Redesigned inside and out, the 2023 Lexus RX is a gorgeous midsize SUV that is the perfect choice if you are looking for a vehicle that drives as good as it looks. With its latest update, the RX is more stunning than ever, and Lexus has loaded it up with a wide range of features and options. You have numerous engines available for the Lexus RX, along with a variety of trims that come together to create a dizzying array of options for you to choose from. As your Lexus dealer in Long Island City, Lexus of Queens is ready to help you while you’re shopping for your next SUV. We make it easy to consider all of your options to find what you want. To get you started, let’s go over some of the choices you have available to see which version of the 2023 Lexus RX might best meet your needs.
Gas vs Hybrid Engine Options
One of the first things to consider when looking at the 2023 Lexus RX is which engine you want because you have both gas and hybrid options available. The starting RX 350 trim comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), a 2.4L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every trim with this engine is also available with all-wheel drive (AWD) if you prefer.
You’ll also see trims with an “h” in the name, such as the Lexus RX 350h. These trims have a hybrid powertrain instead, hence the “h.” This powertrain consists of a 2.5L I-4 engine with a Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive, delivering a combined 246 hp. These engines use an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) rather than an automatic and come standard with AWD.
As expected, trims with the hybrid engine have superior fuel economy ratings, especially in the urban traffic of Long Island City. The standard 2023 RX 350 gets an estimated 22 MPG in the city, while the 2023 RX 350h enjoys an estimated 37 MPG in the city. For the most part, you can choose between either engine on the trims we’re going to look at below, so you’re free to get the features you prefer with the performance you want. However, the last few trims we’ll look at are only offered with specific engines, so keep that in mind.
Lexus RX 350
The base trim is the Lexus RX 350, which comes with all of the standard features for this model, such as the stunning new LED Blade Taillamp that makes an immediate impression and a driver’s side auto-dimming outside mirror. You get 19-inch wheels on the RX 350, along with a power rear liftgate, Bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Inside the Lexus RX 350, you’ll find ambient illumination, multi-zone climate control, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats that are incredibly comfortable. NuLuxe upholstery is standard, which is both remarkably soft and durable, along with heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 9.8-inch infotainment display, a 12-speaker premium sound system, and much more.
Lexus RX 350 Premium
Moving up to the Lexus RX 350 Premium, you’ll find several standard and available upgrades to make your driving experience even more exceptional. The RX 350 Premium includes a standard power tilt-and-slide moonroof, while a power rear door with a kick sensor is available. Inside, the 350 Premium has an available heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel for an added touch of sophistication, plus it comes with heated and ventilated front seats. You’ll get the Lexus Memory System for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors, plus Black Open-Pore Wood and Ash Bamboo interior details. A digital rearview mirror and a larger 14-inch infotainment display are also available for the RX 350 Premium, but you can’t get them on the base trim.
Lexus RX 350 Premium+
As you might expect, even more options become available with the Lexus RX 350 Premium+ trim, such as premium triple-beam LED headlamps with headlamp washers and cornering lamps. You can option a panorama glass roof on the RX 350 Premium+ to give you a gorgeous view of the sky, along with 21-inch wheels for a stronger overall look. Inside, this trim features thematic ambient illumination, giving you intelligent interior lighting with custom themes that you can match to your mood. Perforated leather-trimmed seating is standard, and heated and ventilated rear seats are available on the RX 350 Premium+ trim. You also get the gorgeous 14-inch infotainment display standard on this trim, with an available 10-inch color head-up display for a superb driving experience.
Lexus RX 350 Luxury
With the Lexus RX 350 Luxury trim, you get a vehicle that truly lives up to its name thanks to standard 21-inch wheels for a bold stance, a perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment. Power-folding and reclining rear seats are also available for added comfort and utility. The RX 350 Luxury comes with unique Ultrasuede interior door trim, a standard 10-inch color head-up display, and available features that include Lexus’s Advanced Park for hands-free parking and a Mark Levinson 21-speaker PurePlay surround sound system for a truly exceptional time behind the wheel whenever you hit the roads around Long Island City.
Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling
Next up, we have the Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling, which features more aggressive styling than other RX trims, plus some exclusive details and touches. This trim is only offered with the standard gas engine and AWD, with 21-inch wheels and an F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension for added control and comfort. The exterior is enhanced with F Sport Gloss Black details, including the side mirrors and window surround. Along with unique F Sport badging on the outside, this trim also has an F Sport perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, F Sport aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and F Sport front seats with added bolstering.
Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance
If powerful performance is what matters most to you, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance. This trim features an exclusive 2.4L turbocharged I-4 engine with a Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive tuned to deliver 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, standard AWD, and an F Sport-tuned suspension, this model can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. As part of the F Sport series, it has many of the same special badges and details as the RX 350 F Sport Handling trim, along with a Dark Chrome window surround and more.
What the Future Holds: The Lexus RX 450h+
Not content with its already amazing options, Lexus has one more RX trim in store for us, though it’s not available just yet: the RX 450h+. This trim will come with an exclusive plug-in hybrid powertrain to offer extended all-electric range and remarkable performance we can’t wait to learn more about. No matter which 2023 Lexus RX trim is right for you, here at Lexus of Queens, we are ready to help you find it and will work with you to explore all of your options. You have amazing engines, gorgeous interiors, and stunning exterior touches to choose from, letting you put together the perfect combination of features for living in Long Island City. Contact us or come visit us at Lexus of Queens today to learn even more, and we’ll make sure you get the RX that you’ve been looking for.