2023 Lexus RX unveiled, Australian features to be confirmed

The 2023 Lexus RX has been revealed, with the fifth-generation SUV set to debut globally in four grades.

Replacing the fourth-gen model, which has been in service since 2015, the new RX will retain the RX350 and RX450h nameplates of its predecessor in addition to the new RX350h and range-topping RX500h – although Lexus Australia hasn't locked in specific grades for the local market.

Its new design mirrors the concepts introduced by the luxury manufacturer across a number of its recent model releases, such as; the LX, NX and UX as well as the upcoming, all-electric RZ.

UPDATE: New 2023 Lexus RX driven

Following its global unveiling, we've now driven the new-generation Lexus RX. Get the full story at the link below.

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Features

The entire new RX range's interior draws inspiration from the Tazuna cockpit concept, as has already been seen on the new NX and LX – marketed as a driver-oriented cabin space.

Specifics regarding equipment are scarce, but the RX will be offered with a choice of 9.8- or 14-inch touchscreens, an integrated head-up display and multi-coloured instrument panel illumination.

On the flagship RX500h F Sport grade, 21-inch aluminium wheels are matched with six-piston front brake calipers to give the 'Sport' part of its name some weight, while adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and dynamic rear steering are also added to the range-topper.

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Engine and drivetrain

Despite sharing some of the same names as the outgoing model, the engine and drivetrain choices are all-new for the upcoming RX, starting with the entry-level RX350 – which is powered by a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, sending drive to all four wheels.

Stepping up from this, the RX350h will sport a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine with both front- and all-wheel drive drivetrains available globally.

Serving as the only plug-in hybrid of the range, the RX450h is also powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine, although its all-wheel drive system can be used in EV-only mode for maximum fuel saving.

Rounding out the range is the RX500h, with its 2.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system set to provide more power and torque than the other variants, making use of an electric motor on its rear axle.

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Dimensions

The all-new RX is wider, lower and lighter than before, with wider tracks at the front and rear (up by 15 millimetres and 45mm respectively) matched with a 10mm height reduction over the outgoing model, resulting in a 15mm drop in the SUV's centre of gravity while 90 kilograms have also been shed.

Riding on a longer wheelbase of 2850mm (up by 60mm), the overall length of the RX is unchanged at 4890mm, while its width has grown by 25mm – now standing at 1920mm wide.

With the distance between the front and rear hip point increased by 12mm, more interior space is also met with a 50mm bump to the boot space, likely resulting in the 453 litre capacity of its predecessor to go up yet again.

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Safety

Details are thin on the exact safety equipment Lexus plans to implement into the RX, although it has confirmed its Lexus Safety System+ will be standard, featuring:

Availability

Expect the 2023 Lexus RX to arrive in Australia around the start of next year, with local pricing and features to be confirmed closer to its launch.