2023 Lexus RX: New Surprises From One Of The Originals

2023 Lexus Rx 350 Premium. Photo: Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium. Photo: Lexus

The Lexus RX is a classic bestseller for a reason. But Lexus is still looking to build on it for 2023 and beyond.

Lexus was one of the first to the Crossover Party, bringing the RX to the U.S. in late 1998. It has gone through some stuff. Seen some things. Had a few updates. And now, it’s got some new stuff to show you.

Related: Talk about Style! The Newly Updated Lexus RX350 Luxury SUV Is All That and More

2023 Lexus Rx 350 Interior. Photo: Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 350 Interior. Photo: Lexus

First, the 2023 RX is the unchanged in terms of its conceptual fundamentals. It’s proud of its comfort, its quiet ride, and posh amenities. But the 2023 going to look a little different. The new RX got an updated grille that gives a nod to the outgoing model’s spindle design, but it is a bit understated. There is some sculpting along the rear fender down to the bottom of the doors that makes the RX look more athletic than posh, and 19″ standard wheels add to that impression (21″ wheels are optional). As for power, the RX 350 will have a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Related: You Spoke and Lexus Listened: How the Lexus RX 450 h Is More of What You Want

2023 Lexus Rx 350 Back Seat. Photo: Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 350 back seat. Photo: Lexus

A Shift in the Paradigm

Lexus was also one of the first to the Hybrid Party, and the RX featured their hybrid powertrain back in 2006. Today, we learned that Lexus is continuing their journey into electric cars, but with some changes. A new hybrid, the RX 350h will have a hybrid system with a 4-cylinder engine (the outgoing RX450h had a 6-cylinder engine). The F-Sport will also be a hybrid, the RX 500h F SPORT. The RX 500h F SPORT will have a turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with its hybrid system. It will also have upgraded brake calipers and 21″ wheels standard.

Related: 2021 Lexus 250 AWD: The New ES Mid-Size Luxury Sedan Isn’t Just Smart, It’s Thoughtful, Too

2023 Lexus Rx 500H F Sport. Photo: Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT. Photo: Lexus

The Big Picture is a Little Fuzzy. But it’s Still Big

That isn’t everything, either. The biggest news of all is the announcement of the newest RX, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (or PHEV as the industry calls it). Unfortunately, that is all we know. All details will be shared at a later time. Until then, you can look at this photo and dream. But when we have more information, you’ll be the first to know.

2023 Lexus Rx 450H+ Photo: Lexus
2023 Lexus RX 450h+ Photo: Lexus

 

Sara Lacey
Sara Lacey

Sara has written about cars since 2005. She used to beat them up with her kids and write about it at the likes of MotherProof.com and Cars.com. Now an Associate Editor and Contributor for A Girls Guide to Cars, Sara deciphers how a car will work in her reader's lives.

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