2023 Lexus RX new car review

A new fully-loaded luxury SUV has arrived and it undercuts rivals by more than $10,000 and has perks no other car brand can match.

2023 Lexus RX 350h Sports Luxury

Toyota’s luxury spin-off has just launched its new large SUV. It’s cheaper than its German rivals and comes with desirable hybrid power.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Lexus RX.

Lexus launched its new RX earlier this year.

VALUE

The Lexus RX is available in Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport grades. We’ve tested the most affordable version, the RX350h AWD priced from about $101,000 drive-away.

For that outlay it delivers 19-inch alloys, imitation leather, tri-zone ventilation, heated front seats and a digital instrument cluster. Smartphones can be connected via wired Android Auto or wireless Apple CarPlay.

You’ll probably want to tick the box for the circa-$7000 enhancement pack, which includes features many would expect for the regular price. They include real leather, a head-up display, wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof and memory positions for the driver’s seat. There’s also a key that looks like a credit card.

The RX has impressive owner benefits as part of the Encore program. That includes a pick-up and drop off service and the use of a loan car when the car is being serviced.

Lexus also has a well-earned reputation for quality and reliability. Assuming it holds true with this latest model you can expect trouble-free motoring.

It comes with petrol and hybrid power.

COMFORT

The RX has “e-latch” door handles, which have an electronic actuation that can temporarily halt the opening of a door if a car is approaching. It’s useful tech, but the door handles also occasionally feel sticky if you’re looking for a quick entry.

The RX350h is strictly a five-seater but it provides plenty of space, especially up front. There’s a deep centre console with a cover that opens from either side. Rear leg room is bountiful, although headroom is tight for six-foot-plussers.

The cabin is immaculately presented.

The vibrant 14-inch screen is easy to navigate and includes dials in each lower corner to adjust the temperature for each side of the cabin. It’s a neat solution that allows swift adjustments of commonly used features.

The cabin is beautifully presented with ambient lighting and classy finishes such as striped shiny black panels. There are five USB-C ports as well as a USB-A port in the glovebox.

SAFETY

The RX can automatically contact a Lexus call centre after an accident and they can arrange for emergency services if required.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning and speed-limit recognition. A small pod above the steering wheel monitors the driver and can trigger the car to come to a halt if they are incapacitated. Safe Exit Assist is handy for stopping doors being flung open into other vehicles.

Lexus has packed the RX with active driver aids and safety tech.

DRIVING

The hybrid system mates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with electric motors. It’s predominantly a front-drive system, with the petrol engine only driving the front wheels and the bigger motor assisting. A smaller rear motor provides drive as required to improve traction.

It delivers on fuel efficiency, too. The all-wheel drive version consumes a claimed average of 5.4 litres per 100km. Expect closer to 7L/100km in the real world.

The engine often revs up quickly to build power. Anyone used to a diesel SUV may be underwhelmed with the low-rev response, although it fires up if you keep your foot planted.

Dynamically the RX is competent but uninspiring. There’s a plush ride – and the cabin is quiet, but it lacks the cornering sharpness of some rivals.

The RX is built for comfort rather than corner carving.

VERDICT 4/5

Solid value and an excellent after-sales experience. Hybrid delivers on efficiency but elsewhere the RX lacks driving spark.

ALTERNATIVES

Range Rover Velar, from $121,000 drive-away

Sleek styling is backed up by excellent road manners, although it’s a big price step up to punchier engines. Respectable off-road nous adds to the Velar’s talent.

Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI, from about $98,000 drive-away

Shares its underpinnings with far ritzier brands and it shows. The Touareg is eerily quiet and loaded with gear for a luxury experience without the badge.

BMW iX3, from about $115,000 drive-away

Smaller than rivals listed here but the iX3’s slick all-electric drivetrain and keen pricing makes it a tempting alternative for those wanting an eco-friendly luxury SUV.

Lexus RX350h AWD with Enhancement Pack

PRICE: From about $101,000 drive-away

ENGINE: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 184kW combined output, 239Nm (petrol engine), 270Nm (front motor), 121Nm (rear motor)

WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5 years, unlimited km, $3475 for 5 years/75,000km.

SAFETY: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, intersection turn assist, rear cross-traffic alert, speed-sign recognition, safe-exit assist, driver monitor, emergency call facility

THIRST: 5.4L/100km

BOOT: 612 litres