The Lexus RX 350h is all-new for the 2023 model year, and we have the honor of being able to drive it. Lexus handed us the pre-production model, which hasn’t been completely smoothed out yet, but it has all of the features we need to adequately test the car out. Here are five of our favorite features so far.

1. The 2023 Lexus RX 350h’s exterior aesthetics are far more eye-pleasing

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h has smoother and more eye-catching exterior aesthetics. The controversial “spindle grille” still exists, but it’s more integrated into the front bumper for a sleeker look. We also like the wraparound rear taillight and bold fenders that give the car a more futuristic look.

2. The Advanced Park feature is handy

Our tester for the week came equipped with Lexus’ Advanced Park feature, which aids with parallel parking and backing into tight spaces. The system controls the car’s steering, brakes, and gear changing when parking, making the experience hands-free for the driver. We were able to make use of this feature a couple of times with success, which made parking the RX a non-issue when driving in the city.

3. The new 14-inch display is a welcome addition to the Lexus RX line

The previous generation of the Lexus RX’s infotainment system had to be controlled with a knob on the center console. It wasn’t that hard to use, but it was annoying. Fortunately, the 2023 RX utilizes a touchscreen that’s easy to reach from the driver and passenger seats, and it’s easy to see. That’s mainly due to its sheer size – which measures 14.1-inches diagonally.

4. The rear seat area is accommodating

Another one of our favorite features is the RX’s rear-seat area. The rear seat can accommodate up to three people comfortably and comes with its own HVAC controls. Those controls include cabin temperature adjustments as well as heated/ventilated seat buttons. Furthermore, the rear seatbacks can recline a decent amount, which should make long road trips more comfortable for rear-seat passengers.

5. The 2.5-liter hybrid system is very fuel-efficient

Lastly, we really like the 2023 Lexus RX’s 2.5-liter hybrid system. It punches out 246 hp, and is able to achieve up to an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. In our real-world testing thus far, we have managed to average 35 mpg, which is exceptional for an SUV of this size.

Our favorite 2023 Lexus RX features

There’s plenty to love about the all-new 2023 Lexus RX, including the way that it drives. It’s smooth, spacious, and comfortable, but it also has plenty of great features. While there are many features that we can point out, these five stood out to us the most.

However, we can also throw in that the new Mark Levinson 21-speaker sound system is truly sublime as well. If you’re shopping for a Lexus, we can’t recommend the RX 350h enough. The Japanese automaker did a great job on it this time, even if the model we’re driving is a pre-production unit.