2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The design, which had been refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced look. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels and unique design elements, while the interior offered a luxurious feel with various color and material options, though some found the seating comfort lacking.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a more refined and modern design, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, yet maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The exterior appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, with a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille and a dramatically elevated hood, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The interior was thoroughly modernized, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The cabin offered high-quality materials and a sophisticated look, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty dynamics and a less-than-impressive engine note. The drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport+, offered minimal changes in driving behavior, with the vehicle defaulting to Normal mode. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 introduced a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The turbo engine provided satisfying acceleration, with the RX 350 AWD reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD model and 24 mpg for the AWD version, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear, and legroom was ample at 44.1 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space behind the second row was 16.0 cubic feet, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder.

The 2023 Lexus RX improved interior comfort with sport seat bolsters in the F Sport Handling package and semi-aniline leather upholstery in the Luxury trim. The RX 350 Luxury offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport Handling model featured eight-way power-adjustable seats and a sportier interior design. The back seat provided good leg support and legroom, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Lexus claimed improved cargo space, with the trunk measuring 29.6 cubic feet and expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were positioned atop the center stack, creating ergonomic challenges. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect offered three years of complimentary service, including Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and streaming services like Apple Music were integrated. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation and Digital Latch door handles. A color head-up display was optional, though visibility could be an issue with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 was generally impressive, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The HUD presented challenges with polarized sunglasses, and the driver monitoring system required attention.