2023 Lexus RX Loses the V6 But Gains Comfort, Friendlier Grille

• Long-time leader in the midsize luxury crossover segment gets a tighter body, friendlier grille, and a host of powertrains for 2023.

• There are FWD, AWD, hybrids, a coming PHEV, and a performance model.

• The only thing that outsells it in the category is the Tesla Model Y.

Almost since the category emerged, the Lexus RX ruled all midsize luxury crossovers. Its practical, efficient design was exactly what affluent, suburban families wanted, offering space, amenities, and just enough status to keep owners feeling good about themselves and their automotive choices generation after generation.

Then Tesla rolled in with the Model Y and just took over everything in the midsize luxury crossover segment. Lexus’ 100,000-or-so sales a year were promptly eclipsed by Model Y’s 200,000 or so a year, or wherever Tesla Model Ys will end up when 2022 sales are all counted up (but that’s where they’re headed). Lexus conveniently leaves Tesla off the charts when claiming to be the segment leader.

No matter! Lexus buyers know what they want, and they know they will get it from the luxury division of Toyota. The new 2023 Lexus RX comes in a wide variety of powertrains with as many connectivity and luxury appointments as any typical suburban housewife or househusband is likely to ever want.

There are three basic models: the turbocharged RX 350, the hybridized RX 350h, and the turbo F Sport Performance AWD RX 500h. Lexus expects almost three-quarters of its RX buyers will choose the entry-level RX 350. All ride on Lexus’ new Global Architecture-K platform (pronounced GAK!), which Lexus promises is lighter and affords a lower center of gravity.

On the new platform, the wheelbase is 2.36 inches longer to 112.2, track is widened by over a half-inch front and almost two inches rear, and suspension is a little firmer. “Not too many changes,” said a Lexus presenter. The GAK has more aluminum, more high-tensile steel, and tighter welds with increased use of adhesives to hold it all together. Overall efficiencies allow curb weight to drop almost 200 pounds across the board, while center of gravity sits a little over a half-inch lower. The result is “better driving dynamics and better fuel economy,” Lexus says. That means 25 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy with the FWD RX 350 and 36 mpg combined in a hybrid RX 350h AWD.

The base—and most popular—2023 RX 350 is powered by a 275-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, which replaces the 2022 model’s 295-hp V6. Will you miss those 20 extra ponies from the V6? Not as much with the 2023’s “short-ratio Direct Shift” 8-speed automatic in the RX 350 as you might with the CVT in the hybrid RX 350h AWD.

The 8-speed we had on a short drive in California before the public release of the car proved more than adequate and gave more direct access to those 275 hp. And torque in this base powertrain actually goes up, from 268 lb-ft in the 2022 V6 to 317 lb-ft in this new 2023. So you will likely notice that things have gotten better in the new base-model RX. It comes in front wheel-drive or AWD in five trim levels, topping out with an F Sport Handling trim that gets unique wheels and tires as well as springs and shocks front and rear.