Redesigned 2023 Lexus RX First Drive

We do hope it will be more highly effective than the 2023 RX 350h, which has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid method, a combined 246 horsepower and an approximated -60 mph time of 7.4 seconds. We wouldn’t be surprised if the RX 450h+ finishes up owning the exact same powertrain as its more compact Lexus counterpart, the NX 450h+. That auto has a plug-in hybrid method that provides 302 hp and can drive about 37 miles on a entirely charged battery.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance is a different beast totally. It uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder motor, a six-pace automatic transmission and a hybrid process to deliver a hearty 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Lexus says -60 mph will consider a respectably quick 5.9 seconds. The final-generation RX 450h we tested, which experienced 308 hp, wanted 7.3 seconds to get up to 60 mph.

All-wheel push is standard for the RX 500h F Sport Functionality, and Lexus states it is optimized to enhance traction on dry roadways as well as in the much more standard snowy or icy ailments. Far more secure handling and upgraded brakes precise to the RX 500h F Activity Functionality need to also increase to the RX 500h’s athleticism.

Lexus estimates the RX 500h F Activity Efficiency will attain 26 mpg in mixed metropolis/freeway driving. That is 2 mpg greater than the RX 350, which has 91 much less hp. A lot more energy and greater gas financial system — what is not to like?

How does the RX 350 drive?

We experienced a probability to sample the very first a few RX types that will be offered to the community starting later this year. The RX 450h+ was not nevertheless all set for evaluation, but we did take spins in the RX 350 with the F Activity Handling offer, the RX 350h and the major-of-the-line RX 500h F Activity Performance.

Any fears of missing out on the recent model’s venerable V6 motor can be set aside. The pairing of the new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor and eight-speed automatic makes the RX 350 come to feel more responsive and punchy than the outgoing V6 and its slower-shifting 6-speed automatic. Because of to the excess size and weight of the RX, it does not truly feel pretty as swift as the smaller NX 350 (which athletics the similar engine), but the RX is much from underpowered.