2023 Lexus RX Review

2023 Lexus RX Review

 

2023 Lexus RX Review

2023 Lexus RX Review : Despite undergoing a comprehensive redesign for 2023, the Lexus RX SUV will keep its smooth-riding road manners, which give the impression that they were built just for the brand's loyal customers. There will be four different powertrains available, one of which is a brand new plug-in hybrid variant. The new appearance of the RX appears to be far more edgy than the styling of the model that it replaces, and up front, there is a new version of the brand's wide-mouthed grille and Lexus's famous L-shaped running lights. This time around, the interior amenities have been upgraded to a higher standard of luxury, and the cabin is equipped with a sizable information and entertainment touchscreen as well as the most recent technological capabilities. The preceding model was available in either a two-row or three-row seating configuration; however, the incoming 2023 RX only comes in a two-row version. Lexus may decide to launch a new, bigger SUV above the RX with a conventional seven-seat arrangement in the future or they may decide to add a three-row variation to the lineup at a later date.

What's in Store for the Year 2023?

The RX will enter its fifth generation with a completely redesigned exterior, and it is expected to arrive in dealerships across the United States by the end of 2022.

We are going to hold off on providing a recommendation until Lexus publishes further information on cost and features. However, in addition to the standard and F Sport trim levels, the RX will be available with a diverse selection of powertrains. The RX500h F Sport Performance trim will be the most athletic version, since it will come standard with an all-wheel drive system and a hybrid powertrain that generates 367 horsepower.

The Performance, the Engine, and the Transmission

The 2023 RX is available with no fewer than four distinct powertrain configurations, beginning with the RX350 model, which is driven by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine capable of producing 275 horsepower. This model comes standard with a front-wheel drive layout and an eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive may be purchased as an upgrade. The Lexus RX350h hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) and all-wheel drive. It generates 246 horsepower thanks to the combination of electric motors and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Neither of these powertrains offered a performance that was particularly noteworthy during our initial test drive, and we anticipate that each will deliver acceleration that is marginally less impressive than its 2022 counterpart. When you upgrade to the RX500h F Sport Performance, you get access to a more powerful powerplant. It makes 367 horsepower by combining the power of the turbocharged 2.4-liter and the electric power, and it uses the Direct4 technology that Lexus developed to distribute that power to all four wheels. Lexus had the chance to reinvent the new RX as a performance with the introduction of the RX500h model, but the company's chassis engineers made the unfortunate decision to not tune in any further cornering confidence. All of the variants that we have driven so far have a suspension that is exactly as gently sprung and as focused on luxury as the previous generation of the RX, which will delight loyal consumers but will not entice any driving aficionados. We anticipate the same 302-horsepower powertrain that is available in the Lexus NX450h+ and Toyota RAV4 Prime in the next plug-in hybrid vehicle, which will be referred to as the RX450h+. This model will be added to the range later.

Economy of Fuel Use and Miles Per Gallon Actual

Although the EPA has not yet weighed in on the matter, Lexus claims that the RX350h will be the most fuel-efficient model of the RX lineup. This model is rated to get 37 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The RX500h is estimated to have a city fuel economy of 28 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 27 mpg, whereas the RX350, which is not a hybrid, has the potential to achieve a city fuel economy of 22 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 29 mpg. The new RX will be put through its paces on our highway fuel efficiency route, which is set at 75 miles per hour, when we next get the opportunity to do so. Visit the website of the EPA for further details on the RX's efficiency when it comes to fuel consumption.

The Integration of Infotainment with Connectivity

A newly revamped infotainment touchscreen measuring 9.8 inches is located smack dab in the heart of the RX's remodeled dashboard. An even bigger screen measuring 14.0 inches is available as an option. The infotainment display in the RX utilizes the most recent software interface offered by Lexus, and it is oriented slightly toward the driver, just like the display in the smaller NX SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included as standard features, while other amenities, such as navigation, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson sound system, may be purchased separately.

Interior, Rear Seat Entertainment, and Cargo

The preceding model was available in both a two-row and a three-row configuration; however, the incoming 2023 RX is only available as a two-row SUV with five seats. Either a model with three rows of seating will be introduced at a later date, or the RX L will be phased out in favor of an altogether new, bigger SUV that will include a third row of seating as standard. The interior design of the 2023 RX is more contemporary than that of the 2022 model. It has textured fabric parts on the top door panels, ambient lighting that gives off an impression of richness, and open-pore wood trim on RX350 versions. In the RX500h F Sport Performance, the front seats have more bolstering, the inside trim is black, paddle shifters are positioned on the steering wheel, and aluminum is used for the pedals.

Features Relating to Driver Assistance and Safety

In all of its new cars and SUVs, including the 2023 RX, Lexus includes a wide variety of driver-assistance systems as standard equipment. The RX's automatic emergency braking system can detect pedestrians in addition to motorcyclists, and all versions come standard with adaptive cruise control that also centers the vehicle inside the lane it is traveling in. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for further details on the outcomes of the crash tests performed on the RX. Important safeguards include the following:

• Automatic emergency braking as standard, including recognition for pedestrians and cyclists
• lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning systems come as standard.
• Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering functionality comes as standard.

Including Warranties and Maintenance Coverage

The limited warranty offered by Lexus is on par with that offered by most of its competitors in this market class, while the warranty covering the powertrain is superior than that offered by several. However, the complimentary regular maintenance is only good for one year, in contrast to the longer periods offered by the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60. Hybrid components are covered for a longer period of time.