Three different powertrains are available in the 2023 Lexus RX, ranging from the conservative to the high-performance. At the base level, the 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is perfectly fine for most drivers. Its got power on demand and firm acceleration thanks to 317 lb-ft of torque running through the eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. Front-wheel drive versions get 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, while all-wheel drive models drop both by 1 MPG.

Drivers looking for efficiency and a lower fuel bill will love the hybrid RX350h, which pairs electric motors with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. These combine for 246 horsepower, which runs through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to standard all-wheel drive. The electric motor helps the RX get off the line quicker, while also improving fuel economy to 37 MPG city and 34 MPG on the highway.

The unique powertrain in the RX500h puts a turbocharger on that 2.4-liter engine while keeping the electric motors. This creates 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, going to the ground through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the advanced DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. All of this chops 1.5 seconds off the acceleration time of the base model – the RX500h can do 0-60 MPH in only 5.9 seconds! Despite this performance upgrade, the 500h gets solid economy, at 27 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

With distinctive exterior sheet metal, the 2023 Lexus RX stands out in the crowd. Sweeping headlights straddle a big, trapezoidal grille, and the tall front end combined with the low roofline provides a look of sleekness. Wheels range from 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels to sporty 21-inch Gray Metallic 10-spoke alloys.

Interior space is well-divided between passengers and cargo. 37.4 inches of legroom in the rear seat ensures that most average-sized adults will be comfortable for most drives. The sloping roofline does cut into second-row headroom as compared to the first row, but there are still 38.5 inches there – this drops to 37 inches if you go in for the panorama roof. Behind the second row of seats, the 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space is plenty for daily use like shopping or carting the kids to sports practice. This can be expanded to 46.2 cubic feet for larger tasks, like hauling furniture or making trips from the hardware store, when you put the seats down.

A crisp, uncluttered dash is home to a standard 9.8 touchscreen – a 14-inch version is available - with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Wireless Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio are standard, along with HD and satellite radio. Six USB ports provide charging and media connection, and Cloud Navigation is standard on all models. A 12-speaker stereo is standard, with a massive 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available for music lovers.

Safety features in the 2023 Lexus RX series start with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This comprehensive suite includes All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist,  Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Intelligent High Beams. A rearview camera is standard – a surround-view camera system is available. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert along with parking sensors and hands-free park assist are available.

While they are separated by the RX350, RX350h, and RX500h levels, there are essentially five trim levels for the 2023 Lexus RX.

Featuring the standard features named above, the unnamed base model sports 19-inch alloy wheels outside, with a power liftgate at the rear for ease of loading. Automatic multi-zone climate control is standard, while synthetic leather upholstery, ambient illumination, partial fabric trim, and synthetic interior trim surround passengers. The front seats are eight-way power-adjustable and have heating for warming up the seats in the winter. An optional power tilt-and-slide moon roof and roof rails can help to open up the cabin.

Premium trim level RX models feature the moonroof as standard, while the power liftgate can be equipped with a Kick Sensor for opening or closing when your hands are full. The synthetic upholstery remains, while the front seats get ventilation. Choose from Black Open-Pore Wood or Ash Bamboo interior trim. The Lexus Memory System can remember settings for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outer wheel – you can also upgrade the wheel to a heated, wood- and leather-trimmed version. The full parking assist system is standard at this level, while the Panoramic View Monitor is available.

Stepping up to the Premium+ trim brings the option of a panorama glass roof and 20-spoke Dark Gray Metallic allow wheels. Optional triple-beam LED headlamps with headlamp washers and cornering lamps improve vision. Inside, upholstery is upgraded to perforated leather-trimmed seats, and lighting is upgraded to intelligent interior lighting with custom themes. The 14-inch touchscreen display is standard, and the 21-speaker, 1800-watt Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound audio system is available. Heated and ventilated rear seats are optional.

The Luxury trim steps up with a perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior while adding Ultrasuede interior door trim. Front seats are upgraded to 10-way power-adjustable versions with 4-way power lumbar adjustment. Heated and ventilated power-folding and reclining rear seats are an available option. The 21-inch wheels are upgraded to a Dark Premium Metallic finish. A 10-inch Head-Up Display helps keep the driver’s focus ahead.

F Sport Handling trim is only available with all-wheel drive. It’s comparable to the Premium+ trim in terms of amenities, although it features Dark Graphite Aluminum trim inside along with F Sport leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedal and scuff plates, and enhanced front seat bolsters. 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels feature a Gloss Black finish, while unique F Sport window trim surround, side-view mirrors, front fascia, rear valance, and badges adorn the exterior. Most importantly, under the skin, this trim adds upgraded six-piston aluminum front brake calipers, tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, and lateral performance dampers for improved handling and performance.

Reserved for the RX500h model, the F Sport Performance trim includes. 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a Matte Black finish are standard and can be equipped with all-season tires. 21-inch split-10-spoke alloy wheels with a Gray Metallic finish are another option. Dark chrome window trim surround, gloss black side-view mirrors, and color-keyed rocker panels and rear valance are standard. This trim gets the same performance upgrades as the F Sport Handling trim.