2023 Lexus RX

With every automaker's latest SUV seemingly trying to out-sport the rest and turn these lifestyle vehicles into high-performance corner carvers, Lexus has stuck with what it knows best and what's worked for its trusty RX over the years. So it's refreshing that the emphasis here is very much on comfort, making the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX disarmingly easy to drive and pleasant to use on the less-than-perfect roads you use daily. But it's also been meaningfully updated, and gone is the infuriating old infotainment system in favor of the latest tech. The styling is genuinely eye-catching, but even bigger changes have been made under the skin - the RX now rides on Toyota's global GA-K platform, which is lighter than before and makes for more legroom in the back. The old V6 and CVT make way for a turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed auto. Hybrids make up a large portion of the lineup (we review the Lexus RX hybrids separately), so outputs across the range vary from 246 horsepower to 366 hp. The Lexus RX's competitors are SUVs from both the class below, such as the Genesis GV70 and BMW X3, and the class above, including the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

With the base Lexus RX's price starting at $47,400, it is only around $1,500 more expensive than last year's cheapest model. So it is with every new Lexus RX trim's price, with the Premium costing $49,400, the Premium+ $52,000, and the Luxury $55,400. Adding AWD to any of these trims will cost $1,600. The F Sport Handling comes in AWD only at a cost of $56,600. Every Lexus RX MSRP quoted above is exclusive of extras or the $1,150 destination charge.

If you thought that the new Lexus RX would challenge a Cayenne's driving dynamics, you might be disappointed, because Lexus has stuck closely to the luxury and comfort brief. The RX still does what it's always been great at - providing a comfortable and quiet ride. The softly-sprung underpinnings soak up irregularities with ease and provide the refined ride most people in this class want. So it's no enthusiast's conveyance, and its numb steering and measured responses mean little fun is to be had hustling it. Surprisingly, the F Sport models don't inject much sportiness at all, and this could be seen as a missed opportunity to provide a more fun alternative, especially considering the RX 500h has the most horsepower and quickest acceleration times. The base RX 350 engine is now a 275-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 20 hp less than the outgoing V6, and also slower to 60 mph. It feels punchier than the horsepower figure suggests in everyday driving, though, with a healthy dose of low-end torque that the old V6 lacked.

The new 2023 Lexus RX is undoubtedly a much better car than the old one and fixes many of its shortcomings, such as the clunky infotainment system. But it's still not easy to pigeonhole it and its dimensions don't allow for a third row such as many rivals have, relegating it to five seats and a place at the table of compact SUVs such as the Q5 and X3. It makes a lot of sense as a roomy, premium X3 rival at a similar price. But it's still no performance SUV, and said X3 has far sharper driving dynamics if that's your thing. The RX, with its rather sedate base powertrain, will continue to cater to the needs of people who just want a comfortable, reliable, and stylish premium SUV, but now with sharp new looks and up-to-date tech and safety. It will be right up the alley of the traditional RX buyer, but it's unlikely to be enough to win the RX many new fans.

There is too little difference between the base car and the Premium to justify the latter and both still miss out on notable features such as the leather upholstery and 14-inch touchscreen, the two main reasons why we'd opt for the Premium+. This brings all the most important features together with a properly upmarket interior ambiance, especially with the unnecessary but very cool thematic ambient lighting. It doesn't look as aggressive as the top trims on its standard 19-inch wheels, but it rides more softly and the only feature we'd miss is the Luxury's head-up display, which you can always add on. We'd stick to the standard FWD, but AWD costs only $1,600 and usefully aids grip out of the blocks, especially if your area gets snow in winter. Even with AWD and the head-up display added, it comes in almost $1k cheaper than the FWD Luxury and is the best value in our book.