- RX 500h is the first Lexus to offer a turbocharged hybrid powertrain
- Length is unchanged from before, but wheelbase has been lengthened
- All-new RX also debuts a new design language for Lexus
Shortly after its announcement back in May, Lexus has debuted the all-new 2023 . Like its smaller sibling, the , the fifth-generation RX is now based on the TNGA architecture, specifically the TNGA-K variant.
Exterior – Modernized, but still unmistakably RX
Similar to the new-generation Lexus NX, the all-new RX gets completely redesigned, but the model is still recognizable as an RX.
In line with its stablemates, the all-new RX gets a massive spindle grille up front, flanked by a pair of slim LED headlights. However, unlike the smaller NX, the all-new RX’s grille doesn’t extend all the way; instead, it stops around the three quarters mark, giving it a very unique look.
The sides of the all-new RX is unmistakable, as Lexus has carried over the same swooping C-pillar design from the predecessor model.
Towards the rear, the all-new RX gets a full-length LED tail light, just like the NX. Separating the RX from the smaller NX is the Lexus wording, whereby the larger sibling has the wording placed on the tail light piece.
Dimension-wise, the all-new RX is 4,890 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall. It offers a 2,850 mm long wheelbase.
Below is a quick dimension comparison between the all-new RX and the predecessor model.
| Lexus RX Dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Old RX | New RX | Differences |
| Length (mm) | 4,890 | 4,890 | 0 |
| Width (mm) | 1,895 | 1,920 | +25 |
| Height (mm) | 1,705 | 1,695 | -10 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,790 | 2,850 | +60 |
Interior – Big screen galore
Much like the smaller NX, the larger RX’s interior also features the Tazuna concept, which refines the human-centric philosophy present in Lexus’ vehicle crafting.
Depending on market, the all-new RX can be had with a 9.8- or 14-inch infotainment screen, replete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Also market-dependent is the Mark Levinson sound system, as well as various interior trim colour and finishing.
Powertrain – Electrification is the way forward
At launch, the all-new Lexus RX can be had with 4 different powertrains, 3 of which are electrified.
Here’s the list of powertrains at launch:
- RX 350: Turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol, T24A-FTS, FWD and AWD
- RX 350h: Naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol-electric full hybrid (HEV), A25A-FXS, E-Four AWD and FWD
- RX 450h+: Naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV), A25A-FXS + THS II plug-in hybrid, E-Four AWD
- RX 500h: Turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol-electric full hybrid (HEV), T24A-FTS, DIRECT4 AWD
In case you're wondering why didn't Lexus introduce a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of the all-new RX, they did. It's called the .
Power figures were not provided by Lexus at launch, so stay tuned for that.
Safety – Full Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite
Similar to the smaller Lexus NX, the all-new Lexus RX also offers the full Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite, encompassing these features:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Abnormal Driver condition response system
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
What about Malaysia?
Upon its market launch, the all-new Lexus RX will square off against a host of rivals, such as the , , Volvo XC90, and .
The outgoing AL20-generation Lexus RX is currently priced from RM 385,306 to RM 425,187. Upon the arrival of the all-new RX is Malaysia, expect prices to increase a fair bit, mirroring a similar arrangement like the all-new NX.
Based on the time period it took for Lexus NX’s global debut and its launch in Malaysia, we can expect this luxury SUV to arrive here by mid-2023.
Keyword: All-new 2023 Lexus RX debuts with first-ever turbo hybrid system