2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX maintained its modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular boomerang-like elements, creating an aggressive yet restrained look. The F Sport models stood out with performance-oriented styling, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the RX's high-fashion appeal. 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 comfort of the NuLuxe seats was lacking, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite its similar overall length, the new RX appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The front showcased a better-integrated spindle-style grille, while the rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The interior was modernized with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models offered various trim levels, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The new RX provided a fresh yet familiar look, ensuring it remained distinct from the smaller Lexus NX.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty dynamics even in F Sport models. The engine's sound was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was unimpressive. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The turbo engine provided satisfying acceleration, and the RX 350 AWD could reach 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds. Despite its less refined sound, the turbo engine was a good choice for the new RX.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models, with a 2/3/2 seating configuration, provided limited space for anything beyond groceries. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version 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's load-in height was high.

The 2023 Lexus RX improved interior comfort with sport seat bolsters in the F Sport 3 package, while the Executive trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery and ten-way power-adjustable front seats. The RX 350 F Sport 3 featured NuLuxe simulated leather seats and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Both models provided exceptional comfort, with roomy and supportive back seats. However, taller passengers might find headroom tight. The cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded, offering more space than the previous generation but still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens were ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was quick and 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, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided unrelated results. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and streaming services like Apple Music were available. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system offered excellent audio quality. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and a digital rearview mirror were standard, with a colour head-up display available. However, the HUD was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier "plus" designation. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. New semi-autonomous driving technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 impressed during evaluation, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not predictive. The HUD displayed adaptive cruise controls, but they were invisible with polarized sunglasses. The driver monitoring system ensured attention, but blocking it with a forearm caused alerts.