2023 Lexus RX Gets Fresh Face, New Tech

Keeping the Throne

It's been a while since Lexus redesigned its RX crossover, which is arguably the luxury brand's most important model. Lexus pioneered the luxury crossover segment when it originally launched the RX over 20 years ago, and it was also the first such vehicle to offer a hybrid powertrain. Now, the 2023 Lexus RX aims to keep that momentum going in what has quickly become a hyper-competitive segment.

Photos: Lexus

New Life

The 2023 RX is brand new from the ground up, and even rides on a new platform to boot. “Nothing exemplifies our commitment to the transformation we’re making as a brand and Next Chapter for Lexus product more than the renewal of our best-selling vehicle – the RX,” said Andrew Gilleland, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We’re breathing new life into the segment-leading RX with enhanced safety and technology, human-centered design, and undeniable performance from a diverse mix of powertrains.”

Photos: Lexus

Trims and Colors

That makeover includes a heavily revised exterior design with a new spindle grille, 19- and 21-inch wheel options, a three-dimensional side appearance, and an L-shaped light bar in the rear. In terms of trim levels, the 2023 RX is available in  Standard, Premium, RX-first Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and RX-first F Sport Performance, as well as 10 exterior colors - Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.

Photos: Lexus

Interior Overhaul

The interior of the 2023 RX features a massive overhaul as well, ushering in a completely new design with multi-colored illumination accents, various door trim options, an available panorama glass roof, optional head-up display (HUD), and an available 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display. Interior color options include Macadamia, Black, Birch, Palomino, Peppercorn, and Rioja Red. Ornamentation styles: Black Cascade, Ash Bamboo, Black Open Pore, and Dark Graphite Aluminum. 

Photos: Lexus

Powertrains

The 2023 RX features four powertrain options - a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four for the RX 350 (FWD/AWD) that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5L inline-four with an electric motor for the RX 350h that cranks out 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, the new RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, and a special high-torque 2.4-liter turbo hybrid powerplant for the RX 500h F Performance that produces 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Photos: Lexus

Platform

The 2023 RX rides on Lexus' new GA-K platform, which offers a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. The all-new RX is up to 198 pounds lighter than the outgoing generation, as a result of material optimization in the main framework components of the chassis and new global platform. The new RX rides on a 2.36-inch longer wheelbase with a 2.36-inch shorter rear overhang, keeping the overall length of the vehicle the same as the previous generation. The rear section of the platform features an all-new multi-link suspension design, attached to a rigid high-torsion rear body frame as well.

Photos: Lexus

Safety Upgrades

For 2023, the all-new Lexus RX includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Support, and a new feature of Motorcycle Detection; All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with new Curve Speed Management (DRCC); Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA); and Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS). Available Advanced Park expands support for parallel parking. In addition to conventional back-up parking, forward-facing parking is now supported, enabling forward-facing/back-up exit. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 2023 RX is expected to go on sale at the end of 2022.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the 2023 Lexus RX right here at ClubLexus.com.

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