2023 Lexus RX 350h Drive Review
Lexus is implementing the tech suite from the NX into the all new 2023 RX 350h. Updating the top selling SUV in Lexus’ lineup has to be done very precisely. Creating a new innovative design while not alienating the current customers can be a very difficult task.
Lexus sent us a Pre-Production model to review, as such there is no window sticker and the fit and finish might be lacking in some areas.
Outside
With the new update, Lexus has done a really good job of modernizing the RX. We think it looks good from every angle except the front. Two owners of the previous generation RX who we talked to said the same thing. The front grill design is a very polarizing feature for Lexus and has been for years now. Lexus isn’t the only brand increasing the size of the grill every year, but we think maybe it’s time to stop.
Inside the 2023 RX 350h
The cabin of the Lexus RX 350h is a welcoming place to be. It’s comfortable and quiet in all conditions. It is roomy, but not cavernous, in both rows. Soft leather is everywhere, with other soft touch surfaces throughout. Many crossovers are highly focused on the front row, without paying much attention to the 2nd row. Not the case in the RX350. The 2nd row has heated and ventilated seats with a separate climate control zone.
New interior door handles are a feature that takes some getting used to. This debuted in the NX and is a way to help protest cyclists and pedestrians from getting hit by an open door. The mechanism is now electronic (with a manual backup), and won’t allow the door to open when an approaching cyclist is detected by the system. It takes some getting used to, and there were many times when we would try to open the door and the electric mechanism hadn’t fully released yet, or we were too slow and the mechanism had already started to engage.
Video Review with Snowy Driving
Off-Pavement Test
Conclusion
Lexus impressed us with the comfort and usability of the RX 350h, despite being a preproduction model. Power is adequate, but if you are looking for more then consider the RX 500h with 366 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system performed very well in the snowy conditions it was presented with. Overall for those looking to purchase a vehicle in this class the RX 350h is an excellent choice!
Matthew Barnes is an experienced towing expert. He works as a mechanical engineer and his day job involves testing a variety of vehicles while towing trailers of all types and sizes. Matt shares his knowledge by writing for automotive news outlets in the evenings. When he’s not working he can be found spending time in the great outdoors with his family. He enjoys camping, hiking, canyoneering, and backpacking. Whenever possible he spends time riding in or on any power sports vehicle he can find and claims he can drive anything with a motor, which probably isn’t true.
Matt lives in the Utah mountains and often posts cool off-roading videos to his Instagram and YouTube channel.