Test Vehicle's MSRP: $64,065 (Base Model: $48,750)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; pre-collision system
with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; lane
tracing assist system; lane departure with steering assist; intelligent high
beam headlamps; a front collision warning system; an automatic braking system; blind
spot electronic monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a daytime cyclist
detection system; rain-sensing
windshield wipers; rear back up camera; side mirrors with integrated turn lamps;
and a first aid kit
Standard Equipment (Luxury):
21-inch wheels; 10-way
power front seats; leather seats; suede interior door trim; a luxury design
seat; 4 way lumbar support for a driver and passenger; and a heads up display
(HUD) system
Options: cold area package; digital rear-view
mirror; power rear seat; heated and ventilated rear seats; triple beam
headlights; panorama glass moonroof; Mark Levinson 21-speaker surround audio
system; power rear door with kick sensor; an advanced park; 360-degree monitor;
a traffic jam assist system; carpet cargo mat; and side puddle lamp
RX 350h
RX 450h
RX 500h F Sport
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000
miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles
Standard RX 350 Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine/275-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/29-hwy
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,484 lbs (with tow package)
Why:
A variety of trims
A stylish side profile
Available front wheel drive
and all-wheel drive configuration
Heated and ventilated
rear seats available
Comfortable ride
Less edgy exterior
design, when compared to its predecessor
New powertrains
A plug-in model will be
available during the 2024 model year
A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is available
Panorama roof available
A high-end Mark Levinson
Audio System
Rear steering available
on the RX 500h F Sport
Wireless Apple Carplay
An optional digital
latch with safe exit is designed to prevent the door from opening and warn of
motorists and cyclists approaching
The optional digital
rearview mirror increases one field of vision
Wireless phone charging
The extended RX-L version
was eliminated (and replaced with the 2024 Lexus TX).
A high level of safety
driving aids
An advanced optional
automatic parking system
A hands-free traffic steering
system is available
But:
The
front fascia is still somewhat polarizing
The wheel design on our test vehicle seemed dated
The
RX has a slightly lower towing capacity than the previous model.
A complicated
infotainment system requires an inconsistent voice activation system to control many of its functions.
Smaller engine requires premium fuel
No 6-cylinder engine
available
A power sunroof should be standard
on all trims
Verdict: Lexus has revamped the RX, its best-selling model, for the 2023 model year. The luxury utility vehicle, which is available in 6 trims, rides on an all-new platform. While the new RX looks smaller, it has a slightly longer wheelbase and a lower profile, than its predecessor.
It appears
that Lexus is making great strides to appeal to a younger demographic with this generation's RX.
And for those who thought the previous model grille was too bold, Lexus design team decided to tone it down, with the new redesign, making it less polarizing.
The new RX, which can be configured in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive package, is complimented by new powertrains too. The powertrains range from a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine to a 2.5-liter hybrid engine to a 2.4-liter turbocharged high-performance hybrid, which pumps out 366-horsepower. Unlike the previous generation RX, this year’s powertrains now require premium fuel.
Moreover, the RX has a high-level of standard
driving aids plus such new optional features as an automatic assist advance
parking system and a hands-free traffic jam steering assist system. Less utilizing the parking system, we were able to have a stress-free driving experience once we activated the copilot radar assist steering system on our out of state weekend road trip.
Lastly, while the RX have made advances in this year’s model, replacing the less than intuitive mouse-like touchpad controller for a subscription-based voice assistant that inconsistently offers aid to control the infotainment center, we found the new system to be a nuisance and probably more troublesome than the system it replaced.
Overall, the RX has moved the needle in terms of powertrains offering, luxury features and a new design theme. Critics wonder is it enough to fight off of some of the new more contemporary stylish designs and easier to use infotainment systems being offered from some of its competitors? Time will tell.
Competition: Acura MDX; Cadillac XT5;
Genesis GV70; Infiniti QX60; Lincoln Nautilus; Mercedes-Benz GLE; and Volvo XC60
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