Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2023 Lexus RX: Choosing the Right Trim

2023 Lexus RX: Choosing the Right Trim

The new 2023 Lexus RX continues to serve as the gold standard for midsize luxury SUVs. Its near-bulletproof reputation for reliability is the envy of the industry, as are its resale values. The Lexus dealership experience is another reason the RX has such a loyal following and a high repeat customer base.

While not as aggressive as the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne, the RX delivers a nice balance between performance and comfort, a spot we think many prefer. Lexus certainly thinks so, which is why they offer the RX in various forms, including several hybrid trims centering around fuel economy and performance. Later in the model year, Lexus plans to add a plug-in hybrid, offering buyers even more choices.

In the RX’s price range are stalwart competitors like the Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5, Lincoln Nautilus, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, and newcomers like the Genesis GV70.

It’s worth noting that the previous generation’s 3-row L version does not carry over for 2023. All 2023 Lexus RX trims are 5-seaters.

2023 Lexus RX 350: $48,550 (FWD), $50,150 (AWD)

 

2023 Lexus RX 350 front

2023 Lexus RX 350 front

2023 Lexus RX 350

2023 Lexus RX 350

The RX 350 starts the first of six trims, powered by a 275-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The base RX features bi-LED headlights, LED fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, and heated side mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse and driver’s side auto-dimming features.

The RX’s doors have electronic latches, meaning you only need to touch the door handle to unlock and open the door. The system includes a safe exit assist that prevents the doors from opening if detecting danger approaching from the rear, such as a bicycle or fast-moving car.

Should the battery die, Lexus includes a manual override latch built into the door, so you’ll still be able to get in or out.

The RX 350 includes a comprehensive suite of driver aids and safety systems, all part of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. You get adaptive cruise control with curve speed management, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle detection, and intersection assistance that can help avoid collisions with cross traffic.

Other features include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist (works when the adaptive cruise control is engaged), automatic high-beam headlights, and traffic sign recognition.

Luxury and technology have always been a Lexus calling card, and even in the base model, there’s an abundance of both. NuLuxe faux leather covers the seats, which include 8-way power driver and passenger seats and 40/20/40-split folding and reclining rear seats.

Amenities include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, Smart Access with push-button start, ambient interior lighting, multi-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch digital multi-information instrument cluster configurable to show a variety of readouts.

The standard infotainment system consists of a 9.8-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, voice control, Bluetooth, a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Platinum Plan satellite radio, and access to Lexus Drive Connect apps.

Drive Connect is a subscription-based service that opens the door to cloud-based navigation, destination assistance, and an Intelligent Assistant that responds to questions by speaking the command “Hey Lexus.”

RX buyers can also upgrade to a Wi-Fi hotspot and download the Lexus app providing remote start, vehicle service reminders, and more.

The RX’s 12-speaker premium audio system delivers impressively good sound.

Optional equipment for the RX 350 includes a power moonroof, heated windshield wiper de-icer, a wireless charging pad, and Intuitive Parking Assist that uses front and rear parking sensors to warn when getting too close to stationary objects.

Digital Key lets a smartphone double as a key, which can unlock and start the car from anywhere. You can even lend the key to up to seven friends via text messaging.

Traffic Jam Assist can automatically steer, brake, and accelerate, taking the stress out of driving in bumper-to-bumper driving conditions.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 costs $48,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $872. See 2023 Lexus RX 350 models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 includes:

  • Adaptive cruise control – This system keeps a safe distance between the RX and the vehicle ahead, allowing it to slow or stop without driver assistance. Includes Curve Control, which detects when the road is curving and slows to a more comfortable speed.
  • Power side mirrors with tilt down – When the RX shifts into reverse, its side mirrors tilt downward, allowing the driver to see objects at the curb level.
  • Rain-sensing wipers – These wipers automatically activate when detecting rain, mist, or snow.

2023 Lexus RX 350h: $50,150

The 350h is the hybrid version of the RX 350. It features a normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and dual electric motors (one up front and one at the rear axle) for a combined output of 246 hp. AWD is standard, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Besides the mechanical changes, a hybrid-specific instrument cluster, and an EV mode added to the Drive Modes, the RX 350h is identical to the RX 350 AWD. It even costs the same.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h costs $50,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $901. See 2023 Lexus RX 350h models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium: $50,550 (FWD), $52,150 (AWD)

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front right

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front right

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium profile

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium profile

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium rear left

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium rear left

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium grill

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium grill

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium tire

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium tire

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium rear tailight

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium rear tailight

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front cabin

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front cabin

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front row seating

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium front row seating

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium center console

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium center console

The Premium adds a few more luxury touches without adding much to the RX’s bottom line.

Upgrades include heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a power tilt/slide moonroof, and memory for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirrors.

Intuitive Parking Assist comes standard.

Optional equipment for the Premium includes a motion-activated power liftgate, a heated wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 360-degree Panoramic View monitor, a digital rearview mirror camera, and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 3-year trial to Drive Connect.

Available Lexus Advanced Park can automatically parallel or perpendicular park the vehicle with minimal input from the driver.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium costs $50,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $908. See 2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium models for  sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium: $52,150

The RX 350h Premium adds the hybrid powertrain, CVT, and AWD from the RX 350h to the standard and optional content found in the RX 350 Premium.

One option unique to the hybrid model at the Premium-and-above trim levels is a 120-volt AC inverter.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium costs $52,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of approximately $937. See 2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium+: $53,150 (FWD), $54,750 (AWD)

The Premium+ continues the incremental climb toward a more luxurious RX, building off the Premium trim with customizable ambient interior lighting, an advanced climate control system with smog-sensing automatic recirculate mode, perforated leather-trimmed seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood trim.

