The new generation of the super-popular luxury SUV is here. Of course, it brings so many novelties and improvements, so we have no doubt that the new model will remain the most popular mid-size crossover on the market. From what we know so far, the entry-level version will come as the 2023 Lexus RX 350, just like the current model. However, it will come with significant changes, not just under the hood but in other aspects as well.
The biggest changes will come under the hood, where the good-old V6 will be replaced with the new turbo-four engine. Other than that, we will see a completely new design, with improved ride quality, new aesthetics, new interior design and many more things.
The all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 already had a premier and we expect to see it in showrooms later this year.
2023 Lexus RX 350 Gets New Engine
In the past, the RX 350 was named after its engine, which featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine. With the new generation, the moniker will remain but we will see a completely different engine under the hood. Instead of the V6, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 will come with the company’s new 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. The max output will go around 275 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Although that’s less power compared to the V6, we expect to see better driving dynamics, thanks to way more torque.
The new engine will be paired with an updated 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard, while an AWD system will be available too. We presume that the fuel economy will be slightly better compared to the V6’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Other than the turbo-four, the new-generation RX will also come with three hybrid powertrain options on offer.
2023 Lexus RX 350 Design
This will be a complete overhaul, so it’s no wonder that we are about to see novelties and improvements in various aspects. Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is the platform. The 2023 Lexus RX 350 will finally switch to the TNGA architecture and we expect to see notable improvements regarding handling and overall athleticism. When it comes to comfort, the outgoing generation is already impressive, so we don’t expect bigger changes in this aspect.
The new model will get bigger. It will feature a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, so you may count on more legroom on the inside. Of course, there is the new styling as well, which brings a little bit more mature, more conventional look. Unlike the previous generation, the new RX won’t be offered in a stretched variant.
Interior
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 won’t be offered in the stretched “L” version. Instead, Lexus engineers prepare a brand-new three-row crossover, while the RX will come as a five-seater only. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, it will certainly feature more legroom, especially in the second row. The front seats, on the other hand, will remain spacious and comfortable, as the current model already offers some of the best seats in the class.
Of course, we will also see a completely new dashboard design. You can easily notice new tech features, which include a digital instrument cluster and a massive infotainment screen. Besides more tech features, the new dashboard also brings new aesthetics and even finer materials. We are eager to see how the new infotainment screen works, considering that the Japanese manufacturer will replace the old touchpad-based unit with a touchscreen interface.
Lexus RX Hybrids
Besides the new turbo-four engine, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 will also come in three hybrid versions. The base one will come as the RX 250h and it will feature pretty much the same powertrain as the Highlander. That’s a system based on a 2.5-liter inline-four, with a combined output of 246 horsepower.
You may also count on the new RX 500h, which will be the most powerful version on the offer. This system will be based on a turbo-four engine and it will feature a combined output of 367 horsepower.
Finally, count on a plug-in hybrid version, which should feature the same and very similar system to the NX 450h+, which features a max output of 302 horsepower and provides around 40 miles of the all-electric range.
All three hybrid systems should come with a CVT.
2023 Lexus RX 350 Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2023 Lexus RX 350 sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 50.000 dollars. The RX is by far the most popular model in the class, while the closest competitors are models like BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE etc.
