Families will now be able to enjoy more space with their luxury utility vehicle thanks to the new three-row Lexus RX L models. The RX created the luxury crossover segment 20 years ago and has reigned supreme as the most popular luxury utility vehicle on the market. The 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL models retain their stylish figures, but now offer the choice of six or seven-passenger capability.

Once in dealerships in late 2017, the RX 350L will have a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $47,670 (FWD) and $49,070 (AWD).

The overhaul of the Lexus SUV line-up continues this year with the 2023 Lexus RX. This new version of the luxury brand's mainstay is fully redesigned, and gets a roster of new engines, including the RX's first plug-in hybrid.

The SUV is now based on the TNGA-K platform, which also underpins the smaller Lexus NX and the Toyota RAV4, among many others. It and other unnamed tweaks have made it so that the new RX is as much as 198 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. And with the platform change comes the abandonment of V6s. The base RX 350 will come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It can be had with front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will get the RX 350 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds with front drive and 7.2 seconds with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg.



The RX 350h gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid mated to a CVT, plus a rear electric motor for all-wheel drive. It gets to 60 in 7.4 seconds and returns 33 mpg.

The RX 450h+ will be the line's first plug-in hybrid. But Lexus hasn't disclosed any details about the powertrain. It's possible it could be the 302-horsepower hybrid unit from the NX 450h+.



Rounding out the line-up is the RX 500h F Sport Performance. It combines the turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor, six-speed automatic and a rear electric motor. This gives the SUV 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The 0 to 60 run happens in 5.9 seconds and fuel ceconomy comes in at 26 mpg. Lexus also fits this model with six-piston brake calipers, unique styling, paddle shifters and other interior accents.

Of course, all new RX models have notably different styling from its predecessor. The proportions are tweaked thanks to the 2.36-inch longer wheelbase, and a shorter rear overhang by the same distance. The overall size is basically the same, but the whole SUV has a more cab-rearward appearance. The front grille is a new take on the trademark Lexus design that features a more solid upper section. More body color cladding also makes an appearance.



The interior follows in the footsteps of the NX with a better integrated touchscreen infotainment system. It also features the same upgraded infotainment system that is a massive improvement over old Lexus systems. At least two sizes are available for the screen, the larger being 14 inches. Ambient lighting also appears along with six interior colors and four interior trims.

The RX goes on sale at the end of 2022. Expect pricing to come in the next few months along with details on the RX 450h+ PHEV. In addition to the four engine models, there will be six trim levels: Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance.

As one of the first luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus RX looks to retain its hold as a segment leader with a complete redesign for the 2023 model year. Toyota’s luxury division is doubling down on the elements that have made the RX a success while scuttling the previous generation’s three-row variant.
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In returning to its original two-row five-passenger only configuration, the 2023 Lexus RX will continue to offer multiple powertrains, including gas only in front- or all-wheel-drive, two all-wheel-drive hybrids and, later, a plug-in hybrid.

By sticking to its original two-row formula, the RX takes on a sportier look incorporating its signature spindle grille and floating roof cues in a shape that splits the difference between a traditional squared-off SUV and a four-door coupe.

The spindle grille design has been revamped with a shark nose leading edge that transitions from a solid textured fascia into the grille opening itself. There are two different looks with standard models using chrome buttons, while F-Sport has a black mesh design. The opening is flanked by vertical inlets and thin lighting elements that sit atop the fenders.

While overall length remains largely unchanged over the previous model at 195.5 inches the wheelbase is stretched 2.4 inches to 112.2 inches overall, which translates into a gain in rear seat legroom. There’s also a slight shift in the profile with a slightly longer front and shorter rear overhang. The body flows with sculpted side panels, the floating roof bordered in chrome accents and a blacked-out C-pillar.


The interior features a new dash design that incorporates a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a center touchscreen that’s either 9.0 or 14.0 inches depending on the model and trim level. The infotainment system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Seating surfaces are upholstered in a variety of materials ranging from NuLuxe leatherette to suede and semi-aniline leather.

At launch there will be three powertrains. The non-hybrid gas model, the RX 350, is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain teams with a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox. It delivers 25 mpg combined (9.4 liters per 100 km), 22 mpg city (10.7 liters per 100 km) and 29 mpg (8.1 liters per 100 km) highway in front-drive. Going with all-wheel drive costs an extra mpg in all categories.

