2023 Lexus RX unveiled with lighter body, new engine setups

Updated Jun 01, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The RX bid farewell to its V6 engine.

Lexus announced that the RX midsize luxury crossover has evolved into its fifth-generation form. It now sits on the lighter Toyota’s GA-K platform, joining other Lexus models such as the ES and NX.

Lexus RX front view

All-new Lexus RX

Lexus says it overcame two challenges when developing the all-new model. The “Lexus Driving Signature” improved the vehicle’s fundamentals to address the challenge of creating a fun-to-drive car. Meanwhile, the other challenge was to transform the design, which the brand bested by introducing the “spindle body.”

Exterior

The 2023 Lexus RX’s “spindle body” is a variation of the brand’s signature spindle grille design. It creates a new identity for the model that is said to convey ‘the new driving experience.’ Aside from a striking appearance, the new grille is designed in a way to provide ample cooling, enhancing the reliability of the powertrain.

Lexus RX front view

A familiar yet evolved look

Turning to the side profile, the model comes standard with a set of 19-inch wheels, with an option to use 21-inch alloys. The length is retained at 4,890 mm but the wheelbase has been extended by 60 mm, providing a sportier finish due to shorter overhangs. Moreover, the vehicle is 25 mm wider and 10 mm shorter in height.

Interior

Based on the human-centered Tazuna concept, the interior is designed to make drivers feel like they are one with the vehicle. Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the cabin should provide more space for the comfort of passengers. An open expansive space is also integrated, enhancing the luxurious ambiance inside.

Lexus RX interior view

The RX utilizes a human-centric approach

Six interior colors are made available for the new version, namely Macadamia, Black, Birch, Palomino, Peppercorn, and Rioja Red. The design cabin is also offered in four styles including Black Cascade, Ash Bamboo, Black Open Pore, and Dark Graphite Aluminum.

Tech & Safety

The head unit has been repositioned next to the instrument cluster as opposed to the outgoing model that had it on top of the dashboard. The new RX can be equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen that runs the latest Lexus infotainment system.

Lexus RX interior view

One refined cabin layout

Safety-wise, the Lexus RX gets the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering safety bits such as All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with new Curve Speed Management (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA), and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection. It also gets a new feature called Motorcycle Detection.

Engine & Performance

As said earlier, the new GA-K platform is lighter than the previous model, reducing the weight by as much as 89.8 kg. This enhances the driving characteristics of the Japanese midsize crossover alongside the integration of an all-new multi-link suspension design on its rear section.

Lexus RX rear view

It retains the sophisticated DNA of Lexus

The 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the fourth-gen RX has been discontinued in favor of 4-cylinder power units. Here is the list of preliminary powertrain specifications of the 2023 Lexus RX:

Powertrain

RX 350

RX 350h

RX 500h F Sport Performance

Engine

2.4-liter turbo

2.5-liter hybrid

2.4-liter turbo hybrid

Transmission

8-speed AT

CVT

6-speed AT

Drivetrain

FWD/AWD

AWD

Direct4 AWD

Horsepower

275 hp

246 hp

367 hp

Torque

430 Nm

316 Nm

550 Nm

0-60

FWD 7.5s / AWD 7.2s

7.4s

5.9s

Price

Lexus has not disclosed the official pricing for the 2023 RX as of this writing, but the Japanese marque said that the all-new model goes on sale at the end of 2022. More specs and pricing should be released before the start of the crossover’s market debut.

Don’t miss the latest car updates at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Lexus RX 2024

Lexus RX

The 2024 Lexus RX is a luxury midsize crossover. It has three different variants for the Philippine market, and their prices range from Php 5,268,000 to Php 5,908,000. 

The Philippine-spec Lexus RX gets three different engine options. The RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, and RX 350L all use a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of making up to 296 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. The RX 500h meanwhile uses a 3.5-liter hybrid V6 that can make a total of 308 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque.  

The hybrid variant then uses a continuously variable transmission, while the rest use an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The F Sport, the hybrid, and the RX350L trims all come in all-wheel-drive, while the base variant is front-wheel-drive. 

Size-wise, the Lexus RX is 4,890mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,685mm in height. The RX350L is a bit longer at 5,000mm.  

Locally, the Lexus RX competes against the likes of the Volvo XC90, the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, etc. 

