The Lexus RX is the mainstay of the brand. This premium SUV was the first SUV in a range that started, like sedans, from top to bottom (then came the NX and UX). It was also the first Lexus to mount a hybrid propulsion system, in 2005. The Lexus RX 2023, the fifth generation, returns to luxury, triples the commitment to hybridization and gains a lot in technology.
It may be strange for some that a vehicle of this size does not opt for diesel, like most manufacturers, especially Europeans. The brand is determined with hybrids, which are already 90% of its sales on our continent. They are going little by little with total electrification. After the first step with the UX, the next one will be shortly with the RZ.
We have been able to drive the three versions of the RX that are being launched right now in Spain, since the first deliveries begin in February. A little more carefully the most powerful, the Lexus RX 500h which is also the one that releases many new features.
Despite the fact that there are already offers for the Lexus RX, it is a car that is not suitable for all audiences, since its price (without discounts) starts from this more powerful and equipped version, so €111,300. Yes, it goes down a bit with promotions in our new car section, and you can choose to finance the car to pay it more easily month by month… but what does it offer? Let’s analyze it
Abroad
The new Lexus RX measures exactly the same as the previous one, 4,890mm, of which 2,850 correspond to the wheelbase, 6 cm more. We must emphasize that now there is only one body, there is no RX L with three rows of seats, since the brand ensures that it was not in much demand. It also gains 10 mm in height, now it stays at 1,695 mm.
On the front, many changes. The classic double arrow-shaped grille is replaced by another that is integrated directly into the front, with no clear boundaries between that grille and the rest of the body. The headlights have been arranged horizontally.
Seen from the side, a very dynamic, unmistakable silhouette has been created, thanks above all to the glazed C-pillar. There are new tension lines on the shoulders, as well as one running up from below, which is intended to emphasize width at the rear. The circular wheel arches (before very square) and go in the color of the body.
At the rear, details are followed that we had already seen in the Lexus UX and the NX, such as that continuous LED line that joins the LED taillights in the middle of the gate.
Inside
Inside we find a very careful environment. In the F Sport finish, which is exclusive to the most powerful RX, the dark environment dominates, with excellent finishes and adjustments, even in the smallest details.
The great novelty compared to the previous generation is the 14-inch screen, with a much finer performance than before. It includes physical controls for the air conditioning and direct access buttons to functions such as demisting the front and rear windows. Also a rotary control for the volume, the simplest solution.
The gear lever is also new, small in size, but with a very good touch as it is also covered in leather. In the center console there is also a space for wireless mobile charging, drink rests and a good central chest between the seats.
Improves interior lighting, with up to 63 colors, and has the one-touch electronic closing system called E-Latch. They open by pressing a button, which can be moved out if you want to open it in a conventional way. And there are many noble materials, of non-animal origin.
The entire arrangement of materials is based on the Tazuna design concept, which means all controls within easy reach. I am not convinced that the steering wheel controls control the Head Up display, although it is surely a matter of getting used to. From the same steering wheel you also have access to the assistant, which executes functions by saying “Hey Lexus» Behind the wheel, a digital dashboard.
There is a lot of space in front, in spacious and comfortable seats. We have noticed that the car is located lower than the previous generation (see test), so access is more natural. And you can position the seat lower to the ground, which aids in dynamic driving.
The space behind also grows, where you perceive the gain in wheelbase clearly. The central tunnel is not too prominent and there is no lack of air vents at the end of the console. It is also possible to recline the backrests to travel more comfortably. The rear locking system is identical, with a single touch… and like the front ones, if it detects another vehicle, cyclist or car, it prevents you from opening the door.
Trunk
Regardless of the chosen engine, the volume of the trunk is always the same, 612 liter capacity. It is a space with very regular shapes and very well finished, fully carpeted.
Under the floor we find a compartmentalized space and even a temporary spare wheel. There is no shortage of practical details such as hooks to fix the load, hangers or a 220 volt socket.
The backs of the rear seats can be folded down, divided into three parts in a 40:20:40 ratio and when you carry out this operation you get a space of 1,678 liters of capacity.
engines
One of the novelties that accompanies the arrival of this new Lexus RX is the expansion of mechanical offers. While in the previous one only a 450h version was offered, in this one there is three to choose from depending on the needs and tastes of current customers, who are segmented as follows:
- RX 350h: The access version, from the firm they do not think that it will attract a huge number of orders (they calculate around 5%). It is a hybrid with a 2.5 gasoline engine and an electric one with 250 hp of power, all-wheel drive e-Four and that completes the 0,100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Interesting its 6.3 l/100 km of average consumption approved.
- RX 450h +: The one that is expected to have the highest number of sales, around 70%. Comparte mechanical scheme with the Toyota RAV4 PHEV that we tested: a 2.5 gasoline engine with another electric for a total of 309 hp of power. Thanks to its 18.1 kWh capacity battery (admits charging powers of 6.6 kW, fully recharges in 2.5 hours), it certifies up to 65 km of electric autonomy.
- RX 500h: The mother of the lamb, which they hope will concentrate one in four sales. It combines a 2.4 Turbo engine with an electric one to offer 371 hp of power and 550 Nm of torque. Complete 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Behavior
The new Lexus RX employs the new GA-K platform It lowers the center of gravity by 15 mm. The width of the tracks changes a lot and a better poise is achieved. It is the same technical base used by the Lexus NX or the Lexus ES, but with a set up different. It seeks to be stiffer and lighter.
The rear axle stands out, with a multi-link suspension brought directly from the LC. That makes it behave better on twisty roads. It is combined, in the case of the 500h, with variable adaptive suspension.
Another novelty that you notice behind the wheel is Direct4, the all-wheel drive technology that distributes torque and power between the front and rear axles. Thanks to the independent electric motor and inverter, it is done more quickly and accurately than a fully mechanical system. Thus, the system can send all the torque to the front or up to 80% to the rear wheels, depending on the driving circumstances. It is a system that helps to control understeer a lot and that, in addition, sends the torque so that the swings are less perceived.
In the F Sport, which has been reserved for this engine, it has dynamic rear steering. It is noticeable and a lot. The turning radius is much smaller and you perceive how the steering wheel is much more direct to the orders than in other versions. In curves at high speeds they rotate jointly with the front ones to gain poise, up to 4 degrees.
But the best is the engine. Having a turbo makes it respond much more quickly and it helps that it has a real six-speed automatic transmission, more precise in acceleration than its range brothers. The sound, without being intoxicating, also helps a lot so that the driving sensations will be really good.
Opinion cars.com
Lexus has shown several things with this new RX. First, that he controls hybridization like no one else. He is capable of producing three very different variants, with this sporty one (which is a pleasure to drive) as the culmination. You can see the 18 years that hybridization has been working with this model.
We do not measure consumption, it approves 8.1 l/100 km, but seeing that the conventional one remains at 6.4 l/100 km, it does not seem like an unreasonable figure. The refinement of gear continues to be its letter of introduction, but this variant does not give up a dynamic touch in driving that is really nice.
As for finishes, it is the best you can find on the market. Obviously, that is paid… and not exactly cheap.
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