2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior design, appearing shorter in height but broader in width, with a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, the RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some competitors. Its appearance was notably smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and a distinctive floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a signature spindle-style grille, seamlessly integrated with a modern mesh texture, and a dramatically elevated hood that flowed into the windshield pillars. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty bumper with simulated air vents.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice between a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The quality was high, with standard NuLuxe artificial leather and available genuine leather or simulated suede in some versions. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and F Sport Handling. Lexus had not announced pricing at the time, but a significant increase over the previous model's base price of just over $47,000 was not expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, shared a similar exterior design with the standard RX 350, making it difficult to distinguish between them without checking the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. Inside, the RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX 350h was expected to be priced just over $60,000, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance was estimated to approach $70,000.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with 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 performance at higher altitudes and slightly improved fuel economy compared to the previous 3.5-liter V6, though it lacked the smoothness and refinement of the V6. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD version did so in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h, featured a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 32 mpg. The RX 350h AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h offered a more dynamic driving experience with its adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the Luxury trim featuring semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling model had sportier seats with more pronounced bolsters, black NuLuxe simulated leather, and Dark Graphite trim. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight due to the higher seat positioning and lower roofline. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h Luxury, offered a luxurious interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrid models shared the same cargo space as the standard RX 350, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded down, a significant improvement over the previous RX 450h.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced a new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, included cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. The system allowed user profiles to save settings and preferences, though it only displayed one screen menu at a time. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional head-up display (HUD) with dual-function steering wheel controls.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid shared the same infotainment system, requiring activation of free trial subscriptions for connected services. The system offered similar features, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant. However, it had limitations, such as only displaying one screen menu at a time and lacking a tuning knob. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were new features, though some had limitations, such as the HUD's visibility with polarized sunglasses and the curve-speed reduction's reactive nature.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid also included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with similar features and limitations. Proactive Driving Assist helped maintain safe distances and recharge the battery through regenerative braking. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction had issues with visibility and reactivity, respectively. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.