The entire automotive industry is evolving, moving fast and furious toward electrification. As the first luxury SUV on the market to offer a hybrid variant, the over 20-year run of the RX continues with the fifth-generation SUV now available with a number of new electrified powertrains.
Expected to reach Canadian dealers including Northwest Lexus later this year, the 2023 Lexus RX has been redesigned from rubber to roof, riding on a newer and lighter platform, and featuring both Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface Multimedia System.
Design-wise, one of the major pieces of news is the brand’s subtle movement away from the classic spindle grille that has graced the front end for over a decade and toward a more seamless ‘spindle body’ with integrated headlights. The 2023 RX will ride on either 19-inch wheels with a dark gray machined finish and colour-keyed over fenders, or 21-inchers available in a variety of colours. At the rear, the RX’s standard L-shaped light bar now features lenses that wrap around the sides, creating a wider and more centred profile.
As mentioned, the 2023 RX’s new GA-K platform helps the SUV shed 90 kg of weight while maintaining overall length and improving suspension consistency. Rear passengers will also notice a little added legroom thanks to the new platform, as well as increased cargo space.
Power now comes from a choice of four new powertrains, including a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the details of which are not yet available. We do know, however, that the RX 350 AWD uses a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine; the RX 350h AWD hybrid system harnesses a front unit that integrates a 2.5L inline-4 engine; and that the Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance houses a new-to-the-brand system featuring a high-torque 2.4-litre turbo engine, six-speed automatic transmission, inverter and an electric motor with an eAxle rear unit.
The top-of-the-line F SPORT Performance also offers a sportier, more performance-driven aeststic with six-piston brake calipers, mesh grille, special front bumper, 21-inch aluminum wheels, and interior features like perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddles, suede-trimmed doors, special pedals and more.
Regardless of powertrain, all models will include Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which grants access to safety systems like Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Support and a new feature of Motorcycle Detection; All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with new Curve Speed Management (DRCC); Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA); and Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS). Lexus’ Advanced Park system that assists parking including parallel parking is also available for the first time in the RX.
“We’re thrilled to offer our Canadian guests the next chapter of the RX story – the perfect luxury vehicle to convey the transformation that we’re making to the Lexus brand,” said Martin Gilbert, Director of Lexus in Canada. “The RX is not only our best-selling Lexus in Canada, but it’s also built right here too – at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in southern Ontario, for the entire North American market. We’re proud of the role Canadians play in making this remarkable expression of Lexus craftsmanship and quality a reality.”
For more information on the forthcoming all-new 2023 RX or any other existing Lexus models, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly professionals at Northwest Lexus.