Must-Know Details About The Lexus RX Hybrid

The luxury SUV segment has always been a competitive one, with automakers pushing out model after model with the hopes of being the top-dog in the market. The usual automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo always stand-out, and usually are what comes to mind when thinking of “a luxury car company,” but they aren’t the only players in the game.

Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota, is also a formidable competitor in this segment, known for producing comfortable, subtle, and reliable vehicles such as the Lexus RX. The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is a much more relaxed-looking mid-sized SUV when compared to the likes of the BMW X3 and X4, for example, or even the Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own in a very competitive segment.

Related: 2023 Lexus RX – New Engines, More Space, and a 367-Horsepower F Sport Performance Hybrid

9 The Lexus Rx Hybrid’s Modern, Eye-Catching Exterior

The Lexus RX Hybrid got a substantial and very impactful redesign from its previous generation. While many might point out the new, stand-out “nose” on the Lexus RX, the body lines are a lot sleeker than its predecessor, giving it a much more modernized look. Its headlights now integrate the signature Lexus LED daytime running light with the main bulbs, making for a cleaner headlight design. Coming around to the rear end of the vehicle, the tail lights now have a sleeker light bar design which comes across the entire width of the vehicle. And in usual Lexus fashion, the large spindle grill is still present. Overall, the entire vehicle looks much more aerodynamic and sharp.

Exterior Dimensions

8 An Artisanal and Luxurious Interior Cabin

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is the epitome of Japanese excellence in craftsmanship, equipped with an interior that’ll make you feel right at home. Within the interior, you’ll feel that touch of luxury and elegance that Lexus offers where Toyota cannot. The cabin is a lot more modernized and updated, with fitting material trims such as Black Open Pore-Wood, Ash Bamboo, and even a Dark Graphite Aluminum Trim available on the most expensive RX500h F-Sport Performance. For a more atmospheric vibe, it also features thematic ambient lighting. This touch is all thanks to Lexus’ master craftspeople, the Takumi, who dedicate their lives to perfecting even the most minute details of any Lexus vehicle.

7 The Standard Tech Is Nice, But The Optional Tech Is Where It’s At

The previous generation RX might’ve been less intuitive and less driver-friendly when it came to controls; however, the newer RX does away with those hassles and offers a much more streamlined and simplified infotainment experience. The highlight here is the new 9.8-inch infotainment system that includes the usual Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an optional larger 14-inch touchscreen display on the Premium trims, but it comes standard on the Premium+ trims.

Lexus RX Technology Highlights

• Digital Rearview Camera (available in a package for teh RX 350 Premium)
• Panoramic View Monitor (available as part of a package for all trims but the entry-level model)
• 10-inch color Heads Up Display (Available as part of a package for the Premium+ trims)
• 12 speaker premium audio system (standard)
• 21-speaker Mark Leveinson audio system (available as part of a package for the Premium+ trim)

Related: What Makes The Lexus RX Hybrid A Superior Species

6 A Spacious Cabin And Decent Cargo Space

The Lexus RX Hybrid offers plenty of space, comfortable enough to fit in an entire group of five adults. It should be noted, however, that the available third row from the last generation was left behind, which means if you need seating for more than five, you’ll need to move up to the Lexus TX or look to the last-generation RX on the used market. As a two-row crossover, the cargo capacity on the RX isn’t that bad. With all the seats in place, its cargo area is a commendable 29.6 cubic-feet. If you’re riding solo or only with a co-pilot, you can fold down the rear seats to increase your total cargo space to 46.2 cubic feet. These rear seats feautre a 40/20/40 split for ultimate configurability and when not laid down, they can recline for added comfort.

Interior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Lexus)

5 The RX Hybrid 450h+ Hits The Sweet Spot with 304 Horsepower

Powering the Lexus RX Hybrid is a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine, which is paired to an electronically controlled variable transmission (E-CVT) and comes equipped with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive. This engine comes available for all RX Hybrid trims, except for the 500h F Sport. It makes a total of 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. or a total of 304 horsepower in the 450h+. All-Wheel-Drive comes as standard on all hybrid trims of the Lexus RX. The top trim, which is the Lexus RX500h F-Sport Performance, is powered by turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline-four, which brings total output up to 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This model was able to go from zero to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds during Car & Driver’s independent testing.

Lexus RX Hybrid Performance Specifications

(All specs sourced from Lexus)

4 The RX Hybrid Delivers Up to 37 MPG In The City

Being a hybrid, you can expect the Lexus RX to deliver excellent fuel economy, and the RX Hybrid does pretty well in that regard. The 350h trims of the 2023 Lexus RX have an estimated MPG of 37 in the city, and 34 on the highway, making for 36 MPG combined. The more powerful and sportier RX500h, however, has an estimated 27 MPG in the city, and 28 on the highway, making for 27 MPG combined. To put this into perspective, the non-hybrid FWD RX 350 is good for just 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. Neither the EPA or Lexus provide granualr fuel economy estimates for the RX 450h+, though you can expect to attain 83 MPGe from its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

(information sourced from fueleconomy.gov)

Related:10 Things To Know About The Lexus RX Hybrid

3 Safety And Driver-Assistance Features

Lexus doesn’t cheapen out when it comes to safety and assistance. You’d be surprised, looking at the spec sheet of the Lexus RX, that literally every safety feature comes as standard regardless of the Hybrid trim you choose to get. While there are currently no safety scores given by the NHTSA to the current generation Lexus RX, its previous generation was rated five stars for overall safety.

Starting off with the bare necessities, the Lexus RX comes with all the expected safety features such as Airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and Traction Control. For those who find it a bit challenging when it comes to parking, Advanced Park is also available as a package option; standard, of course, is a Backup camera and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking. These safety features all come from Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes features such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Curve Speed Management Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Assist, and many, many more such as:

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Intelligent High Beams
• Vehicle Stability Control

2 The Lexus RX Is Reliable

While the 2024 Lexus RX hybrid is a bit to fresh to truly gauge its reliability, JD Power has a breakdown of the 2023 model, and it comes out quite well on the reliability scale. JD Power gives the 2023 Lexus RS “great” rating for quality and reliability with a score of 81 out of 100. Of all data available, JD Power also gives it a consumer verified rating of 83 out of 100, which includes an average score of 80 for driving experience, a great score of 84 for resale, and a great 90 out of 100 rating for dealership experience. These ratings but the Lexus RX ahead of the Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT5, Land Rover Defender, and Acura MDX among many others.

1 The Lexus RX Hybrid Ranges From $51,800-$70,080

The cheapest trim of the Lexus RX Hybrid, the RX 350h AWD, starts at $51,800 and comes packed with more than just the bare necessities you will ever need in a daily driver. The sportiest trim, the RX500h, is priced at $63,800 if you’re looking for a more enthusiastic experience. A plug-in hybrid is also available; the RX450h+ is priced at $70,080, making it the most expensive trim in the lineup. There are 6 hybrid trims to choose from, all with their respective packages and options.

Lexus RX Hybrid Lineup

(Prices sourced from Lexus)