This week I am proud to bring you the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, one of my most recommended SUVs on the CarPro Radio Show.
This is the 5th generation of the RX after debuting in 1998, and each new model has just gotten better. This one is no exception.
Exterior
The exterior is upgraded, and Lexus toned down the big grill, which was a turn-off for some people. It has a very sculpted hood, beautiful 21” wheels, triple beam headlights, and big corner vents in the front to feed air to the engine. The RX features a “floating roof” design.
Performance
Speaking of the engine, the long-time V6 is gone in the RX and is replaced by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with a turbo. It is hooked to an 8-speed shiftable automatic that is putting out 275-horses and has 317 pound-feet of torque. I admit I was concerned it would not have enough power, but that is far from the case. Acceleration is better with the current engine.
Interior
The interior is luxurious as you would expect in a Lexus. There are soft-touch materials everywhere, no plastic anywhere I can find.
The seats are stitched and bolstered and extremely comfortable and they are heated and cooled.
In front of the driver is a colorful digital gauge cluster that has a large speedometer and your other gauges. It also shows you which gear the RX is currently in, a nice touch.
The infotainment screen is a large 14” display that is colorful and very easy to operate. It is touchscreen so the annoying joystick and track pad methods are FINALLY GONE!
From the screen, you operate the nav system, the Mark Levinson Sound System, Bluetooth, and the car settings, including changing the drive modes. Yes, Sport is my favorite. This screen also houses a fantastic rear-view camera with extreme clarity and many different views. You get Wi-Fi, voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well.
The center console has your gear shifter, auto hold button, start/stop disable and two roomy cupholders. There is wireless cell phone charging and USB and USB-C ports.
The backseat is very roomy and passengers there can operate their own climate control, have A/C vents, USB ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
Utility
Cargo area is generous and has a sliding cover to hide valuables and even more storage underneath, along with a temporary spare tire.
Equipment
The F Sport comes well equipped with a panoramic moon roof, a terrific head-up display, push button start, keyless entry, power liftgate, power seats, aluminum pedals, and a lot more. I always love an SUV with the rear wiper tucked up the spoiler.
Safety
Safety-wise, you get adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traction control, stability control, parking assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Ride and Drive
This all-wheel drive SUV handles great, is incredibly balanced through curves, and is uber quiet inside. I am very pleased with acceleration, and they even pipe some exhaust sound through the speakers for effect.
Fuel economy is 21 city and 28 highway and MSRP is $57,750 easily $5,000 less than I expected given all the amazing changes.
Verdict
To put it in perspective, I’ve said on my radio show 1000 times the RX is the best SUV ever produced. It has now gone to the next level. Get on the waiting list for one of these now.
- What I liked most: The value proposition, drive quality, and engine changes.
- What I would change: Nothing, Lexus made exceptional changes.
- MSRP: As equipped, $57,750.
- Fuel Economy: 21 city/ 28 Highway/ 24 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,800 miles.
- Weight: 4,310 pounds/5,620 pound GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Temporary spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 192.5" long/75.6" wide/67.3" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.8 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Grecian Water.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
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2023 RX 350 in a few words: The best SUV ever made got even better for 2023.
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Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 6-year/72,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus.