The Premium+ trim gains the 14-inch touchscreen and makes available even more optional equipment beyond the Premium’s offerings.

Premium+ buyers can opt for heated and ventilated rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, 21-inch alloy wheels, triple-beam LED headlights with washers and cornering lights, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

Music lovers will thrill to the available Mark Levinson audio system featuring a 1,800-watt amp powering 21 speakers.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ costs $53,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $955. See 2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ includes:

  • Ventilated front seats – Small fans built into the seats circulate cool air through the perforated surfaces, helping keep your back free from perspiration.
  • Available panoramic glass roof – This large glass panel allows for a brighter cabin but also features a power sunshade.
  • Available head-up display – The RX’s 10-inch color head-up display projects vital vehicle and navigation information onto the windshield, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.

2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium+: $54,750

Adds the hybrid features to the Premium+ standard and optional equipment.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ costs $54,750. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of approximately $984. See the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury: $56,550 (FWD), $58,150 (AWD)

The Luxury trim accomplishes what its name implies, bringing with it most of the optional equipment from the Premium trims and adding a few exclusive upgrades.

Building off the Premium+, the Luxury adds semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support, Ultrasuede interior door trim, 21-inch alloy wheels, and the 10-inch color head-up display.

Options beyond those from the Premium+ include power-folding and reclining rear seats.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury costs $56,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $1,016. See 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury includes:

  • 10-way power seats – The Luxury’s multi-adjustable front seats allow driver and passenger the same latitude in finding a comfortable position, with 4-way power lumbar that moves in, out, up, and down.
  • 21-inch wheels – Larger wheels with a bold design help distinguish the Luxury from lesser trims. They also come with lower-profile tires for improved cornering.
  • Available power-folding rear seats – No more straining to reach the seats from the cargo area. Just push a button, and the seatbacks electronically fold flat.

2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxury: $58,150

Adds the hybrid features to the Luxury standard and optional equipment.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxury costs $58,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $1,045. See 2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxury models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD: $57,750

The F Sport Handling is the first of two performance-oriented RX trims. It comes standard with the turbocharged gas engine from the RX 350 coupled with standard AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The F Sport Handling combines some luxe features from the RX 350 Premium and Luxury with a more aggressive suspension and steering setup. It also has a unique mesh grille and front bumper, 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and gloss black highlighting the roof rack, window trim, and side mirrors.

Performance enhancements include an adaptive variable suspension, F Sport-tuned front and rear lateral performance dampers, and 6-piston front brake calipers.

The F Sport cabin features NuLuxe upholstery covering heated and ventilated bolstered sport front seats, an F Sport steering wheel and instrument cluster meters, a head-up display, customizable ambient interior lighting, and a smog-sensing multi-zone climate control system.

The F Sport Handling shares the RX 350’s 9.8-inch touchscreen, which can be upgraded to a 14-inch screen with cloud-based navigation.

F-Sport Handling buyers can upgrade with a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, windshield wiper de-icer, triple beam LED headlights, a motion-activated power liftgate, a digital rearview camera mirror, and a 360-degree Panoramic View monitor.

Traffic Jam Assist, Advanced Park Assist, and Lexus Digital Key are also available, as is the Mark Levinson audio system.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling costs $57,750. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $1,038. See 2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance: $62,750

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front left

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front left

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear left

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear left

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport profile

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport profile

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front right

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front right

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport cargo

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport cargo

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport tire

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport tire

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear mirror

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear mirror

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front cabin

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport front cabin

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear seats

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport rear seats

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport engine

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport engine

The RX 500h F Sport Performance turns the RX into a true performance SUV, equipped with a 366-hp hybrid engine, Lexus’ Direct4 AWD system, and an adaptive variable suspension.

The 500h F Sport Performance builds off the F Sport Handling, adding perforated leather seating, 21-inch matte black alloy wheels, and Active Sound Control, which amplifies the engine’s performance sounds through a speaker hidden behind the dash.

Options for the F Sport Performance include heated and ventilated rear seats, upgraded 21-inch wheels, and a 120-volt inverter.

With the $1,150 delivery charge already figured into the price, the 2023 Lexus RX 500 F Sport Performance costs $62,750. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, you can expect a monthly payment of about $1,128. See 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance models for sale near you

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance includes:

  • Adaptive variable suspension – The F Sport’s adaptive suspension continually adjusts to changing road conditions, helping keep the tires firmly planted for maximum grip and handling.
  • Direct4 AWD – This advanced all-wheel-drive system directly controls torque coming from the front and rear electric motors, improving acceleration and braking by distributing power where it’s needed most.
  • 6-piston brakes – Larger front brakes with 6-piston calipers help bring the RX 500h to a speedy stop.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2023 Lexus RX trim?

    We’d pick any of the hybrid models over the non-hybrid versions due to their better fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive. Lexus doesn’t penalize hybrid buyers with a higher price tag, so short of a slight decrease in acceleration times, there’s no downside to choosing the hybrid model over its non-hybrid AWD equivalent.

    We like the Luxury trim for its features and optional equipment. The RX is a luxury SUV, and it should pamper its occupants to the fullest.

    Those who prefer performance to a soft ride should look to either of the F Sport trims, our favorite being the RX 500h F Sport Performance.

  • How many miles per gallon does the 2023 Lexus RX get?

    Fuel economy for the RX 350 with front-wheel drive is 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. Adding AWD drops fuel economy by one mpg.

    The hybrid RX 350h AWD gets 37 mpg city/34 mpg highway/36 mpg combined. The high-performance RX 500h Sport gets 27 mpg city/28 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.

  • Which 2023 Lexus RX trim offers the most safety?

    All RX trims abound with standard safety features and driver-assist technology.

    Lexus always scores well in government and independent crash tests, so we expect the 2023 RX to do the same.

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