The RX 350h is powered by a 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It teams with electric motors and a continuously variable transmission to provide all-wheel drive and total system output of 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It’s the fuel economy leader in this family with 36 mpg (6.5 liters per 100 km) combined from its 37 mpg (6.4 liters per 100 km) city and 34 mpg (6.9 liters per 100 km) highway ratings.

The highest output comes from the RX 500h which mates the turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, tuned to produce 271 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive electric motors to put out a total of 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. What’s unique about this setup is that it employs a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Even with that prodigious output, the 500h manages to deliver 27 mpg combined on 28 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.


While full specification is not available, the RX 450h+ will use the 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with an all-wheel drive hybrid drivetrain featuring plug-in capability. The 18.1 kWh battery will enable the vehicle to go upwards of 30 miles on a pure electric power.

The varying drivetrains provide decidedly different driving characteristics. If fuel economy tops your shopping list, then the RX 350h is for you. The least powerful of all the trims, it provides a comfortable and collected driving experience. The CVT, however, feels a bit rubbery and lazy in response. As a result, the 350h is not as razor-sharp as the other models in the lineup.

At the other end of the spectrum is the RX 500h F Sport Performance. This model not only is the most powerful in the lineup, it boasts 21-inch wheels shod with summer tires, tauter suspension and more precise steering feel. It’s quick, comfortable and quiet, thanks to active noise canceling that makes the cabin more serene than the lower trims. Acceleration is this model’s strong suit, aided in no small part by the 6-speed automatic transmission. With drive assists like a head-up display, full-range active cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane tracing technology, the RX 500h is every bit as polished and technologically advanced as the European luxury models with which it competes.

As impressive as the fuel economy is of the hybrid powertrains, the non-hybrid RX 350, especially models equipped with all-wheel drive, turned out to be my favorite when it comes to overall handling and performance. The lighter weight, good output, and flexibility of the 8-speed automatic transmission give the RX 350 an athletic character. It’s not as quiet as the 500h, but it is engaging. Front-drive models exhibit a bit of torque steer under enthusiastic acceleration and this setup seems to have a bit more understeer.


The all-wheel drive RX 350 does much to cure these ills. Jump on the throttle and the front wheels don’t pull in either direction and the handling is much more neutral thanks to the extra grip from the rear wheels. While pricing hasn’t been released, its likely that the RX 350 AWD will be one of the more affordable models in the lineup, which make for a high bang-for-the-buck quotient.

The 2023 Lexus RX offers plenty of upgrades, different powertrain packages while maintaining the high quality, attention to build and value that has established the brand as a leader in the luxury field. Slated to go on sale late this year, the all-new RX definitely earns a spot on the shopping list of shoppers looking for an upscale SUV.

The fifth generation Lexus RX debuted in May last year when the Japanese manufacturer released details about three of the SUV’s four powertrains. For the 2024 model year, the luxury model finally gains a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which becomes the RX’s second most powerful engine choice.

The RX 450h+ shares its PHEV setup with the plug-in hybrid NX, which means there’s a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder gas engine under the hood supported by two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. This combo generates a peak output of 304 horsepower (227 kilowatts) giving the electrified luxury SUV a 0-60 miles per hour (0-96 kilometers per hour) acceleration in an estimated 6.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed at 124 mph (200 kph), while a single charge of the battery is enough for 35 miles (56 kilometers) of purely electric range.

Lexus explains the hybrid SUV is equipped as standard with a Level 1 charging cable for 120-volt outlets. Using the maximum available charging current of 240 volts and “under ideal conditions,” the RX 450h+ can be fully recharged in about two and a half hours with a 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger. As a side note, power from the plug-in hybrid powertrain is distributed to all four wheels

The new RX 450h+ will be available in eight exterior colors (Eminent White Pearl, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, and Nightfall Mica) and standard 21-inch 20-spoke wheels. Also part of the standard equipment are interior goodies such as four heated and ventilated power seats, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system

All these standard features have their price, though. Going on sale in the United States later this year, the 2024 RX 450h+ starts at $70,080 (including destination fees), which makes it significantly more expensive than the 2023 RX 350h Luxury with a starting price of $58,750...