2023 Lexus RX First Drive Review: The Complete Package

The most significant drivetrain change for the RX is dropping the thirsty naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in favor of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with an eight-speed automatic. The new engine's 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque is a few ponies shy of the V6 but with more torque on hand, and it's noticeable in how smoothly the new RX pulls off the line. It's more fuel efficient at 25 mpg combined, but the caveat is that the turbo-four runs on premium fuel.

In the hybrid lineup, the RX 350h reduces horsepower to 246 but increases fuel economy to an estimated 36 mpg courtesy of a CVT. At the top of the line is the RX 500h F Sport with a large bump to 366 hp and a combined 406 lb-ft but a dip down to 27 mpg, blending hybrid efficiency and performance in one, forgoing the CVT for a six-speed automatic.

We don't have pricing yet, but we're confident given the RX isn't going to be bought en-masse for its corner-carving performance. The 350 is going to rightly make for the bulk of the new model's sales. Matched with the eight-speed auto, it's a confident and smooth drivetrain that packs enough torque and refinement to never strain.

We spent the day driving all three flavors of the RX, and they all had one thing in common. The RX is a comfortable cruiser with the kind of quiet and smooth ride that can easily cause you to find yourself cruising along feeling like you're doing 60 mph when you're doing 80. The suspension is firmly damped but perfectly tuned with the spring rate to deal with bad roads and bumps. That's improved more by adding adaptive suspension, but it only comes on the F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance, which feels like a missed opportunity. Also on F Sport models is Lexus's Dynamic Rear Steering for improved stability at high speed and maneuverability at low speed.

While the F Sport is the performance version, we felt it was unnecessary to have a sporty version. It rides nicely, accelerates well, and corners well, but, to us anyway, it misses the point of the RX. We would stick with the 350h and enjoy the balance of premium comfort and fuel economy. Maybe it's time Lexus thought about having a luxury badge as well as a performance badge here, as it does on certain other model lines.

The previous generation RX was a high watermark for interior comfort, and nothing has changed. The seats are comfortable, and the whole cabin features premium materials. Despite the numbers reading similarly to the outgoing models, there's more practical room for everyone, including those in the rear. There's no third row for this generation, so if you need to transport more than five people, it's time to look elsewhere, or perhaps at a larger Lexus LX.

What makes us particularly happy is the new touchscreen, voice-controlled infotainment system, and lack of the annoying trackpad interface that blighted Lexus for years. It's accessed through a 14-inch screen, comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has integrated Apple Music and Amazon Music. In addition to touch, the infotainment can be controlled by voice commands, including the cloud-based navigation system with Google points of interest (POI). A Wi-Fi Connect hotspot is available via AT&T service, as is SiriusXM.

We found the infotainment system a little laggy, but it's brand new and will be improved by over-the-air updates. The voice recognition is excellent and doesn't struggle like other systems with accents. Despite the lag, this is still vastly better than the old system.

In essence, the new Lexus RX is closing in on perfection as a package. It's easy to drive and as smooth as other premium vehicles but at much higher prices. The new infotainment system fixes the most significant usability issue with the RX. The slight bump in fuel economy (3 mpg combined) is a welcome improvement, as is the extra torque, rear legroom, ride quality, and new styling. The only genuine fault we can pick is in the lagginess we experienced with the infotainment system, but we're aware we were driving pre-production vehicles.

As a first-drive impression, the Lexus RX has leveled up for its new generation. It's now a vehicle we look forward to test-driving over a full week to ensure it is the complete upgrade over the last generation we think it is. If so, existing Lexus customers will love it, andBMW X5andAudi Q7customers that shrug at the idea of spirited driving should test drive it. Even if they do, unless they want the sharpest experience on a back road, the F Sport version is quick and holds a corner. We would take the savings on gas, though, and cross-shop the 350h once the pricing is announced.