2023 Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Review

The Lexus RX has been at the forefront of the luxury crossover market since its inception.

It is a 5-seating bed of roses on wheels, that can also serve as a reliable daily driver.

This year, Lexus has given it a massive update in the form of the 2023 Lexus RX. The following is a review of its hybrid version:

Features

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is the very first showing of the all-new 5th gen RX. This means that it has been completely redesigned inside out.

You’re offered five trim levels and two amazing powertrain options. The top trim is the high-performance F Sport model.

A large selection of convenience and safety features is standard.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 Lexus RX hybrid offers two options under its hood. The 2.4-liter engine pairs up with a set of electric motors to produce 246 hp and 233 lb-ft.

If you get the RX500h F Sport Performance, it comes with a 2.4-liter turbo hybrid that makes 367 hp and 406 lb-ft. The power is sent to all four wheels via an eCVT gearbox.

Therefore, the 2023 RX Hybrid is able to give out a stellar 0-60 mph time of up to 5.6 seconds. It is also a great hauler despite its luxury status.

Its maximum towing and payload capacities are 3500 and 1399 lbs respectively.

As expected, the fuel economy is superb. The EPA says that the standard engine can do up to 37 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

The RX500h F Sport Performance is rated for 27 mpg city; 28 highway. It is better than most traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Interior and Technology

The 2023 RX Hybrid’s interior features a lot of attention to detail and high-quality materials. The atmosphere in the cabin is as premium as it gets.

It has plenty of space for passengers, with comfortable seats and a smooth ride.

You also get a variety of storage compartments throughout the cabin. These include door pockets, cupholders, a center console with a storage bin, and a glove compartment.

There is generous cargo space, which increases with the rear seats folded down. Everything’s accessible with its low lift-over height and wide opening, making loading and unloading easy.

The following covers all the trim levels of the 2023 RX Hybrid and their standard features:

2023 Lexus RX350h
The entry-level Lexus RX hybrid features NuLuxe and black cascade interior trims, and leather-trimmed steering and shifter.

It comes with push-button ignition, ambient mood lighting, wifi hotspot, and multi-zone climate control. The front seats are 8-way power-adjustable and heated.

The infotainment system consists of a 9.8-inch touchscreen and a premium 12-speaker stereo. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included, along with USB ports and power outlets.

Furthermore, there’s a suite of safety systems offered.

They are automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature, etc.

2023 Lexus RX350h Premium
You get an ash bamboo interior trim and a black open-pore wood trim on this one.

The amenities include heated and ventilated front seats, a memory system for the driver seat, and a wireless charger for phones. It also has a powered moonroof.

Parking sensors are also added on the 2023 RX Hybrid Premium trim.

2023 Lexus RX350h Premium Plus
The RX Hybrid Premium Plus model adds more niceties, starting with a perforated leather-trimmed interior.

The other upgrades include an upgraded multi-zone climate control system, and a heated wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The biggest upgrade is literally the 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.

2023 Lexus RX350h Luxury
The 2023 RX Hybrid Luxury offers a perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, plus an Ultrasuede interior door trim.

On top of all the tech mentioned above, you also get 10-way power for the seats up front.

2023 Lexus RX350h Luxury
The 2023 RX500h F Sport is the most athletic variant on the lineup. So, it loses some goods to improve its driving dynamics.

You still get custom add-ons like a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. Also included are sporty front seats with enhanced bolsters.

2023 Lexus RX350h

 

 

2023 Lexus RX350h Premium

 

 

2023 Lexus RX350h Luxury

 

 

Exterior and Driving

Looks

The 2023 Lexus RX features a sharp and aggressive-looking exterior that oozes style.

You get a set of dark grey 19-inch rims on the base, Premium, and Premium Plus. The top two trims offer a set of 21-inch dark rims with different styles.

Apart from the base, all the trims get roof rails as well. But of course, the 2023 RX500h F Sport is the most unique here.

It has custom roof rails, window trim surround, side-view mirrors, front-fender badges, front fascia and mesh grille insert, color-keyed rocker panels, and rear valance.

The colors on the 2023 RX are Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.

Regarding driving, every tester has praised the RX for its snippiness.

For example, Edmunds said that the “hybrid system brings a little extra oomph as well,” and that the vehicle is “very easy vehicle to drive.”

Reliability and Warranty

The 2023 RX gets a spectacular score of 85 out of 100 from JD Power. Consumer Reports has called it “more reliable than other new cars”.

On top of the excellent reliability, you also get excellent aftersales, better than the competitors.

There’s a limited warranty of 6 years or 70k miles. Also included is a powertrain components warranty of 5 years or 60k miles. The hybrid components warranty is for 8 years or 100k miles.

Lastly, Lexus is one of the few automakers to offer complimentary maintenance for 1 year or 10k miles.

Verdict

Buying the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is a no-brainer then. It is everything from acceleration and hauling abilities to lots of features.

You also get a handsome new exterior and interior, plus roominess for passengers and cargo. The reliability is also there and so are the best warranties in town.

To get the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid in Mason, Morrow, and Loveland, check out Performance Lexus here.