The Ingenious Way the 2023 Lexus RX Gained Space Without Growing Longer
The Lexus RX is an all-around excellent luxury SUV with its fuel-efficient powertrains, plentiful standard features, and impressive interior. It’s as posh as you would expect any luxury model to be, but the Lexus RX also excels in terms of interior accommodations. Using one simple trick, the 2023 model year has even more passenger space. Here’s why the Lexus RX is an even better vehicle for families this year.
What we already love about the Lexus RX
The 2023 model year marks a major redesign for the Lexus RX, with a new interior and several appealing powertrains. The gas-powered RX only has one engine option: a turbo-four generating 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It earns a respectable 24 mpg combined city/highway rating, but Lexus also offers three hybrid variations of the RX. The PHEV version is the most frugal in terms of fuel usage, generating 302 hp and earning 76 MPGe.
The Lexus EX 500h F Sport Performance Hybrid loses a lot of efficiency compared to the regular Hybrid. However, its 367 hp on tap makes it the most powerful RX. Lexus gives this brand-new model a 0-60 mph time below 6 seconds. This RX also has standard all-wheel drive, intimidating 21-inch wheels, suede door trim, and even optional six-piston brake calipers.
Some of these features, along with a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, are standard on the Sport Handling model. Even without a bigger engine, its mechanical enhancements promise a more thrilling ride.
The Lexus RX is a midsize SUV that seats five, so every passenger has adequate room to stretch each limb. The updated interior features a sleek, modern design with a new center console and soft door inserts. At the center sits a 9.8-inch infotainment screen, though you can get a new 14-inch one starting on the Premium trim. That upgrade includes the Lexus digital assistant and built-in navigation.
Synthetic leather seats, wireless smartphone integration, and tasteful ambient lighting are all standard. The new-for-2023 Premium+ model increases passenger comfort with standard leather seats and adds a ventilated seat for the driver. The Lexus 350 Luxury includes power-folding rear seats for ease of accessing the cargo area, and everyone gets aniline leather seats.
With so much to love about the new Lexus RX, its already impressive sales numbers will likely increase. According to GoodCarBadCar, the RX regularly moves over 100,000 units each year. It slowed down slightly in 2022, likely due to Toyota’s supply chain issues. However, for the first quarter of 2023, it sold nearly 37,000 units.
The 2023 Lexus RX loses one thing and gains more space
As MotorTrend points out, the Lexus RX’s rear overhang was slightly shaved down for this year. Thanks to that, the latest model has approximately 2.36 extra inches of passenger space. Its overall length remains the same at nearly 193 inches, but it’s now 1 inch wider.
Lexus states that the 2023 RX features over 41 inches of front legroom and over 37 inches of legroom for the passengers. Total cargo capacity is over 46 cubic ft, with about 30 of those available with every seat upright. Those totals are a little small for a midsize SUV, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are helpful when loading large items.
Other changes for the 2023 model year
The redesigned 2023 Lexus RX has new headlights and an updated grille design to accompany its new interior. This model also has a new version of the Lexus Safety System suite, which now includes pedestrian and cyclist detection for the forward-collision warning system.
Higher trims feature a parallel parking assist function, a panoramic parking camera, and blind-spot monitors. The Lexus RX still remains a competitive value in its segment, with prices ranging between $47,400-$57,000. The F Sport Performance Hybrid is a little more expensive but still as spacious as any other RX.
