2023 Lexus RX: What We Know So Far

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Article QuickTakes:

• 2023 Lexus RX: Styling
• Efficiency and engines
• Pricing

The Lexus RX is all-new and completely redesigned for 2023. While the RX has been one of the luxury automaker’s best-selling crossovers, it has been due for a full refresh for some time. Launched as a 1998 model, the latest edition of the Lexus RX gets a new interior, exterior, and updated fuel economy ratings. Here’s what we know so far about the 2023 Lexus RX.

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2023 Lexus RX Styling

From the outside the 2023 RX looks a bit softer than its previous generation, offering the same angular styling that Lexus has been known for, but taking some cues from the upcoming, all-electric Lexus RZ. It has a lower roofline and higher hood than the current RX. The 2023 Lexus RX will be built on an all-new platform (known as GA-K) and will get four reengineered powertrains, three of which are fully electric.

Like many other vehicles currently on the market, the 2023 Lexus RX gets a large 14.0-inch center touchscreen that flows into the instrument panel in front of the driver. You also get a multi-spoke steering wheel with controls that include everything from the available adaptive cruise to voice controls and audio controls. Lexus has done away with the annoying touch-pad as an input device, and instead uses voice inputs and touchscreen inputs. While details are still forthcoming, there are options for a heads-up display, configurable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

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While the previous RX offered an “L” variant with a 4.4-inch stretch and a third row of seating, Lexus has yet to announce whether the 2023 RX will include this model. For 2023 the RX’s wheelbase is a couple of inches longer than the outgoing model’s, though the new model actually posts smaller figures than the previous two-row model for legroom, front and rear. Headroom in models without a moon roof or panoramic roof increases for the 2023 model, but is less if buyers opt for a model with a fancy roof option. The 2023 RX does significantly increase the available cargo capacity, going from 16/32.6 cu.-ft. with the rear seats up or folded down, respectively, to a generous 29.59 cu.-ft. with the rear seats up and 46.19 cu.-ft. with the rear seats folded down.

Lexus has said it will offer the 2023 RX in six interior color options with four ornamentation styles depending on grade. Interior colors: Macadamia, Black, Birch, Palomino, Peppercorn and Rioja Red. Ornamentation styles: Black Cascade, Ash Bamboo, Black Open Pore, and Dark Graphite Aluminum.

There will be two new grades of the 2023 Lexus RX, including an F-Sport Performance grade with all-wheel drive.

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2023 Lexus RX Fuel Economy

Because Lexus is offering the 2023 RX with four different powertrains, there will be several sets of fuel economy numbers coming from the EPA, but at the time of this writing, the government is yet to evaluate the vehicle. Lexus provided estimates for all but the forthcoming plug-in hybrid, which are listed below.

The four different powertrains include:

• The RX 350 (FWD/AWD) with a 2.4L, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that puts out 275 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. Estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg combined.
• The RX 350h (AWD), which gets a fourth-generation, large-capacity hybrid system and features a front unit that integrates a 2.5L inline-four. It makes 246 horsepower and 233 lb.-ft. of torque. Lexus estimates it will return 33 mpg combined.
• The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is coming, but Lexus hasn’t shared details yet.
• The RX F Sport Performance Grade will get a 2.4L turbo engine, with an inverter and an electric motor. Lexus says this RX will put out 366 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque, and get an estimated 26 mpg combined.

2023 Lexus RX Pricing

Lexus has not yet released pricing for the 2023 RX. 2022 prices started around $48,000 for the RX 350 FWD, so it's safe to bet 2023 prices may start around the $50,000 mark, with variants like the RX F SPORT and the RX 450h+ approaching the $70,000 mark.