The overhaul of the best-selling Lexus is complete, and it touches everything from the tires up. Now in its fifth-generation, the RX has a bolder look, a new platform and three new powertrain choices. When it arrives later this year, it will be offered in RX 350, RX 350h and RX 500h models with a Porsche-like 13 different trim levels. Further out is the fourth choice — the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid.
The work starts with the new Global Architecture-K platform, which is 90-kilograms lighter than the outgoing unit. While the overall length stays the same, the wheelbase grows by 60-millimetres to 2,850-mm and the width of the rear track rises by 65-mm. This brings a larger footprint and a 15-mm lower centre of gravity, which is good for both the ride quality and handling.
The interior is, likewise, much swankier. From the body-hugging front seats wrapped in flamboyant Rioja Red leather and the slick digital instrumentation to an available 14-inch multimedia screen, it takes big steps forward. As is to be expected, the material quality is top-notch, as is the fit-and-finish and these were pre-production units — Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) is the second most awarded assembly plant in the world behind the company’s Kyushu plant in Japan.
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 450h+ Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
The biggest single improvement is the infotainment system. Gone is the finnicky touch pad-based unit in favour of a clean and clear system that’s easily mastered. The lower trims use a sizeable nine-inch screen; move up and the larger 14-incher gives the functions more breathing space. Along with all the usual applications, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it houses an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and the drive modes.
The modes include Eco (only for use when both the battery and gas tank are very low!), Normal for everyday driving, and Sport for the fun times. Custom allows the driver to pick the settings for the powertrain, steering and air conditioning. The RX 500h and RX 350 with the F Sport package aboard add the adaptive suspension to the settings mix. The problem is the only way to change the drive mode is through the infotainment system. Having a separate set of controls, as the Lexus NX does, would bring faster, easier access.
The powertrain starting point is the 2.4-litre turbo-four found in the RX 350. It twists out 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and works with an eight-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) is mechanical and splits the power evenly when pulling away, but relaxes the power split to 75 per cent/25 per cent front/rear, when possible, to help fuel economy. On the drive route, it proved to be agile and entertaining. The performance is peppy and the handling is capable while remaining comfortable. Mind you, the aforementioned F Sport’s adaptive suspension is something a potential buyer should seriously consider.
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
Next up is the RX 350h. It uses a 2.5L four-cylinder, two electric motor/generators and a continually variable transmission (CVT) to power the front wheels. A rear electric motor adds AWD. This combination combines to produce 246 hp. It’s a sharp piece that will find favour with those who value comfort and economy over outright driving fun.
The RX 450h+ plug-in, which is not expected until next year, uses much of the same technology as the 350h, but it feels so much crisper. No numbers were given, but based on the NX 450h+, the RX should get 300+ horsepower and feature an 18.1-kilowatt/hour battery. The test vehicle was showing 58-kilometres as the electric-only range. Selecting the EV drive mode saw it purr along nicely. With both power sources working, it was responsive and benefited from the adaptive suspension — on the drive it did not feel anywhere near as willowy as the 350h. The RX 450h+ will likely be the sleeper in the RX range.
The model of choice has to be the RX 500h F Sport Performance with Direct4. This thing is fast, efficient and brings the most driving fun. Part of the reason is the 2.5L engine used in the 350h/450h+ has been dropped in favour of the turbocharged-four from the RX 350. It works with a single front motor/generator and a more powerful rear electric motor. The turbo-four and 86 hp motor work with a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. At the back, there’s a 107 hp electric motor. The two power sources combine to deliver a net output of 367 hp and, more importantly, 406 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm.
The combination delivers a rewarding work ethic. The run to 100 kilometres an hour drops from 7.2 seconds for the RX 350 to 5.9 seconds, and it manages this while improving the average fuel economy by 1.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
Power aside, the reason the 500h feels so sharp is down to three key technologies. The first is the adaptive variable suspension. It has normal (compliant) and sport (firmer with less body roll) modes. The damping is variable and tailored to suit the drive mode selected. The other improvement is the front struts are now supported by a five-link rear suspension. It does a better job of keeping the tire’s contact patch in touch with the road.
2023 Lexus RX 500h Photo by Graeme Fletcher
Next is the available four-wheel steering. In this case, the rear wheels can turn by up to four-degrees. At slow speeds the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which shortens the turning circle. The better part is the effect it has on handling. Turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels brings a much crisper response to steering input. As it does with electric vehicles, the rear steer also does a good job of masking the RX’s weight, so it feels more alive.
The third ingredient is the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. It uses the front and rear electric motors to minimize squat under hard acceleration and drive under braking. The key is varying the power split also sees the 500h turn into a corner with much less understeer and it hauls out of it with far more authority. The setup is good enough it even works as the first level of stability control. Through the twisty sections of the drive, the combined effects of these three technologies delivered a dynamic ride. While the 500h looks like its siblings, it sure doesn’t feel or drive like them, especially when it’s pushed!
Lexus will announce the RX pricing closer to the launch later this year. While the company says the RX 350h will be the popular model, the RX 500h, if it’s sensibly priced, represents a dynamic alternative that’s destined to appeal to a more youthful audience. Regardless of which model proves to be the more popular, the revamped range is going to maintain Lexus’ lead in a very popular segment.
Keyword: First Drive: 2023 Lexus RX