The RX has met a full redesign that placed it a considerable cut above its predecessors. Lexus seemed determined to ensure the new RX can meet eye-to-eye with modern C-SUVs in years to come without needing a significant refresh. The highly popular crossover SUV continues the Japanese marque’s tradition of well-built, quiet, and comfortable luxury automobiles.
This SUV isn't cheap by our country's economic standards but the new RX, nonetheless, has a relatively low starting price, especially considering the long list of standard features that come bundled with it. The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is an excellent luxury SUV that combines style, comfort, performance, and safety in a package that is hard to beat.
It is versatile enough to handle a variety of driving conditions and loaded with features that make it a pleasure to drive. If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, the RX 350 is definitely worth considering. This latest iteration of the RX 350 is the result of years of refinement and evolution, and it shows in every aspect of the SUV. Below is everything you need to know about the new 2023 Lexus RX 350.
The SUV has been completely redesigned from the ground up, with the design goal of making it beastlier, more captivating, and more powerful. Regardless, the new RX 350 is up against fierce competitors like Hyundai’s Genesis GV80, Jaguar F-Pace, Cadillac XT5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lincoln Nautilus, Acura MDX, and Infiniti QX60.
Apparently, the Lexus RX won’t suffer such fierce competition this side of the Atlantic since the aforementioned rivals don’t share its level of popularity here. Otherwise, the RX would struggle to unseat the Nautilus, for example, in markets where the American and European brands hold sway.
The exterior of the RX 350 is sleek and modern, with a bold front grille and sharp, angular lines that give it a sporty and aggressive look. The LED headlights are slim and sophisticated, and the overall design of the SUV is both elegant and athletic. The vehicle sits on 20-inch wheels that add to its imposing presence on the road.
Lexus says the RX will be available in exterior color options depending on grade for the 2023 model year. They include Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.
Inside, the RX 350 is equally impressive. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with room for up to five passengers. The seats are wrapped in soft leather and offer ample support, making long road trips a pleasure. The interior is also quiet and well-insulated, keeping outside noise to a minimum.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. The system is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The display is also integrated with a 360-degree camera system, making it easy to park and maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces.
The RX 350 also comes with a range of optional features that can further enhance the driving experience. These include a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, a head-up display, and a rear-seat entertainment system. It also has several available packages that add features such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Under the hood, the RX 350 receives motivation from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and efficient shifting. The SUV also comes with all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions.
The driving experience in the RX 350 is refined and comfortable, with a smooth ride that absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease. The SUV also handles well, with responsive steering and agile handling that makes it easy to maneuver on twisty roads. The engine provides plenty of power, allowing the RX 350 to accelerate quickly and overtake other vehicles on the highway with ease.
One potential downside of the RX 350 is its fuel economy. While it is competitive for its class, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, it is not as efficient as some of its rivals. However, the tradeoff is the powerful V6 engine that provides plenty of performance when needed.
One of the standout features of the RX 350 is its advanced safety technology. The SUV comes standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The RX 350 also features Lexus' Safety System+ 2.0, which adds features like road sign recognition and cyclist detection.
Another standout feature of the RX 350 is its versatility. It is equally at home on the daily commute as on a long road trip, thanks to its spacious and comfortable cabin, smooth and quiet ride, and advanced safety features. It is also capable of handling light off-road trails, improving its capability to handle the rigors of driving on Nigerian roads as well as making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a luxury SUV that can handle a variety of terrain.
In terms of pricing, the RX 350 is on the higher end of the luxury SUV market. The base model starts at around ₦22 million ($47,000), and fully loaded models can exceed ₦28 million ($60,000). However, the quality and attention to detail in every aspect of the vehicle make it a worthwhile investment for those who value luxury and performance.
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is an impressive luxury SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance. Regrettably, the RX 350 lacks the performance and cargo capacity of some rivals and slacks over some tech features that other manufacturers have nailed down.
Overall, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 is an excellent luxury SUV that offers a premium driving experience. It combines style, comfort, performance, and safety in a package that is hard to beat. The attention to detail in every aspect of the vehicle is evident, from the high-quality materials used in the interior to the precision engineering of the engine and transmission.