2023 Lexus RX Review
The Lexus RX gets improved design, handling and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid for the first time in its 25-year history.
Review
Pros: Classy interior, refined, efficient.
Cons: Smaller boot than rivals, agile but not engaging to drive.
Lexus RX 450h+ Design
The RX is a suitable flagship for the Lexus brand and oozes understated elegance, helping it to stand out as something distinctly different to its German rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Now in its fifth generation, the new RX is the most stylish yet with a new front end and distinct evolution of the Japanese brand’s classic spindle grille. While it hasn’t grown in length, the wheelbase is now 60mm longer and the A-pillar has been pushed back, the bonnet now more elongated. There’s also a wider track front and rear that gives the RX a more planted look, set off by pristine 21-inch alloy wheels on both Luxury and Premium models.
At the back there’s a new full width light bar and L-E-X-U-S spelt out across the boot lid.
Lexus RX 450h+ Interior
The RX benefits from a cabin with a more contemporary design. The fit and finish is impeccable with a classy combination of leather and plenty of good quality plastics and soft touch materials. It feels every inch the luxury SUV, with the new electronic door release just one of many features that shows the brand’s astounding attention to detail.
There’s lots of new tech on board like a full digital driver display and 14-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash with over the air updates and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Lexus has removed a lot of buttons for a minimalist look, with the ventilation controls now moved to the screen. There are two dials to adjust the temperature, but traditionalists may be disappointed by the heavy reliance on the touchscreen to perform simple tasks like turning on and off the heated seats and controlling the fan speed.
Equipment levels are high with the Luxury model including full leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function and 8-way adjustment, heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor, panoramic glass roof and the third generation of the Lexus Safety System +.
Premium models add a Mark Levinson premium stereo with 21 speakers, wood trim, heated and ventilated rear seats, 10-inch head-up display and adaptive variable suspension.
The increase in the wheelbase means there’s even more passenger legroom in the back than before and adults or children are well accommodated for with climate control, an armrest and USB ports. However, there’s no seven-seat version available like a Volvo XC90.
There is 461 litres of boot space, which is not exceptionally generous for a large SUV but there is a small bit of underfloor storage for the charging cables and a retractable boot cover, as well as buttons to let down the rear seats.
Lexus RX 450h+ Performance & Drive
Lexus has a long history of building hybrid cars and SUVs, with the first RX hybrid launched all the way back in 2005. The new 450h+ is the only power option for the RX in Ireland and uses a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 18.1kWh battery, and two electric motors, one on each axle. It produces a healthy 309hp, with 0-100kmh completed in 6.5 seconds. It can drive electric for up to 65 kilometres and the battery can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours. When the battery runs out of charge, it behaves like a standard hybrid so the RX is remarkably efficient for a vehicle that weighs about 2.1 tonnes, averaging about 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode in real world driving.
Built on the brand’s GA-K platform shared with Toyota, the new RX drives better thanks to a lower centre of gravity, more rigid body, and a wider track. A new Trail Mode prevents wheel-slip when driving on slippery or uneven roads. It feels nicely planted on the road and while it’s not sporty, it feels remarkably nimble and agile for an SUV of this size. It’s incredibly comfortable and refined, with a well-insulated cabin that manages to keep any noise from the e-CVT gearbox to a bare minimum. It’s just a very relaxing and high-end driving experience.
Lexus RX 450h+ Pricing
The RX 450h+ is available from €89,070 for the Luxury model and from €97,680 for the Premium, with both prices including metallic paint.
Carzone Verdict
The Lexus RX has made strides forward in design and interior technology, while offering the same supreme levels of comfort and refinement that make it a truly luxurious way to travel. While it’s not the most engaging premium SUV to drive, the new hybrid is reliably efficient and gives RX buyers the opportunity to charge and drive electric for the very first time.
2023 Lexus RX Review
The Lexus RX gets improved design, handling and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid for the first time in its 25-year history.
Review
Pros: Classy interior, refined, efficient.
Cons: Smaller boot than rivals, agile but not engaging to drive.
Lexus RX 450h+ Design
The RX is a suitable flagship for the Lexus brand and oozes understated elegance, helping it to stand out as something distinctly different to its German rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Now in its fifth generation, the new RX is the most stylish yet with a new front end and distinct evolution of the Japanese brand’s classic spindle grille. While it hasn’t grown in length, the wheelbase is now 60mm longer and the A-pillar has been pushed back, the bonnet now more elongated. There’s also a wider track front and rear that gives the RX a more planted look, set off by pristine 21-inch alloy wheels on both Luxury and Premium models.
At the back there’s a new full width light bar and L-E-X-U-S spelt out across the boot lid.
Lexus RX 450h+ Interior
The RX benefits from a cabin with a more contemporary design. The fit and finish is impeccable with a classy combination of leather and plenty of good quality plastics and soft touch materials. It feels every inch the luxury SUV, with the new electronic door release just one of many features that shows the brand’s astounding attention to detail.
