2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX maintained its modern and sporty design, a continuation from its 2020 facelift. Available in the base 350 trim with both standard and long-wheelbase options, it offered seating for five, with the L model accommodating up to seven passengers. The RX 450h hybrid variant also came in both wheelbase lengths. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models stood out with performance-oriented aesthetics, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models adding a sporty touch through specific badging and trim. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable, lacking adequate lumbar support.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a redesigned look, though it retained the blunt-nosed appearance. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar exterior to the standard RX 350, with the latter featuring distinct performance styling. The interior adopted a cleaner, minimalistic design with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a darker, sportier interior. Despite the redesign, the RX's visual weight remained front-heavy, and the rear roof pillar design visually shortened the SUV's rear end. The new RX offered improved cargo space, matching the standard RX 350, and featured backlit ambient lighting for a contemporary touch.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RX 450h hybrid added two electric motors to the V6, achieving a combined output of 308 hp. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty dynamics and a subdued engine note. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was estimated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 350h, on the other hand, offered a more secure and efficient driving experience, averaging 7.4 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The L models offered 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid improved interior comfort with ten-way power-adjustable front seats in the RX 350h Luxury trim, featuring premium leather and three-zone climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support but limited rear headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, matching the standard RX 350. The new RX offered significant improvement over the previous model, though it still lagged behind some competitors in cargo capacity.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription to connected services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and screen reflections. The head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was available, but it posed usability challenges, especially with polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the new system represented a significant upgrade, providing a modern interface and enhanced connectivity.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, adding motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety systems generally operated with refinement, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX Hybrid's safety technology represented an advancement, offering comprehensive driver assistance features.