![]() Lexus has cleverly made them multifunctional, but their functions are only shown in the head-up display and require too much focus to perform simple tasks. Another frustration: the unmarked buttons on the steering wheel. It makes maneuvering the RX in tight confines a snap.īut the shift lever adopts the unconventional shift pattern used in the Toyota Prius, which had us occasionally selecting neutral when we thought we had drive. Another benefit of the large center display is the crystal-clear backup camera and, if so equipped, surround-view camera system. ![]() Despite the stunning new interior design, the RX does not have a steep learning curve, and most of its controls will become immediately familiar. The sharp-looking 14-inch touchscreen display is a highlight thanks to its clean graphics and quick responses. How’s the interior? The interior of the RX is a mix of Lexus' superb attention to detail as well as some puzzling and sometimes frustrating design choices. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we noticed little to no wind noise, we did hear more tire hum than we expected. The three-zone climate system did a good job of maintaining a set temperature, though we thought the center vents were too low to be particularly effective on a warm day. Most of the climate control features are readily accessible and easy to use. The seat heating and ventilation in our test RX were fast-acting, and the rear seats offered better than average sculpting and support. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more bolstering but are just as soft and comfortable as the ones in a standard RX. But this new generation F Sport strikes a better overall balance, even if some buyers might still find it a bit stiff. On the previous-generation RX we thought the F Sport was a no-go due to its overly stiff ride with no real improvement in handling. How comfortable is the RX 350? Our test vehicle was the F Sport Handling trim, which includes a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and 21-inch wheels. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides ample grunt around town, and shifts from the eight-speed automatic are quick and well timed. Prospective buyers concerned about the lack of a V6 engine (like the ones available with previous-generation RXs) don't need to worry. The capable chassis of the RX allows for confident handling, but we think there's not much benefit to the F Sport. The F Sport version might come with a sport-tuned suspension, but with its lackluster tires the RX isn't the least bit athletic on a back road. But the RX's firm and easy-to-control brake pedal makes it a breeze to stop with full confidence in a variety of situations on the street. It should be noted that there is no optional engine for the RX 350, and buyers will need to step up to the RX 500h for more performance.Īt 132 feet, outright braking performance in panic stops from 60 mph also trails the competition. That's only a smidge faster than its V6-powered predecessor but slower than the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and more than 2 seconds slower than the six-cylinder-powered Genesis GV80 and Mercedes GLE 450. While that doesn't add any power, it does come with all-wheel drive, which enabled the RX to hit 60 mph in an uneventful 7.8 seconds. How does the RX 350 drive? Our test vehicle was an F Sport Handling trim. All of these alternatives have the same standard five-passenger, two-row configuration as the Lexus RX, and some of them are more appealing. However, it faces several rivals, including the BMW X5, Cadillac XT5, Genesis GV80, Jaguar F-Pace, Lincoln Nautilus and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Since the new Lexus RX is about the same size as the old one, it should still appeal to the luxury SUV buyers that have made it successful in the past. In addition, the RX 350's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine promises similar performance to the previous V6-powered RX but with better fuel efficiency. ![]() ![]() More importantly, the redesigned RX adds next-generation infotainment, convenience and driver assist technologies. However, compared to the outgoing model, Lexus tones it down inside and out. Rumors are swirling that a new Lexus model based on the upcoming Toyota Grand Highlander will replace the old RX L.Īs for the 2023 RX, the styling remains controversial. If you want a three-row Lexus crossover SUV, don't worry. Now that the coldly received previous-generation RX L with its cramped third-row seat is gone, every 2023 Lexus RX offers two rows of seats for up to five people. ![]()
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