2023 Lexus RX 350 review
Lexus RX 350 highlights
Customer rating
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)
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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
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.
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
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 350Lexus 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
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- F-SPORT Handling: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Premium: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Premium Plus: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Luxury: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Lexus RX 350 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Lexus RX 350 as 2 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 has a maximum towing capacity of 3494 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Lexus RX 350:
- Luxury
- Premium
- Premium Plus
- Head Up Display
- Parking Sensors
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