2023 Lexus RX

Mention Lexus, and people tend to think of the LS, LC, IS, and the iconic LFA. But the Lexus RX has arguably done more to subconsciously promote the brand in the USA.

The RX has never been bold or flash, nor was it particularly fast. But it hits all the right targets for the person who simply wants to get from point A to point B as comfortably and effortlessly as possible. The ride quality is sublime, the seats are sumptuous, and the car moves forward at an adequate pace when you press on the throttle.

If the all-new 2023 Lexus RX stuck with these basic attributes it would have remained a success, yet Lexus decided to revamp it from the ground up.

These significant changes should make it more competitive against newer rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Acura MDX.

See all Trims and Specs

Lexus did not provide an exact Lexus RX release date. We expect the 2023 Lexus RX crossover to hit showroom floors at the end of 2022.

When it comes to the 2023 Lexus RX price, all we can do is speculate. Lexus has not given any indication with regards to pricing, but the brand is known for undercutting its main rivals.

The previous-generation model's pricing ranged from $45,920 to $56,150. That's a huge price difference compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE ($56,150 to $79,800) and BMW X5, which go for between $60,600 to $82,800.

Lexus also has another ace up its sleeve. Lexus' various trims are generally well-equipped compared to what the German manufacturers provide as standard.

The MDX is more of a problem because Acura follows the same ethos when it comes to standard equipment. And it's only slightly more expensive than the current RX, starting at $48,000.

Lexus will likely increase the price slightly, but we doubt it will want to elevate the RX into the realm of its direct German competitors and lose one of its main selling points.

Lexus is sticking to its guns when it comes to the spindle design. The outgoing model also has the famous spindle grille, but that design DNA has now been applied to the entire Lexus RX exterior.

You'll notice the sculpted, seamless grille, which incorporates the LED headlights up front. At the rear, you can see new design lines that kink slightly inward, also creating a spindle-like surface.

Thanks to the new platform, the RX has a lower center of gravity, and Lexus wanted to use it as a design element, with a wider, lower-down stance accentuated by 19-inch alloy wheels.

Our favorite design feature is the new L-shaped light bar lamp with lenses that wrap around the sides of the body. Land Rover uses the same design tactic on the new Range Rover Sport to give the car a wider, sportier stance.

There will be ten available Lexus RX colors: Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.

While the 2023 Lexus RX dimensions are similar to its successor, it's bigger where it matters. The RX rides on the new GA-K platform, which uses more lightweight materials. While we still don't know the curb weights of the various models, Lexus has stated that the new model weighs 198 pounds less than the outgoing car. That's the equivalent of an average-sized grown adult.

The most important figure is the wheelbase, which has grown by 2.36 inches. That means it will ship standard with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. That's still less than you get in the RX's main rivals, but it's enough to accommodate taller passengers in the second row. Overall, the new RX is 192.5 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and stands 67.3 inches tall.

Lexus will likely follow the same route it did with the previous model and launch a longer wheelbase L version at a later stage.

The old Lexus RX engine is finally dead. Instead of a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, the RX 350 now uses an all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four. It produces less power but more torque than the outgoing model. The old V6 delivered 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, while the new turbocharged four-pot develops 275 hp and 317 lb-ft. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus' main aim must have been fuel consumption because the new RX 350 isn't noticeably faster in a straight line. In front-wheel-drive guise, it gets from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the additional grip provided by the AWD system gets it there in 7.2 seconds.

The hybrid powertrain used in the RX 350h is also all-new. The previous car relied on the V6 for the combustion side of the hybrid system, while the new model is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four. The power has dropped from 308 hp to 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, but, once again, Lexus's focus seems to be impressive fuel economy. As such, it ships standard with a CVT transmission.

The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid vehicle details for the US market will be shared at a later time.

The full EPA-estimated figures aren't available yet, but Lexus provided its estimated combined cycle figures. It claims the RX 350 is capable of 24 mpg, while the hybrid should be able to do 33 mpg. The ICE model gains two miles per gallon over the outgoing V6, while the hybrid gains three miles. Not mind-blowing, but we'd like to experience the overall package before criticizing Lexus for unimpressive gains.

If it's performance you're after, look no further than the RX 500h, only available in F-Sport trim. It uses the same turbocharged four-pot as the RX 350 but gets a six-speed automatic instead. The secret to its performance is the new eAxle rear power unit that consists of a high output electric motor, battery, and reduction gearbox.

The RX 500 h F-Sport's powertrain produces 367 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It will get to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

The Lexus RX cargo space figures aren't available yet but Lexus shared images showing the various adjustments. The trunk opening is quite wide, and the floor is flat. The second row doesn't fold completely flat, but folding the seats forward seems to create quite a cavernous space.

The seats fold forward in a 40:20:40 split, which is quite useful. Four people can easily fit their skiing equipment through the space provided by the rear middle seat, leaving enough room for rear passengers to still perch comfortably.

Headroom and legroom figures aren't available either, but the front and second-row seats appear to offer more than enough space to stretch out.

The Lexus RX seats are known for being some of the best in the business, which is another big selling point.

As you'd expect, the quality on the inside is high. The final specs will depend on the trim levels, but all cars will get a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display angled toward the driver. Lexus axed the infuriating touchpad interface but kept the climate control dials separate.

There's also loads of practical storage space scattered around the Lexus RX interior. Lexus has gone from having insanely cluttered interiors to beautiful simplicity.

All models also come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It comes as standard with a driver monitor, pre-collision warning with automatic braking, all-speed radar cruise control with curve speed management, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and an emergency driving stop system.

The F-Sport adds a few model-specific additions like a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, suede-trimmed interior door trim, F-Sport scuff plate, leather-trimmed interior, aluminum pedals, and more.