Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
The Lexus RX is back with a fresh face, new styling cues and a wide engine range. But we take a closer look at that one feature that's so cool.
Every time the Lexus RX evolves, it comes as a breath of fresh air - and this has been the case for over 20 years now. It genuinely stands out in the crossover space, first because, it's the sharpest-looking thing in its category. Lexus and its designers are pushing hard to meet the demands of the customers. Refinement is only one of its many fortes and the materials used have been put to the test at the Toyota Technical Center.
There's so much more to the new 2023 Lexus RX, including a lot of technological, design and innovative enhancements. The new RX also offers a huge powertrain portfolio across all the variants, including the Lexus-first Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Also, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid electric variant will be offered.
The RX draws some fundamentals from the IS, and takes things up a notch. Direct responsiveness, for instance, is one of them; all it takes is clear input and response the moment you dab on the accelerator or turn the steering, for that matter.
Related: This Is Why It Took Lexus Nine Years To Build The LFA
While there are a host of safety and technology features in the new RX SUV, the one that stands out is the Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist. This kicks in when the driver or the passenger is about to step out of the car, and the feature detects an oncoming vehicle or bicycle from the rear, and immediately stops the passenger from opening the door, the moment it senses something's not right.
There are lots of other features as well, and we're going to list-out a few, like Intelligent Assistant, which includes voice commands like "Hey Lexus", after which it listens to your command and operates specific interior features like multimedia, climate control and navigation.
Then there's the Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, featuring 21 speakers that sound fantastic. The system also incorporates Mark Levinson QLS (Quantum Logic Surround) sound technology that offers quality sound that could put a music stage to shame.
Advanced Park is a driver's aid system that can assist in all types of maneuvers, like when perpendicular parking/exiting. There are four Parallel View Monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors that give out visual data to support the accelerator, brake, automatic control of steering and shift operations.
The RX continues to look sharp, and its design is a lot more refreshing; it looks sportier and does not lose out on its signature design cues. The spindle grille doesn't exactly boast a spindle design, but Lexus says they've used that term for the overall design of the crossover.
The redesigned front end, with a new take on the spindle grille give it a bold look. The athletic shape is exciting and the proportions of the RX reflect the platform's low center of gravity, and adding to its stance are those 19 or optional 21-inch wheels.
Move to the back, and you'll see how the single lens tail light wraps around the rear, giving the crossover width, and the sloping roof gives one the impression of a sporty silhouette. Lexus has improved the aerodynamics as well, and that means there will be an improvement in the handling. The refined front-end of the RX channels air flow around the spindle body while cooling the brakes.
The flush window and door molding, along with the rear spoiler and dimpled underbody covers are some aerodynamic highlights. The F Sport Performance grade gives you differently-styled front and rear bumpers, 21-inch wheels, black accents, body-colored sills, a piano black grille and accents.
The interior features all the controls on the center console, touchscreen and other functions all within the driver's reach. The driver also benefits with a head-up display and an all-digital gauge cluster. The minimalist layout is very inviting; there are plenty of storage spaces. The new central console box can be opened either by the passenger or the driver. The front seats are easily accessible and offer great comfort, even on long hauls.
The rear seats come with power folding capabilities, cooling and heating functions. All the materials used are top-notch, and there's a nice L-shaped pattern that's found on the doors and seats.
Related: These Are Used Lexus RX Model Years You Wouldn’t Touch With A 10-Foot Pole
The Lexus RX 350 gets a new 275hp, turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 317 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a short-ratio 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT that is said to result in smooth acceleration and deceleration. It also features an electronically controlled full-time AWD system.
The RX 350h is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine that pushes out 246hp and 233 lb-ft of torque and is teamed with a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery that assures good performance and fuel economy.
The RX 450h+ will be sold in America at a later stage, and will be powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and a rear E-Four motor. This should help it accelerate very quickly. It will also feature full-time all-wheel drive.
Coming to the hardcore model - the RX 500h F Sport. It is a high-performance hybrid, pushing out 271hp from a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that's paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and an integrated Power Control unit. Combined output is rated at 366hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Rehan got published for the first time at the age of 17, having written a feature on a Triumph Herald in print. He uses his writing as a tool to express his fondness for all things automotive even today, aged 28. Collecting scale models is a hobby close to his heart, and he wishes to sprinkle pixie dust on them only to see them grow into full-sized cars. He now represents HotCars.com.