2023 Lexus RX debuts as the crossover’s fifth generation

Lexus RX is an important model to the brand as the sleek crossover locks horns with the big players in the segment. Four generations into its life, the time has come for the RX for a complete revival. The 2023 Lexus RX does exactly that, pushing the crossover into its fifth generation.

Being a new generation, the 2023 Lexus RX sits on completely new underpinnings. Namely, the GA-K platform. This new base provides an opportunity for the crossover to shed some pounds, and it gladly takes it. The 2023 Lexus RX foregoes almost 90 kilos, despite its wheelbase growth of almost 6 cm.

The design of the new RX is quite familiar as it does not look worlds apart from the outgoing model. The Lexus signature spindle grill is not a complete grill on the new model. The top portion is a panel with diamond-shaped recesses on it. It also retains the floating C-pillar design. The rear sports a modern design trend with full-width tail lights.

The interior gets its spice from a new infotainment system, that can be as large as 14-inches. Instead of a floating design, this screen now sits snug inside the dashboard. Other tech includes a heads-up display and a large panoramic sunroof. On the safety front, the 2023 Lexus RX offers Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 which includes multiple state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. An optional Advanced Park system is also offered to help with parking.

The power for the 2023 Lexus RX comes from a list of four different powertrains. But Lexus is only vocal about the specifications of three of them. The details of the RX 450h+ plug-in-hybrid will only come later.

The base RX 350 utilizes a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 275 hp, mated to an 8-speed auto box. This can be had with either all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive. Adding a hybrid system to the mix is RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre engine as a part of the hybrid system that churns out a total of 246 hp. This gets an all-wheel-drive system only.

For the performance junkies, there is a RX 500h F-Sport Performance model with more than 367 hp. It too uses a hybrid system, with a 2.4-litre engine. This is exclusively available with Direct4 AWD system.

The new generation of the 2023 Lexus RX will certainly give the luxury crossover a new lease of life. This is especially important as demand for crossovers is climbing to new highs, in all segments.