There’s lots of new tech on board like a full digital driver display and 14-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash with over the air updates and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Lexus has removed a lot of buttons for a minimalist look, with the ventilation controls now moved to the screen. There are two dials to adjust the temperature, but traditionalists may be disappointed by the heavy reliance on the touchscreen to perform simple tasks like turning on and off the heated seats and controlling the fan speed.
Equipment levels are high with the Luxury model including full leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function and 8-way adjustment, heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor, panoramic glass roof and the third generation of the Lexus Safety System +.
Premium models add a Mark Levinson premium stereo with 21 speakers, wood trim, heated and ventilated rear seats, 10-inch head-up display and adaptive variable suspension.
The increase in the wheelbase means there’s even more passenger legroom in the back than before and adults or children are well accommodated for with climate control, an armrest and USB ports. However, there’s no seven-seat version available like a Volvo XC90.
There is 461 litres of boot space, which is not exceptionally generous for a large SUV but there is a small bit of underfloor storage for the charging cables and a retractable boot cover, as well as buttons to let down the rear seats.
Lexus RX 450h+ Performance & Drive
Lexus has a long history of building hybrid cars and SUVs, with the first RX hybrid launched all the way back in 2005. The new 450h+ is the only power option for the RX in Ireland and uses a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 18.1kWh battery, and two electric motors, one on each axle. It produces a healthy 309hp, with 0-100kmh completed in 6.5 seconds. It can drive electric for up to 65 kilometres and the battery can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours. When the battery runs out of charge, it behaves like a standard hybrid so the RX is remarkably efficient for a vehicle that weighs about 2.1 tonnes, averaging about 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode in real world driving.
Built on the brand’s GA-K platform shared with Toyota, the new RX drives better thanks to a lower centre of gravity, more rigid body, and a wider track. A new Trail Mode prevents wheel-slip when driving on slippery or uneven roads. It feels nicely planted on the road and while it’s not sporty, it feels remarkably nimble and agile for an SUV of this size. It’s incredibly comfortable and refined, with a well-insulated cabin that manages to keep any noise from the e-CVT gearbox to a bare minimum. It’s just a very relaxing and high-end driving experience.
Lexus RX 450h+ Pricing
The RX 450h+ is available from €89,070 for the Luxury model and from €97,680 for the Premium, with both prices including metallic paint.
Carzone Verdict
The Lexus RX has made strides forward in design and interior technology, while offering the same supreme levels of comfort and refinement that make it a truly luxurious way to travel. While it’s not the most engaging premium SUV to drive, the new hybrid is reliably efficient and gives RX buyers the opportunity to charge and drive electric for the very first time.
2023 Lexus RX Review
The Lexus RX gets improved design, handling and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid for the first time in its 25-year history.
Review
Pros: Classy interior, refined, efficient.
Cons: Smaller boot than rivals, agile but not engaging to drive.
Lexus RX 450h+ Design
The RX is a suitable flagship for the Lexus brand and oozes understated elegance, helping it to stand out as something distinctly different to its German rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Now in its fifth generation, the new RX is the most stylish yet with a new front end and distinct evolution of the Japanese brand’s classic spindle grille. While it hasn’t grown in length, the wheelbase is now 60mm longer and the A-pillar has been pushed back, the bonnet now more elongated. There’s also a wider track front and rear that gives the RX a more planted look, set off by pristine 21-inch alloy wheels on both Luxury and Premium models.
At the back there’s a new full width light bar and L-E-X-U-S spelt out across the boot lid.
Lexus RX 450h+ Interior
The RX benefits from a cabin with a more contemporary design. The fit and finish is impeccable with a classy combination of leather and plenty of good quality plastics and soft touch materials. It feels every inch the luxury SUV, with the new electronic door release just one of many features that shows the brand’s astounding attention to detail.
There’s lots of new tech on board like a full digital driver display and 14-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash with over the air updates and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Lexus has removed a lot of buttons for a minimalist look, with the ventilation controls now moved to the screen. There are two dials to adjust the temperature, but traditionalists may be disappointed by the heavy reliance on the touchscreen to perform simple tasks like turning on and off the heated seats and controlling the fan speed.
Equipment levels are high with the Luxury model including full leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function and 8-way adjustment, heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor, panoramic glass roof and the third generation of the Lexus Safety System +.
Premium models add a Mark Levinson premium stereo with 21 speakers, wood trim, heated and ventilated rear seats, 10-inch head-up display and adaptive variable suspension.
The increase in the wheelbase means there’s even more passenger legroom in the back than before and adults or children are well accommodated for with climate control, an armrest and USB ports. However, there’s no seven-seat version available like a Volvo XC90.
There is 461 litres of boot space, which is not exceptionally generous for a large SUV but there is a small bit of underfloor storage for the charging cables and a retractable boot cover, as well as buttons to let down the rear seats.
Lexus RX 450h+ Performance & Drive
Lexus has a long history of building hybrid cars and SUVs, with the first RX hybrid launched all the way back in 2005. The new 450h+ is the only power option for the RX in Ireland and uses a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 18.1kWh battery, and two electric motors, one on each axle. It produces a healthy 309hp, with 0-100kmh completed in 6.5 seconds. It can drive electric for up to 65 kilometres and the battery can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours. When the battery runs out of charge, it behaves like a standard hybrid so the RX is remarkably efficient for a vehicle that weighs about 2.1 tonnes, averaging about 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode in real world driving.
