2023 Lexus RX: What's New and Notable?

Monumental Changes

The Lexus RX has been in production since 2008 and has enjoyed tremendous success over that time, helping to usher in the current crossover craze that has taken the world by storm. For 2023, Lexus redesigned the RX to keep it competitive in a red-hot segment, so there's a lot to take in here.

Photos: Lexus

New Platform

The 2023 RX rides on the GA-K platform, which is 198-pounds lighter than the previous platform and also offers more rear legroom than before. Its center of gravity is 0.6 inches lower versus its predecessor thanks to its use of stronger metals, with extra bracing improving rigidity as well. The rear section of the platform features an all-new multi-link suspension design, attached to a rigid high-torsion rear body frame that facilitates more consistent suspension input/travel during acceleration, deceleration, and steering moments.

Photos: Lexus

Powertrains

The RX 350 gets a brand new four-cylinder gas engine that pumps out 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, along with an eight-speed transmission. Meanwhile, the RX 350H combines an electric motor with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine to generate 246 total horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque.

Photos: Lexus

Powertrains, Continued

Stepping up to the RX 450H+ gets buyers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery and rear E-Four motor in what is the very first plug-in hybrid version of the crossover, as well as a full-time all-wheel-drive. Finally, the RX 500h F Sport is equipped wita h 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, a six-speed automatic gearbox, and an integrated Power Control Unit and electric motor. Total output comes in at 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Photos: Lexus

Suspension and Brakes

Underneath, the 2023 RX features MacPherson front struts and a new five-arm multi-link setup. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering are available on the F Sport Performance model, while braking is handled by two-piston calipers with 13.39-inch front and rear rotors, or six-piston aluminum calipers and 15.74-inch front rotors for F Sport models.

Photos: Lexus

Exterior Changes

Aside from its brand new styling, the 2023 RX offers 19- or 21-inch wheel options, while the F Sport features exclusive front and rear bumpers, piano black grille and accents, and unique 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. A granl of 10 exterior color options are available - 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

Pricing and Availability

Inside the cabin, the 2023 RX offers a standard 9.8-inch or available 14-inch high-definition touchscreen and head-up display along with a totally revamped design. The brand new 2023 Lexus RX will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Toyota Motor Kyushu and is expected to go on sale later this year. As for pricing information, it will be announced closer to the crossover's on-sale date.

Photos: Lexus

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

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