2023 Lexus RX drops V6 for turbocharged inline-four
All-new Lexus RX is now on its fifth generation
After releasing a teaser photo of its all-new crossover a few weeks ago, Lexus has finally revealed it in full. Say hello to the all-new Lexus RX. Now on its fifth generation, the midsize crossover gets an evolutionary redesign inside and out, more high-tech features and amenities, as well as a new high-spec model called the 'F Sport Performance'.
Beginning with its looks, the 2023 RX is sleeker and more mature than its predecessor. It comes with a new spindle grille at the front, dynamic LED headlights, and bolder front and rear bumpers. Perhaps the most eye-catching changes present on the all-new RX can be found at the back. Not only does it have a radical-looking C-pillar, but it now comes with the brand's new LED taillight design complete with a central light bar. Depending on the variant you're getting, the RX will be available with 19- or 21-inch alloy wheels.
Aside from its new look, the 2023 RX now sits on the new GA-K platform which allowed Lexus to reduce the RX's weight by around 89kg. The new platform also allowed Lexus to make it wider and longer. It measures 4890mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1695mm tall – making it wider by 25mm and shorter by 10mm in height. The length remains the same but the new platform allows it to have a 2850mm wheelbase which is 60mm longer than its predecessor.
Just like the NX, the all-new RX features the brand's new interior design. It gets a 14-inch digital instrument panel, a redesigned touchscreen infotainment system, and an updated center stack for the HVAC controls that sit below the touchscreen. Don't expect to find a touchpad as Lexus has removed it as well for the 2023 RX. Other changes present include a new gear selector, a larger center armrest, USB-C charging ports, restyled cupholders, and a redesigned steering wheel.
Sorry V6 fans, but the next-gen RX is no longer available with a six-cylinder under the hood. Instead, it now packs a new 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four derived from the NX. It's then connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
In the RX 350 variant, the engine puts out a healthy 279 PS along with 413 Nm of torque. The FWD version is estimated to go from 0 – 97 km/h in 7.5 seconds while the AWD can do it faster in just 7.2 seconds.
If you prefer your RX with more oomph, there's also the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Yes, it's a hybrid but don't think that this is solely focused on fuel economy. It gets the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine as the RX 350 but has the added benefit of electrification. The result is a total system output of 372 PS along with a meaty 550 Nm of pull. It's then mated to a 6-speed automatic and comes with the brand's Direct4 AWD system. This allows the turbocharged hybrid crossover to go from 0 – 97 km/h in only 5.9 seconds.
But if you want something more economical, there's the RX 350h which has a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid. It has 249 PS with 316 Nm of torque and has a claimed mixed fuel average of 14 km/l. Power is then sent to all four wheels via CVT which allows the RX 350h to go from 0 – 97 km/h in just 7.4 seconds which is still pretty fast for a hybrid.
For peace of mind, all variants of the 2023 RX will come with the Lexus Safety System 3.0. This gives the RX a suite of intelligent driver aids that include a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control (AKA adaptive cruise control), lane departure alert with steering assist, as well an emergency driving stop system.
The 2023 Lexus RX is expected to go on sale in late 2022, with the US market set to be one of the first to get it. With that, perhaps the all-new RX might arrive in the Philippines sometime next year. We'll be curious to see how Lexus Philippines will price the 2023 RX given that it will no longer qualify for JPEPA without a V6 engine.
