance brakes with 15.7-inch rotors (changing the usual two-pot, 13.4-inch stoppers). The cabin options an F Sport steering wheel, crimson or black sport seats, aluminum trim and F Sport-themed digital gauges, whereas the outside could be had in F Sport unique Extremely White or Grecian Water blue paint. These modifications will not remodel the RX right into a canyon carver, however a bit of further sport on this utility automobile goes a great distance towards a extra pleasant drive and a extra athletic look.

The eco alternative: RX 350h AWD

The RX 350h is powered by Lexus’ acquainted naturally aspirated 2.5-liter hybrid system on the entrance axle and an electrical motor powering the rear wheels. Returning an estimated 37 mpg within the metropolis, 34 mpg on the freeway and 36 mpg mixed, the RX 350h essentially the most environment friendly RX within the lineup — for now.

Web output is acknowledged at 246 hp and 233 lb.-ft. of torque, which feels extra relaxed and sedate on the highway after getting out of the gas-only RX 350. The hybrid appears to get off the road a bit higher than the turbo, however rapidly loses steam at greater revs. At 7.4 seconds to 60 mph (versus 7.2 for the 350 AWD), there’s not a lot measurable distinction in giddyup, however the hybrid is considerably quieter, which makes it really feel extra premium general.

The powerhouse: RX 500h F Sport Efficiency AWD

On the prime of the lineup is the RX 500h F Sport, remixing components of the RX 350 and 350h with a performance-oriented twist. Underhood, the two.4-liter turbo returns with a 271-hp tune, however the RX 500h switches to a six-speed automated gearbox with the addition of an built-in electrical motor that reinforces front-axle torque to 339 lb.-ft. A second 80-kW motor/generator on the rear axle brings its personal devoted energy provide unit and inverter, rounding out what Lexus calls the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Complete system output is estimated at 366 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque.

The RX 500h incorporates a nickel-metal-hydride battery tucked below its rear seats, similar to the RX 350h, however this one is barely bigger with extra cells (240 versus 216) and a barely greater nominal voltage (288 volts versus 259.) The extra strong energy system for the Direct4 rear electrical motor permits the RX 500h to be extra proactive with rear energy supply than the 350h, including torque liberally to spice up acceleration and driving dynamics versus solely supplying energy throughout traction loss.

The quickest mannequin within the lineup, the 500h shaves the RX’s 0-to-60-mph time to five.9 seconds. It is also essentially the most nimble, with the F Sport Efficiency bundle being customary gear. This rolls within the adaptive dampers, greater brakes and wheels and the visible upgrades of the Dealing with bundle, but in addition provides grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires and Dynamic Rear Steering. DRS boosts maneuverability and stability, including as much as 4 levels of rear-wheel steering in both the identical or the other way because the entrance wheels relying on pace.

Stickier tires and extra energy include a success to effectivity, however the RX 500h nonetheless manages a good 27 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 27 mpg mixed.

The long run: RX 450h Plus plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid RX 450h Plus will be a part of the lineup at “a later date,” in accordance with Lexus representatives. The PHEV will launch in Europe first, powered by the identical 2.5-liter hybrid system because the 350h. For PHEV obligation, the RX swaps out the nickel-metal battery for a bigger, 18.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion unit. Lexus did not present specs for the RX PHEV, however count on the numbers to finish up in the identical ballpark because the smaller NX 450h Plus and Toyota RAV4 Prime, which use the identical powertrain and battery. Which means round 300 hp and about 35-40 miles of vary per cost earlier than the gasoline hybrid system kicks in.

The journey pc in my Euro-spec take a look at automotive learn 45 kilometers of vary (about 28 miles) and round 80% battery after I settled behind the wheel. After round 10 miles of quiet, largely electrical motoring, I returned with 33 km left on the clock (round 20.5 miles) — a bit higher than anticipated, however no actual surprises there. The RX PHEV was as quiet and succesful in its all-electric mode because the RAV4 Prime with wide-open acceleration that appears to separate the distinction between the RX 350h and 500h. At any time when Lexus will get round to bringing the RX 450h Plus stateside, I believe it’s going to be the spec to get.

Arriving this 12 months

By the top of the 12 months, the 2023 Lexus RX 350, 350h and 500h ought to all be obtainable at dealerships throughout the US. Relying on the mannequin and engine chosen, consumers could have six grades to select from — Commonplace, Premium, Premium Plus, Luxurious, F Sport Dealing with and F Sport Efficiency. Pricing has not been introduced simply but.

The RX is Lexus’ best-selling mannequin by an extended shot, typically outselling each different mannequin within the firm’s portfolio mixed, so it’s a crucial automobile for the model. That is why the brand new RX would not stray too removed from its established system, however makes a couple of daring strikes that largely repay. With different and fascinating powertrain choices, sensible expertise that feels appropriately fashionable and presumably essentially the most good-looking design of any RX earlier than, the 2023 mannequin maintains its place as one of many prime picks within the luxurious crossover class it created.

Editors’ be aware: Journey prices associated to this story have been lined by the producer, which is widespread within the auto trade. The judgments and opinions of CNET’s employees are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.