Built on the brand’s GA-K platform shared with Toyota, the new RX drives better thanks to a lower centre of gravity, more rigid body, and a wider track. A new Trail Mode prevents wheel-slip when driving on slippery or uneven roads. It feels nicely planted on the road and while it’s not sporty, it feels remarkably nimble and agile for an SUV of this size. It’s incredibly comfortable and refined, with a well-insulated cabin that manages to keep any noise from the e-CVT gearbox to a bare minimum. It’s just a very relaxing and high-end driving experience.
Lexus RX 450h+ Pricing
The RX 450h+ is available from €89,070 for the Luxury model and from €97,680 for the Premium, with both prices including metallic paint.
Carzone Verdict
The Lexus RX has made strides forward in design and interior technology, while offering the same supreme levels of comfort and refinement that make it a truly luxurious way to travel. While it’s not the most engaging premium SUV to drive, the new hybrid is reliably efficient and gives RX buyers the opportunity to charge and drive electric for the very first time.
2023 Lexus RX Review
The Lexus RX gets improved design, handling and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid for the first time in its 25-year history.
Review
Pros: Classy interior, refined, efficient.
Cons: Smaller boot than rivals, agile but not engaging to drive.
Lexus RX 450h+ Design
The RX is a suitable flagship for the Lexus brand and oozes understated elegance, helping it to stand out as something distinctly different to its German rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Now in its fifth generation, the new RX is the most stylish yet with a new front end and distinct evolution of the Japanese brand’s classic spindle grille. While it hasn’t grown in length, the wheelbase is now 60mm longer and the A-pillar has been pushed back, the bonnet now more elongated. There’s also a wider track front and rear that gives the RX a more planted look, set off by pristine 21-inch alloy wheels on both Luxury and Premium models.
At the back there’s a new full width light bar and L-E-X-U-S spelt out across the boot lid.
Lexus RX 450h+ Interior
The RX benefits from a cabin with a more contemporary design. The fit and finish is impeccable with a classy combination of leather and plenty of good quality plastics and soft touch materials. It feels every inch the luxury SUV, with the new electronic door release just one of many features that shows the brand’s astounding attention to detail.
There’s lots of new tech on board like a full digital driver display and 14-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash with over the air updates and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Lexus has removed a lot of buttons for a minimalist look, with the ventilation controls now moved to the screen. There are two dials to adjust the temperature, but traditionalists may be disappointed by the heavy reliance on the touchscreen to perform simple tasks like turning on and off the heated seats and controlling the fan speed.
Equipment levels are high with the Luxury model including full leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function and 8-way adjustment, heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor, panoramic glass roof and the third generation of the Lexus Safety System +.
Premium models add a Mark Levinson premium stereo with 21 speakers, wood trim, heated and ventilated rear seats, 10-inch head-up display and adaptive variable suspension.
The increase in the wheelbase means there’s even more passenger legroom in the back than before and adults or children are well accommodated for with climate control, an armrest and USB ports. However, there’s no seven-seat version available like a Volvo XC90.
There is 461 litres of boot space, which is not exceptionally generous for a large SUV but there is a small bit of underfloor storage for the charging cables and a retractable boot cover, as well as buttons to let down the rear seats.
Lexus RX 450h+ Performance & Drive
Lexus has a long history of building hybrid cars and SUVs, with the first RX hybrid launched all the way back in 2005. The new 450h+ is the only power option for the RX in Ireland and uses a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 18.1kWh battery, and two electric motors, one on each axle. It produces a healthy 309hp, with 0-100kmh completed in 6.5 seconds. It can drive electric for up to 65 kilometres and the battery can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours. When the battery runs out of charge, it behaves like a standard hybrid so the RX is remarkably efficient for a vehicle that weighs about 2.1 tonnes, averaging about 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode in real world driving.
Built on the brand’s GA-K platform shared with Toyota, the new RX drives better thanks to a lower centre of gravity, more rigid body, and a wider track. A new Trail Mode prevents wheel-slip when driving on slippery or uneven roads. It feels nicely planted on the road and while it’s not sporty, it feels remarkably nimble and agile for an SUV of this size. It’s incredibly comfortable and refined, with a well-insulated cabin that manages to keep any noise from the e-CVT gearbox to a bare minimum. It’s just a very relaxing and high-end driving experience.
Lexus RX 450h+ Pricing
The RX 450h+ is available from €89,070 for the Luxury model and from €97,680 for the Premium, with both prices including metallic paint.
Carzone Verdict
The Lexus RX has made strides forward in design and interior technology, while offering the same supreme levels of comfort and refinement that make it a truly luxurious way to travel. While it’s not the most engaging premium SUV to drive, the new hybrid is reliably efficient and gives RX buyers the opportunity to charge and drive electric for the very first time.