2023 Lexus RX 350

BY LARRY PRINTZ

Just as you don’t go to a leather bar expecting to drink quality craft cocktails, you don’t purchase the 2023 Lexus RX for its sporty driving experience. But that’s to be expected.

All-new for 2023, RX aficionados will find this revamped model has been upgraded but isn't significantly different from the previous one. It has a sportier appearance than before thanks to its lower roof and longer wheelbase, but retains a recognizable appearance as a Lexus RX. That said, you only get two rows of seats; the three-row RX-L has been dropped.

Yet perhaps the biggest change comes from the Lexus RX’s redesigned multimedia system. It now employs a touchscreen rather than a fiddly console-mounted controller knob. It also has a new user interface that’s far more intuitive to use. Less appreciated is the constant electronic warning admonishing the driver to sit up straight.

Aw mom, do I have to?

The other change comes under the hood, where a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, not last year’s V-6. It sends 275 horsepower to the front wheels, although all-wheel drive is available. You can also opt for the RX 350h, with a dual-motor hybrid system paired to a 2.4-liter fourcylinder engine, continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. It generates 246 horsepower. Both powerplants take more than seven seconds to attain 60 mph.

Of the two, the RX 350h returns better fuel economy: 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving according to the EPA, whereas the base RX 350 returns 25 mpg. If neither model sounds enticing, consider the RX 500h, which pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 366 horsepower, dropping its 0-60 mph time to less

Base prices: $48,550

Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder

EPA fuel economy

(city/highway): 21/28 mpg

Horsepower/Torque: 246/233 pound-feet

Length/Width/Height: 192.5/75.6/67.3 inches

Ground clearance: 8 inches

Cargo capacity: 29.6-46.1 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,494 pounds than six seconds from more than seven. Note that all RXs drink premium fuel.

Nevertheless, RX aficionados will love that the RX’s personality remains unchanged.

The 2023 Lexus RX is still a soft luxury-oriented tourer, with a commendably quiet, comfortable ride and noticeable body lean while cornering. cossetting comfort is this vehicle’s stock in trade, not a sporty driving experience. And what’s wrong with that?

Power is sufficient, although the 350h hybrid offers respectable fuel efficiency that makes it worth its higher price. The 500h is the fastest, thanks to its extra power and six-speed automatic transmission. And its adaptive dampers, front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear multi-link set-up make it the best dance partner, although it still exhibits body roll while cornering, while returning an EPA-estimated 27 mpg.

Of the three models tested, the base RX 350 seems quietest, and Toyota expects that 70% of RX shoppers will pop for one, with 20% opting for the 2350h and the rest opting for the pricey 500h. With the 20232 Lexus RX, some things never change, and for its fans, that’s a relief. Its performance will never raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Rather, comfort is the RX’s core value, something that remains unchanged here.

It’s like a great craft cocktail, minus any leather harnesses.