The Lexus RX can legitimately lay claim to having invented the luxury crossover segment when it was launched 24 years ago. It’s now entering its fifth-generation, replacing the outgoing crossover after its lengthy seven-year run.
This time around it loses it angular, edgy design in favour of something that’s much more formal to the eye. The spindle grille has morphed into an upside-down trapezoid flanked by super-slim headlights. It also rides on a new platform and gets a broader array of models. The new range runs from Premium, Luxury, Ultra-Luxury and Executive to two new F Sport Performance models (Package 2 and Package 3). The latter is more than a cosmetic upgrade, as it comes with some serious muscle and a slick all-wheel-drive system. For those that liked the previous F Sport look, it will be offered on base model.
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
The GA-K platform, as it’s known in Lexus speak, has a 60-millimetre longer wheelbase, which bumps it to 2,850 mm. This brings more interior space, especially for the rear seat riders. Surprisingly, the stretch between the wheels does not increase the overall length, as Lexus lopped 60 mm off the rear overhang. Finally, in spite of the hike in technology and equipment, the newbie is 90-kilograms lighter than the outgoing model and it’s stiffer. Both of which bode well for the driving dynamics.
The biggest change is found in the new array of powertrains. Gone is the V6 engine that has been a staple for so many years in favour of four-cylinder engines, three of which will be electrified.
It starts with the RX 350 and a 2.4-litre turbo-four that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. The 275 horsepower and, more importantly, 317 pound-feet of torque will be more than enough for most potential customers, as will a run to 100 kilometres an hour in 7.4 seconds. Better yet, the estimated fuel economy of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres is 1.0 L/100 km better than the outgoing V6, and this in spite of the fact it delivers better performance — it’s about 0.5 second faster!
2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Photo by Graeme Fletcher
Next up is the RX 350h. It marries a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. This combo drives the front wheels. At the back, there’s a second electric motor that gives the hybrid an eAWD extension. The system combines to produce 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The influence the second electric motor has on performance should not be overlooked, as the hybrid runs to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and it manages to do this while delivering an estimated fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km.
A little further out, the regular hybrid will be joined by the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. No information has been released at this point, but you can bet it will eclipse RX 350h in terms of performance and economy — it’s reported to have an electric-only driving range of 80 km.
The intriguing powertrain is found in the RX 500h F Sport Performance. It uses that torquey 2.4L turbo-four, an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission up front. A high-output electric motor powers the rear wheels. Now this does not sound overly exciting until you look at the output numbers and how the power is put to pavement. This combination twists out 367 hp and a stump-pulling 406 lb-ft of torque. Now that’s going to grab the driver’s attention in a hurry, as will the 6.1 second run to 100 km/h.
The RX 500h adopts the company’s Direct4 drive control system. The setup is designed to work with both hybrid and future battery-electric vehicles. In this case, it oversees the power split between the front and rear axles. It can drive just the front wheels for improved efficiency, split the power more or less evenly when taking off and under hard acceleration, or it can adopt a much sportier 20/80-front/rear power split.
2023 Lexus RX 350 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
I drove the same system in a Lexus ES mule at Toyota’s Proving Grounds in Japan in 2019. The first half of the drive was with the system switched off; the second half it was switched on and weaving its magic. The difference was like chalk and cheese. The key is the electric motors, especially the high-output rear motor, play a much larger role in the driving dynamics. Yes, it sure helps the acceleration cause, but it also brought a crisper initial turn-in response from the steering, better stability on the long straight section, and it rocketed out of a corner after clipping the apex. The point here is the distribution of the drive torque proved to be both effective (read fun!) and efficient. This setup should give the RX 500h F Sport Performance enviable driving characteristics.
Slip inside, and the cabin has been reworked to great effect — the available 14-inch infotainment touchscreen makes for an eye-catching centrepiece. In times past, it was the infotainment system and Remote Touch interface that got slammed by all who attempted to use it. The new setup is much smarter and, finally, intuitive. Beyond that Lexus is not saying much, although on the available features list you’ll find desirable items like a panoramic moonroof, head-up display, navigation, and upgraded audio packages. Those F Sport Performance models earn leather-trimmed seats, suede-trimmed interior door panels, and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with paddle shifters to go along with the aluminum accents, including the pedals.
The 2023 Lexus RX will go on sale towards the end of this year. Pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.
Keyword: First Look: 2023 Lexus RX