The all-new 2023 Lexus RX crossover was launched locally on January 16, 2023.

Besides riding on the more rigid Lexus GA-K platform, the major headline for the five-seat luxury crossover is its all-hybrid lineup.

The RX 350h drops the old 3.5-liter V6 for a turbocharged 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine. 

Together with the electric motor, the new powertrain has a combined output of 250 PS and 316 Nm of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.

All RX 350h variants come with the “E-Four” all-wheel-drive system, which places an electric motor at the rear axle for instantaneous power in low-grip situations.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line RX 500h has a turbocharged 2.4-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine with a combined output of 371 PS and 550 Nm. 

Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, Lexus claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds.

The RX 500h gets the “DIRECT 4” all-wheel-drive system, which Lexus said, “uses a separate electric motor and inverter to constantly balance the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation.”

All RX variants get Adaptive Variable Suspension that can handle a wider range of surfaces. In the RX 500h, this is paired with dynamic rear steering for more responsive handling.

More aggressive appearance

The all-new RX’s design is more evolutionary than revolutionary.

The front end still features the brand’s controversial “spindle grill,” although it is now complemented by thinner LED headlights. Its more aggressive stance is down to the front track, which has been widened by 15mm.

The side profile has also seen some gradual changes, notably the longer hood and the character kink on the rear doors. Lexus increased the car’s wheelbase by 60mm.

Meanwhile, the black C-pillar contributes to the “floating roof” appearance, which accentuates the roofline that has been lowered by 10mm. The 21-inch alloy wheels fill the arches quite nicely.

Out back, the wraparound LED taillights now run across the entire tailgate, while the rear bumper is now more pert than before. The Japanese carmaker also widened the rear track by 45mm.

The RX 500h F-Sport features a distinctive front grill, side skirts and bumpers.

Animal-free cabin

For those who want to truly embrace the eco-conscious lifestyle, you’ll be delighted to hear that no animals were harmed in the making of the Lexus RX’s leather interior, at least in the entry-level RX 350h Executive variant.

Lexus said it used the “Tazuna” cockpit concept to create a more driver-focused cabin. Taking its name from the Japanese word for using reins to control a horse, Tazuna ensures “direct yet intuitive control.”

As such, the multimedia screen, multi-information display, single-dial meter, centralized gauges and head-up display are grouped so these can be read with minimal eye and head movement.  

Smarter active-safety suite

As with all Toyota products, the RX features a highly sophisticated active-safety suite called the Lexus Safety System+.

Improvements to the system include further expansion of the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect motorcycles (a particularly useful feature in the Philippines) and other objects in the car’s path.

The company said the adaptive cruise control has been enhanced so that it now more quickly recognizes traffic cutting in front (again, particularly useful on our roads). 

Meanwhile, upgrades to the Lane Trace Assist system mean the RX will follow a more natural line through bends.  

The all-new Lexus RX is available in three variants:

• RX 350h Executive – ₱5,058,000

• RX 350h Premier – ₱6,188,000

• RX 500h F-Sport – ₱6,668,000

What do you think of Lexus’ new all-hybrid luxury crossover?