Next-gen Lexus RX (2022 launch) teased during model presentation [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ and ‘Lexus RX sales’ sections updated.

It’s been seven years since Lexus took covers off the third-gen RX at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS 2015). In November 2017, the company introduced a three-row RX L, and then, in May 2019, it lent the car a neat facelift. A fully redesigned, fourth-gen model is in the waiting in the wings, elaborately discussed in this article.

Lexus teased four future models at the Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept unveiling on March 30, 2021. One of the upcoming Lexus cars was likely the 2023 Lexus RX, the next generation of the company’s BMW X5 rival. The product on the extreme right (article featured image) is a compact crossover that matches the width and proportions of the 2022 Lexus NX, which was subsequently launched. The low-slung sedan is the improved LS, and then comes the restyled ES. Parked on the far left is an SUV that looks compact for a 2022 Lexus LX but has the highest presence in the room.

Design

The Lexus RX may not continue in two-row and three-row versions, as reports say that a new model may replace the latter (Lexus TX). The next-gen model will likely ride on the GA-K platform that debuted in the Lexus ES.

The next-gen Lexus RX (2023 Lexus RX for the U.S.) would have a recognizable design, as represented in this official teaser. Image Source: Toyota

On December 14, 2021, Toyota released a full teaser of the next-gen Lexus RX that almost revealed the exterior design months ahead of the official unveiling. The new mid-size SUV carries subtle design changes, noticeable mainly at the front. Lexus designers have extended the hood of the RX forward to give it an aggressive, shark-like nose section. The headlamps are curvier, and a new L-shaped DRL cuts through them.

The spindle grille may split up, as the teaser suggests the presence of a grille in the lower portion, too. It comes a full circle, as the spindle design started out as separated sections on the CT 200h in 2011. Round wheel arches inserted of squarish designs on the sides would differentiate next-gen NX from the current model.

Test prototypes spotted in Japan

Spy pictures (view on YouTube) indicate that Lexus has started testing the next-gen RX on public roads in Japan. The company has launched prototypes with the production body into testing. While clever camouflaging hides most details, the difference in the shape compared to the current model is evident. The next-gen RX features a more upright front fascia, which should give it an assertive appearance. It seems to have a raised hood also for the same reason. The short rear overhang suggests that it’s certainly a two-row RX and not a large SUV.

Interior

Interior refinements of the next-gen RX could be profound, as with the 2022 Lexus NX. Customers can look forward to an uncluttered center console, a fully digital instrument cluster with customizable layouts, and the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen.

We expect the new Lexus Interface infotainment system on the 2023 Lexus RX. Image Source: Toyota

Lexus Interface is a new infotainment system developed by Toyota Motor North America. Packing five times the processing power of the previous generation, it provides a snappy experience similar to a smartphone. Cloud-based navigation, OTA updates, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, newly developed virtual assistant with dual microphones, user profiles, and digital key, etc., are some of the essential features of the new Lexus Interface infotainment system.

Safety

Lexus currently straps the RX with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard. The next-gen RX should directly get the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 that debuted in the second-gen NX. One of the main features of LSS+ 3.0 is Curve Speed Management. When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is active, the vehicle can maintain the set speed even on curves.

LSS+ 3.0 includes the following active safety features:

• Intelligent High Beam
• Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist
• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking
• Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking
• Pre-Collision System with Oncoming Vehicle Detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management

Powertrain

According to a report from creative311.com, the 2023 Lexus RX will come in three different electrified variants, two hybrids and one plug-in hybrid. Lexus RX 350h and Lexus RX 500h would be the hybrid variants, and the Lexus RX 450h+, the PHEV variant.

The 2023 RX 350h could use a combination of an A25A-type 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine and an electric motor. The 2023 RX 500h may club a T24A-type 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor. The 2023 RX 450h+ may also get the former, but married to a more powerful and a torquey electric motor. The plug-in hybrid system that is used in the NX (450h+) comes with two motors, including a separate rear-mounted motor that allows on-demand electronic all-wheel drive.

Competitors

The next-gen Lexus RX will go up against luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX, the Lincoln Nautilus, and the BMW X5.

Release Date

In February 2020, Motor1 reported citing an insider privy to the company’s product strategy that the next-gen RX will arrive this year (CY 2022).

The timeline is from well before the auto industry bore the brunt of the Coronavirus and semiconductor chips were in surplus, but it seems like that ETA still holds. However, a report Automotive News published in August 2021 supports this speculation. According to this report, Lexus plans to introduce next-gen RX in the second half of this year.

We expect to see the new RX to reach U.S. dealers in fall 2022.

Lexus RX sales

Sales data Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) released on January 4, 2022, reflected continued demand for the RX. Despite the Lexus RX’s December 2021 sales dropping by 20.1% compared to December 2020, year-to-date (January-December 2021) figures increased by 14%. With 115,320 units sold in 2021, up from 101,059 units delivered in 2020, the RX was, by and large, the most popular Lexus model in the United States.

Buyer preference for hybrids increased in 2021 with the Lexus RX Hybrid recording 24.1% growth compared to the previous year. In 2020, Lexus sold 14,411 units of the RX Hybrid, but this figure was significantly up in 2021 with the Japanese carmaker selling 18,981 units. 2021 was an all-time best-ever year for other Lexus models like UX, LC, and ES as well.

Q1 2022 results

In the first quarter of 2022 (January-March 2022), the TMNA registered 26,795 units in RX sales, 4.1% lower than in the same period last year (27,941 units). 4,370 units came from the hybrid variant, which marked a 7.6% year-over-year decline (Q1 2021: 4,730 units).

Lexus electrification strategy

At a mega press conference held in Japan in December 2021, Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota, revealed new EV strategies for its core brands: Toyota and Lexus. Toyoda said that Lexus aims to have a full EV line-up in all vehicle segments by the end of the decade. It wants EVs to account for 100% of Lexus sales in China, Europe, and North America, with a total of 1 million units globally by that year. In 2035, Lexus targets to be fully electric in all markets worldwide. The implication is that, by the end of the decade, the Lexus RX will be an all-electric model.

Upcoming Lexus SUV models

In addition to the next-gen RX, a number of new Lexus SUV models are heading to dealer showrooms in the next three years. The first is the 2023 Lexus RZ, which will arrive in the U.S. in the second half of this year. 2023 would be the year the Lexus RX L successor goes on sale. Made at the Princeton plant (Indiana), USA, it could arrive as the Lexus TX, as we said earlier in the story. In 2024, the next-gen Lexus GX should celebrate its world debut. Finally, Lexus hinted at a large electric SUV (Lexus Electrified SUV) on December 14, 2021, which will likely be released by 2025, positioned at the top of its lineup.

2022 Lexus RX (2023 Lexus RX for the U.S.) FAQs

What is the next-gen Lexus RX release date?

Lexus should complete the launch of the next-gen RX in the U.S. by late 2022.

Which models do you consider 2023 Lexus RX rivals?

The RX will rival the likes of the 2022 Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Cadillac XT5.

Do you have an idea of the 2023 Lexus RX price?

The base 2023 RX may cost around $47,000.

Featured Image Source: youtube.com/Toyota Motor Corporation

Keyword: Next-gen Lexus RX (2022 launch) teased during model presentation [Update]