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2023 Lexus RX 350 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus RX 350 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient engine
  • Luxurious interior
  • Comfortable seating

Cons

  • Unintuitive infotainment system
  • F Sport ride quality is too firm

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 28 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The redesigned 2023 Lexus RX 350 sticks with the same recipe for success

Completely redesigned for the model year, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 features updated styling and plenty of new features. As one of the most popular vehicles in Lexus’ lineup, the pressure was on to get it right and, in our estimation, the automaker succeeded. In addition to the RX 350, there’s also a more fuel-efficient RX 350h hybrid and a higher-performing RX 500 that are reviewed separately.

This time around, the RX addresses the two biggest complaints we’ve had with its predecessor. The much-maligned infotainment trackpad controller is gone in favor of an easier-to-use touchscreen, and fuel economy estimates are more in line with reality.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 doesn’t alter its formula of favoring comfort over performance, which seems to be a recipe for success with the following it’s earned. More than ever, the RX is competitive against entry-level luxury SUVs such as the Acura MDX as well as the pricier BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, but it doesn’t surpass them.

All Lexus RX 350 years

What is new for the 2023 Lexus RX 350?

  • The RX 350 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Luxury and Premium Plus.
  • The F-Sport, L, and L Luxury trims have been discontinued for 2023.
  • RX 350 trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Cruise Control, Head Up Display, Leather & Suede Seats, Turbo Charged Engine, Android Auto, Navigation System, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking and Rear A/C Seat(s) features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Base trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and Rear Sunshade as standard equipment.
  • The F-SPORT Handling trim now comes with Sunroof(s) and Rear Sunshade as standard equipment.

2023 Lexus RX 350 trims

Curious how Lexus RX 350 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 275-hp, 317-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Sunshade
  • View our Lexus RX 350 inventory

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Lexus RX 350

What We Like

Fuel-efficient engine: The RX 350 is EPA-estimated to get 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg in combined driving.

Opting for all-wheel drive drops those figures by 1 mpg across the board. That makes it one of the more fuel-efficient choices in the midsize luxury SUV class. By comparison, the Acura MDX is EPA-estimated at 22 mpg combined, the BMW X5 should get 23 mpg combined, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is EPA-estimated at 22 mpg combined.

Luxurious interior: The 2023 RX’s interior marks a huge improvement over the last generation. There are more high-quality materials that are competitive with pricier luxury SUVs, and the build quality feels sturdy with no detectable creaks or squeaks. The large 14-inch display adds a distinctly more high-tech look than the base 9.8-inch one.

Comfortable seating: The Lexus RX’s front seats are roomy and comfortable, offering plenty of space for taller drivers and adjustments to allow shorter occupants to find their preferred position too. The F Sport seats adds more aggressive side bolstering, but they’re just as well cushioned as the standard seats. Even the rear seats feel less flat and more contoured than we’re used to.

What Needs Improvement

Unintuitive infotainment system: The new infotainment system in the RX is much easier to use now that the previous trackpad controller is gone. The sharp graphics are easy to read at a quick glance. Our issue arises from the rather confusing menu structure. We’re also not thrilled with the steering wheel buttons that change their function depending on what system you’re trying to control via the head-up display.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Lexus RX 350 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lexus RX 350 3rd out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350 features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

275

Torque (ft-lbs)

317

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

17.8

Wheelbase

112.2"

Overall length

192.5"

Width

75.6"

Height

67.3"

Leg room

F 41.1"/R 37.4"

Head room

F 39.5"/R 38.6"

Front tires

P235/60VR19

Rear tires

P235/60VR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

349/3494 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Lexus RX 350 FAQ

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