2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX carried a distinctive, modern design, available in the base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels for its gas powertrain, and a hybrid variant known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L marked a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The 2022 model maintained its aggressive styling from the 2020 facelift, which included a revised grille and other striking exterior features. Competing with luxury mid-size crossovers like the Audi Q5, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the RX stood out the most in terms of aggressive styling.

Its character lines were razor-sharp, creating a bold and eye-catching design without stepping into gaudiness. Our RX 350 F Sport review vehicle in Nebula Gray Pearl showcased this balance well. The 2022 color options also included new additions like Cloudburst Gray and Iridium, while the F Sport models specifically received the vibrant Grecian Water. Overall, the vehicle offered seven color choices.

The F Sport trim was the most performance-oriented and athletic in appearance. While the base and L versions featured 18-inch wheels and LED lighting, the F Sport distinguished itself with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, dark window trim, F Sport badging, and uniquely designed front fascia and bumpers with larger air intakes. Inside, the RX maintained its luxury feel, with the F Sport adding a sportier vibe. The cabin featured nearly a dozen color combinations across models, with the F Sport offering model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim paired with NuLuxe synthetic leather in black or dark red.

Despite the soft-touch surfaces and high-quality feel of hard plastics, the center stack felt somewhat dated. The 2020 refresh introduced new infotainment touchscreens, but the unchanged center stack made it seem somewhat outmoded. The NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less than comfortable, lacking in cushion and lumbar support adjustments.

Lexus unveiled the redesigned 2023 RX models in Santa Barbara, California, providing a fresh look especially for the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions. Although the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was set to arrive later, the RX 350h adhered closely to the styling of the RX 350, marked only by a subtle badge. Our Iridium RX 350h Luxury model featured 21-inch wheels that complemented its exterior well without highlighting its hybrid nature.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, visually separated itself with distinctive features like a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, aggressive bumpers, and specific interior trimmings. Despite the redesigned elements, the RX’s blunt-nosed look persisted, making it less visually appealing compared to some cohort vehicles.

Inside, the 2023 RX adopted a more minimalistic design, replacing many physical switches with a streamlined approach. Coupled with the introduction of the Lexus Interface infotainment system and ambient backlit lighting, the SUV’s interior felt modern and updated. The RX 350h Luxury model featured semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance leaned towards sportiness with black artificial suede, dark gray aluminum trim, and the option of Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 housed a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid paired this engine with two high-torque electric motors, achieving a combined 308 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 had standard front-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive available, while AWD was standard on the hybrid model.

Despite the sporty exterior, the RX's real-world performance lagged. The engine had a hum rather than a growl, and acceleration was lackluster. The F Sport trim, although equipped with performance dampers and an additional Handling package, did not show significant changes in driving dynamics. The vehicle offered different drive modes including Sport+, which theoretically offered better throttle response and handling, but in practice, the differences were barely noticeable.

The RX did excel in comfort and quietness. Its ride was smooth, and the cabin offered a serene environment, making it suitable for long drives. The RX 350 returned an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined. The hybrid RX 450h improved efficiency, achieving 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, for a combined 30 mpg.

The 2023 RX 350h featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, it was more efficient than previous models. Lexus claimed the RX 350h accelerated to 60 mph in around 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance used a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, but with an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg combined.

The RX 500h's performance, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, stood out, providing an athletic driving experience. However, accessing the drive modes through the infotainment system proved cumbersome. The RX 500h F Sport Performance averaged 20.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg.

For those prioritizing fuel economy, the RX 350h was the better choice, averaging 32 mpg during testing. The 350h’s lower center of gravity and added weight from the battery pack improved handling compared to the standard RX 350, making it enjoyable to drive and efficient.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults. The rear seats could accommodate a fifth passenger for shorter journeys. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear. Legroom was ample with 44.1 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear. The three-row L models, with the same wheelbase, provided a tight squeeze, ideal mainly for groceries.

The standard RX offered 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expanded to 32.6 cubic feet when folded. The three-row configuration provided only 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 23.03 with the third row down and up to 58.48 cubic feet with both rows folded, albeit not completely flat. Unique features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, quick-access head-up display button, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The RX 350h showcased comfort with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and standard seat heating and ventilation. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power seats with supportive bolsters, though with standard-grade leather instead of semi-aniline. Despite the battery pack under the rear seat slightly raising the seat cushion, rear leg support and legroom were commendable, but headroom was tight due to the lower roofline.

The new RX boasted improved storage with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, significantly expanded from the previous model. These figures matched those of the RX 350, thus the hybrid system did not compromise cargo volume. Despite the improvements, it still fell slightly short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 RX offered an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with an optional 12.3-inch version for all trims. Despite a reposition during the 2020 refresh, the touchscreen remained ergonomically challenging. Positioned within a cove atop the center stack, it presented access issues, especially with the lip partially obstructing bottom-screen icons.

For in-car technology, the list was extensive: six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, WiFi hotspot, climate control, premium audio systems, and advanced navigation. The Lexus App enhanced connectivity with features like remote engine start and service scheduling. However, the touchpad interface was frustratingly difficult to use, and clearer separation of common controls would have improved user experience.

The 2023 RX Hybrid introduced the Lexus Interface system, modernizing the SUV’s infotainment experience. Setting it up involved activating free trial subscriptions to connected services and creating a user profile, beneficial for transporting settings between Lexus/Toyota models. Services included cloud-based navigation, intelligent voice assistant, and various connectivity features.

Testing revealed some annoyances, such as limited concurrent menu views, screen reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob. The dual-function touchpads on the steering wheel required looking at the HUD to discern active functions, which was not ideal with polarized sunglasses. Nonetheless, the system provided significant improvements in usability and connectivity compared to previous models.

Safety was a priority for the 2022 Lexus RX, featuring the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. While the RX earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights, it achieved only four stars overall from the NHTSA due to average frontal crash and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 RX Hybrid upgraded to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, adding motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, reducing speed when the accelerator is released, and Traffic Jam Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, were notable additions.

Despite technical sophistication, some features like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction had drawbacks or were irritating in use. The driver monitoring system also presented challenges when obstructed. Overall, the comprehensive safety suite represented significant advancements over the previous model.