2023 Lexus RX Review

Price: $64,395

Pros—Redesigned. New engine. Smooth ride. Lively. 4WD. Very well equipped.

Cons—Spongy brake pedal. Little steering feel. Very narrow running boards.

Bottom Line—Most popular Lexus gets more improvements.


Talk about longevity—the RX set the standards for luxury mid-size SUVs when introduced in 1998 and has been the most popular Lexus model since then. A few minutes in the revamped 2023 RX made me feel as if this is a great cruiser, with lots of style, practicality and lively performance.

I drove the 2023 RX 350 F Sport AWD, which is one of a variety of 2023 RX models. The Monroney label put its list price at $56,600, although its many options and a $1,150 freight charge brought the bottom line to $64,395.

There are three new powertrains. My test car had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 275 horsepower. It’s coupled to a quick, well-timed and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

Five adults fit in the church-quiet interior, although my test car’s optional ($725) running boards are just suitable for small children or adults with extra-small shoe sizes. All doors have fairly large storage pockets but aren’t lined, so smaller objects may rattle around in them.

The wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer at 112.2 inches for more rear roominess, but overall length is the same.

To open doors one need not yank a lever, inside or out; you just push a button in what looks like a conventional handle to gain entry or exit. The rear window wiper tucked under the spoiler shows good attention to detail.

Instrumentation in the revised upscale interior can be quickly read. The Sport’s nicely placed 14-inch touchscreen features an upgraded infotainment system with clean graphics and quick responsiveness.

This model has, among other items, aluminum pedals, Sport badges, bolstered sport seats, a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension and 21-inch wheels, which look great and help handling. It benefits from the new Lexus global platform.

A thick-rim leather-covered steering wheel is easy to grip. Steering is responsive, but feels numb, with scant road feel. As for the brakes, the pedal is rather mushy.

My test SUV had an impressive 21-speaker sound system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A driver can select Normal, Sport, Eco or Custom drive modes by using the touchscreen. Normal mode is fine for most driving, while Sport mode changes the steering feel for more agile driving, while sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension helps ensure performance and driving stability by simultaneously controlling the steering and suspension, transmission and engine for sportier driving.

Eco makes this RX feel a bit lazy but not overly so and more fuel-efficient. Custom mode allows preferred settings. Normal mode causes a bit of body sway when taking curves fast, but Sport mode eliminates it, while causing occupants to feel bumps more readily. Maneuvering in tight spots is fairly easy.

Sport mode stiffens the ride, but not uncomfortably so, and makes the RX 350 F Sport AWD more fun to drive. Eco gets you the best fuel economy but is something I found most useful in heavy traffic. I spent most tine in Normal mode.

The trunk has a rather high opening and isn’t the largest in its class. Electrically controlled (from the trunk) split rear setbacks fold forward and sit flat to provide lots more cargo room.

Last year’s V-6 is gone, replaced by a four-cylinder, which provides the same performance as the V-6 with better economy. Lexus smartly designed the engine to have lots of torque (317 pound/feet) at an often-used rev range for quicker throttle response. There’s plenty of zip for city driving and fast highway driving.

Also offered is a 246-horsepower hybrid with a CVT transmission or a turbocharged 366-horsepower hybrid called the RX 500h. This model is really over-the-top because the RX is mainly designed for comfort. A quiet, smooth ride, comfort, solid construction and luxury nameplate are what the well-mannered RX is all about. Not a 0-60 m.p.h. time.

The RX 350 F Sport AWD does 0-60 m.p.h. in 7.6 seconds, which is fine, although the RX 350 Sport AWD feels faster. Still, some of its many rivals are faster.

Estimated fuel economy with the 275-horsepower turbo engine is 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on highways. After all, this is no lightweight at 4,150-4,750 pounds. The RX 500h’s time in 5.5 seconds.

Here’s a rub: Premium (91-octane or higher) fuel is needed to fill the 17.8-gallon tank.

Front or all-wheel drive (AWD) is offered, and all come with a revised front end, which partly overcomes the overdone spindle grille which fronts most Lexus models. However, though some may feel the RX front end now looks bulky, the hood is nicely sculpted and a floating roof design and attractive rear end make the RX look rather sleek. I suppose Lexus may argue that the revised front end looks commanding.

There are 10 air bags and a long list of standard safety and convenience features—and some nifty optional ones. They include a $620 traffic jam assist that keeps you from bumping into the vehicle ahead below 25 m.p.h., an $800 360-degree camera system and a $150 power lift gate that lets you open the rear hatch by just putting a foot under the rear bumper while standing in the rain with your arms full of groceries. No matter what the weather, the AWD system should make a driver feel more secure.