>>> New and used Lexus RX 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Lexus RX Launch

The first-generation Lexus RX was launched in 1997. A year after it was offered worldwide. The vehicle was produced in a unibody chassis and runs using a 3.0-liter V6 engine. 

Its second generation was revealed at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The freshly designed crossover features a sleek interior and a lavish cabin fitted with modern amenities. 

In 2008, its third generation entered the premium vehicle market fitted with a revised 3.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Its fourth and current generation debuted at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. In May 2019, Lexus Manila unveiled a refreshed Lexus RX meant to satisfy the rising demand for posh crossovers in the local market.

Lexus RX Exterior

The well-designed front bears the Japanese premium carmaker’s signature sporty spindle grille with a mesh grille, chrome-plated lower shield, a Bi-Beam or three-eyed LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, and LED cornering lamps. Their robust and athletic body is sculpted with dramatic lines and curves designed with an electrochromic auto-dimming exterior side mirror and a sturdy roof rail at the top. At the rear, a pair of LED turn signals and fog lamps provide efficient illumination.

Lexus RX front end

Lexus RX angular front

Supporting the mighty crossover is a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels that add to its athletic presence.

Lexus RX Interior

The Lexus RX series boasts a roomy cabin with innovative amenities. Highlights include an interior with 3D film, aluminum, or Shimamoku trim. It also comes with power-adjustable seats with memory switches and power lumbar support, F-sport, leather or wood steering wheel, an automatic air conditioning system with clean air filter, electrochromic inside the rear window, and the 60/40 rear seat configuration with split-folding and reclining function that efficiently extends cargo space.

Lexus RX seats

Technology & Safety Features

Providing infotainment is a 12.3-inch EMV touchscreen display with a remote touch interface. The sound system is provided by either the Lexus RX premium sound system with nine speakers or the Mark Levinson premium surround system with 15 speakers. 

Lexus RX cabin

Safety is assured as it is equipped with a generous number of SRS airbags, an anti-lock brake system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, traction control, backup camera, and rain-sensing wipers.

Lexus RX Platform & Chassis

All variants of the Lexus RX are fitted with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a double-wishbone suspension at the rear. Braking power is assisted by ventilated discs at the front and rear.

Engine & Drivetrain

The 2024 Lexus RX in the Philippines offers several impressive engine options tailored to various driving needs. The lineup includes a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, providing a robust performance for an engaging driving experience. For those seeking greater efficiency, the RX 500h hybrid variant features a 2.4-liter turbo engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 366 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. This hybrid setup not only enhances acceleration but also improves fuel economy, making it an eco-friendly choice without compromising on power. With these engine options, the 2024 RX combines performance, efficiency, and luxury, ensuring a premium driving experience.

Locally, the Lexus RX is available in seven different colors. These include Black, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Sonic Titanium, White Nova Glass Flake, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Heat Blue Contrast Layering, and Deep Blue Mica. 

The Lexus RX in general is more than a match against its competitors when it comes to engine output, on-board features, as well as safety features. Its standard safety kit is also quite comprehensive, though it lacks some bits like wireless Apple CarPlay. 

Lexus RX 2024 Price List

Variants  Price
Lexus RX 350h Executive ₱5,268,000
Lexus RX 350h Premier ₱6,418,000
Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance ₱6,908,000

Lexus RX Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Well-equipped 
  • Stylish 
  • Spacious 

Cons

  • Lively engine 
  • Engine can be thirsty 

Lexus RX FAQs

1. Does the 2024 Lexus RX have a touch screen?

Yes, the Lexus RX has a touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

2. What is the top-of-the-line Lexus RX?

Top-of-the-line model Lexus RX 2024 is Lexus RX 500h 3.5 AT with a price of 6,908,000 Php.

3. How many seats does the Lexus RX offer?

The Lexus RX can accommodate 7 fully grown passengers comfortably.

4. Is the Lexus RX 2024 a safe car?

Yes, the Lexus RX was built to a standard required with 10 airbags, seatbelt reminder, Stability Control, security alarm and so more.

5. Is the Lexus RX available in automatic transmission?

Yes, all variants of the Lexus RX come offered with automatic transmission.

₱ 4,498,000 - ₱ 5,398,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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