2023 Lexus RX unveiled, Australian features to be confirmed

Snapshot

• New Lexus RX launched
• Choice of four powertrains available
• Local arrivals expected next year

The 2023 Lexus RX has been revealed, with the fifth-generation SUV set to debut globally in four grades.

Replacing the fourth-gen model, which has been in service since 2015, the new RX will retain the RX350 and RX450h nameplates of its predecessor in addition to the new RX350h and range-topping RX500h – although Lexus Australia hasn’t locked in specific grades for the local market.

Its new design mirrors the concepts introduced by the luxury manufacturer across a number of its recent model releases, such as; the LX, NX and UX as well as the upcoming, all-electric RZ.

Features

The entire new RX range’s interior draws inspiration from the Tazuna cockpit concept, as has already been seen on the new NX and LX – marketed as a driver-oriented cabin space.

Specifics regarding equipment are scarce, but the RX will be offered with a choice of 9.8- or 14-inch touchscreens, an integrated head-up display and multi-coloured instrument panel illumination.

On the flagship RX500h F Sport grade, 21-inch aluminium wheels are matched with six-piston front brake calipers to give the ‘Sport’ part of its name some weight, while adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and dynamic rear steering are also added to the range-topper.

Engine and drivetrain

Despite sharing some of the same names as the outgoing model, the engine and drivetrain choices are all-new for the upcoming RX, starting with the entry-level RX350 – which is powered by a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, sending drive to all four wheels.

Stepping up from this, the RX350h will sport a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine with both front- and all-wheel drive drivetrains available globally.

Serving as the only plug-in hybrid of the range, the RX450h is also powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine, although its all-wheel drive system can be used in EV-only mode for maximum fuel saving.

Rounding out the range is the RX500h, with its 2.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system set to provide more power and torque than the other variants, making use of an electric motor on its rear axle.

Dimensions

The all-new RX is wider, lower and lighter than before, with wider tracks at the front and rear (up by 15 millimetres and 45mm respectively) matched with a 10mm height reduction over the outgoing model, resulting in a 15mm drop in the SUV’s centre of gravity while 90 kilograms have also been shed.

Riding on a longer wheelbase of 2850mm (up by 60mm), the overall length of the RX is unchanged at 4890mm, while its width has grown by 25mm – now standing at 1920mm wide.

With the distance between the front and rear hip point increased by 12mm, more interior space is also met with a 50mm bump to the boot space, likely resulting in the 453 litre capacity of its predecessor to go up yet again.

Safety

Details are thin on the exact safety equipment Lexus plans to implement into the RX, although it has confirmed its Lexus Safety System+ will be standard, featuring:

Availability

Expect the 2023 Lexus RX to arrive in Australia around the start of next year, with local pricing and features to be confirmed closer to its launch.

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