2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus RX featured a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, giving it a modern, elegant look while keeping the same overall length. The design changes allowed for more cargo space, which, though improved, still trailed behind some competitors. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, combined with down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, contributed to a smaller appearance while creating a striking floating roof effect. The front end showcased a better-integrated spindle grille with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood that flowed seamlessly into the windshield pillars, while the upswept body sides and flared rear fenders added a sporty touch. The RX's rear featured a new light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty bumper with faux air vents. Overall, the RX maintained a recognizable yet refreshed look, distinct enough from the previous generation and the smaller NX to justify its presence.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a substantial spindle grille, a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, making it visually imposing. The giant headlights complemented its bold front end, while the returning GX Black Line Special Edition added exclusivity with only 3,000 units available in three distinctive colors. The GX's side profile revealed a shorter wheelbase at 109.8 inches and minimal front and rear overhangs, reinforcing its off-road capabilities. The flared fenders maintained a chunky appearance, but the overall design leaned towards a sleeker look compared to more blocky Toyota models. From the driver's perspective, the hood dropped away quickly, enhancing ease of navigation during technical driving scenarios. The interior featured more plastic than expected for a luxury vehicle, betraying its age and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and premium leather upholstery added to the luxury feel.

At a Lexus media event, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 was available for test drives in both Luxury trim with AWD and 21-inch wheels and the F Sport Handling trim with AWD and adaptive damping suspension. Both versions used a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better torque and altitude performance than the previous 3.5-liter V6, though it lacked the V6's smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury had occasional torque steer under hard acceleration and excessive body motion over uneven terrain, but generally provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The F Sport Handling, on the same route, proved more secure and controlled, especially in Sport mode, with upgraded brakes and a better suspension. In terms of acceleration, the RX 350 FWD hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did it in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy estimates were 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though our tests showed slightly lower results at 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't top the charts on paper, the V8 provided linear power delivery and a satisfying roar. Its towing capacity of 6,500 pounds surpassed most three-row crossovers but fell short compared to other SUVs. The GX's fuel economy was poor, at 15 mpg city and 19 highway. The SUV's substantial weight resulted in noticeable body roll through corners, yet it remained predictable and manageable. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing its 4WD system in a 40:60 front-rear split, adaptable based on wheel slip. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics had improved over the years, with communicative road feel, though the steering was vague off-center and the brakes required significant effort to stop the heavy vehicle.

Both RX 350 models we tested offered comfortable interiors, though the F Sport Handling trim's sport seat bolsters might have been too tight for some, providing better stability in turns. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, exclusive luxury seat designs with ten-way power adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood and leather steering wheel. Its Peppercorn interior, suede door panel accents, and black open-pore wood trim added a modern and sophisticated feel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had a sportier interior with black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, Dark Graphite trim, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might have found the headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space compared to previous models, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2023 Lexus GX prioritized practical storage with a deep center console bin, a phone cubby ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed side-by-side cupholders. The available hard buttons over haptic interfaces made operating the GX straightforward, though owners would need time to familiarize themselves with all controls. The center console's sliding lid adjusted the armrest for different-sized occupants, while the second row's captain's chairs provided comfort with individual fold-out cupholders. However, the third row lacked regular usability, recommended only for emergencies. Opening the side-hinged trunk door required effort and space, with only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet behind the front seats, less than what is found in a Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Lexus RX gained the new Lexus Interface infotainment system featuring a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Intelligent Assistant for natural voice recognition, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands. The system allowed user profiles to save settings and preferences, and could stream Apple Music or Amazon Music through embedded apps. However, users had to switch between data panels, considered a step back from previous Lexus technology. Both test vehicles came with the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, delivering excellent sound quality after some adjustments. Additional available technologies included a color head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology, though the HUD was hard to see with polarized sunglasses.

For the GX, while the 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement over the old system, it quickly showed its age compared to other Lexus models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations, and retained the Lexus Remote Touch Interface. The GX also came with Lexus Enform Remote for three years and had a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo standard on the Luxury trim, alongside a dated CD player. The off-road capabilities shone brighter in the GX, equipped with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction and stability controls, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for leveling in different driving conditions. The Off-Road Package added numerous features for rugged terrain, such as a multi-terrain monitor, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

Every 2023 RX model was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including a robust suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features encompassed motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed reduction with adaptive cruise control. Three semi-autonomous technologies debuted: Proactive Driving Assist, maintaining safe following distances and almost stopping by modulating brakes; Traffic Jam Assist for hands-free, low-speed driving in traffic, with strict driver monitoring; and Advanced Park Assist for controlled parking. While LSS+ 3.0 impressed, it had limitations, such as HUD-dependent adaptive cruise controls invisible to polarized sunglasses and non-predictive curve speed reduction.

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS tested the 2023 Lexus GX, heavily impacted by its decade-old design. Nevertheless, it included essential ADAS like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite lacking some advanced features like lane-tracing and road-sign recognition, Lexus succeeded in upgrading the GX's safety elements beyond its age.