ncguy23

Hi all,
This is my first post. My wife and I have a 2018 Lexus ES 350. Couldn't be happier.

We are going to either buy a new 2023 RX350 or a used 2022 Lexus RX. I have read a lot of really terrible reviews on Edmunds about the new RX, so even though I love the new 14" Infotainment center, it would be hard to ignore all the bad reviews (noisy, slow, transmission jerky, engine vibration) and buy a 2023. Instead I'm thinking about buying the tried and true 2022 with the V6.

My question is, are most of you happy with your 2023? What about those of you who made the switch from the 2021 or 2022 to the 2023. Do you regret trading or are you happy with your purchase of the 2023?

FastFord

Funny when you were describing the transmission , jerky, vibration, I thought you were talking about the Gen4 RX, Only thing you missed was the drone. Had two, still own one.
Most totally new models will have some growing pains, I don't think the Gen 5 350 have anything worth saying "don't buy". I bet 99% of buyers love their new wheels. Sure, a few will have odds and ends of weird things happening, but nothing serious.

I don't know if you are considering the 350H but that deserves a close look. I would lean that way before the straight RX.

Are you adding to the fleet or trading the ES for and RX? If you couldn't be happier with the ES, then I would be keeping it!

Good luck, but I think the Gen 5 is a better value right now.

ncguy23

Thanks FF. We're keeping our 18 ES 350, and getting rid of a 2012 CIVIC. We want a SUV...want to ride higher.

Bentru

I agree that RX350h need to be on your list

what the % of driving you gonna do, if you do city for more than 50% the hybrid is the first choice
but if highway is like 60 to 70%, well the standard gas model and even the V6 of 2022 can be a good choice.

for what I read, the 2023 model seem to hold better on the roads than the previous model, the frame is suppose to be more rigid

personally I wait 9 months to get the the hybrid, but never think a second to get the gas model, and I have no regret at all, love the quiet ride and the luxury (premium +)
Of course if your budget can absorb the difference in $

good luck with your new car

CCGS

I have the 350h, almost three months and 2600 km, very happy with my RX. The engine can be noisy on heavy acceleration (compared to my previous MDX 3.5L) but that is greatly offset by the savings in gas (currently averaging 6.2L per 100kms). Cheers

BerthoudPa

After driving my '23 RX350 for 6 months and only test driving a nice barely used '22, I don't think I could stand myself looking at that analog clock and track pad in a '23='24 world.

realchimer

I've owned too many lexus. My last one is 2019 RX F Sport, which is not very enjoyable to drive compared my previous 2015 GS. The new 2023 RX F Sport is one of the best driving experience, which might be close to 2015 GS. It is super smooth and super quiet. I've also drove the basic model 2023 RX loaner for one day, when I sent my 2019RX for maintenance service. It is very choppy which may be lated to its powertrain (i can feel clear difference from F Sport's powertrain). I won't advice to buy the basic model.

Westwind750

I own one of each, a ‘22 RX350L and a ‘23 RX350. I recognize the concerns mentioned, and my ‘23 has even had two computer problems that have kept it in the shop for two weeks each time. That said, I still absolutely love my ‘23 (currently at 3700 miles).

Noisy if you like to stand on the accelerator all the time but the transmission is much smoother on the ‘23- and that’s in normal mode. I need to put my ‘22 into Sport mode to get the ride I like.

Biggest difference is in the tech. ‘23 has higher resolution cameras which means the driving assist is much more effective. The tech is complex but intuitive and welcome- Once you get used to it-. I’ve seen many reviews criticizing various functions and I’m like “you can disable, adjust, or mute that.” Ect. Even the Car Care Nut whom I respect greatly, doesn’t have a full picture of this car as reviewed it.

If you are not a tech person, like my wife, you may not like the ‘23. My wife drives the ‘22 and the tech is just right for her. I met an elderly gentleman at the Lexus tech clinic (waste of time)- in 10 months of ownership, he’d wrecked his ‘23 twice because he is distracted by the tech and doesn’t understand it (he has never even been on the internet or owned a computer).

In closing, the ‘22 is a more “elegant” luxury while the ‘23 is a more sporty, tech inspired luxury. Take your time to drive both and speak to more owners. Do not allow yourself to be swayed by reviewers who’ve only had the ‘23 for the day. It takes weeks to figure it all out but once you have, you’ll love it.

Good luck!

ncguy23

Wow- thanks Westwind for the thoughtful reply. I am fairly tech-savvy, so I don't expect the tech to be a real issue.
I really want to buy the 23 RX350, so thanks for your level headed reply.
I like and respect the Car Care Nut too and he made a video about the change in engines from the V6 to the 4 cylinder. He really didn't like the engine change.
He said he wasn't worried about the engine being able to hold up, he just thought the 23 lost a lot of refinement by moving away from the V6.

Thanks a ton for your insight and for for sharing your thoughts.

ncguy23

Yeah- the 23 has the touch screen--- much better than the old mouse etc

Westwind750

Happy to help- if you’ve not done so, there are two YouTube videos to reference if you have questions about the 23. It’s the lady from Northside Lexus in Houston and is the absolute best “how to” on every function of the 23 model- there are two videos, here is a link to # 1:

ncguy23

Great. Thanks

mikemu30

What is different about the 2023 RX F Sport power train as compared with the non-F Sport? Aren't they both 4 cyl turbos?

happy1977

Knock on wood. We've had ours (AWD, non hybrid, luxury package) since June and no issues so far. Really happy with ours. 3k mi now.

Eco mode = slow, loud acceleration. Really good on gas though.
Normal/sport =not as loud, but picks up fast.

Spock

Super happy with my 2023 RX350h. About 3K miles and absolutely no issues. I do want my second keyfob. Yes, engine is loud on accel but it's not my first hybrid and used to it, turn up the volume on the radio, lol.