Lexus RX350 Sport Luxury Review

Lexus renewed the RX range early in 2023, adding to the 15,192 vehicles the brand moved last year. Of the current range, the passenger cars ES, LS and LC sell 1,817 combined, the rest are SUVs. Like every other brand, buyers flock further if an SUV is on offer.

Although Toyota and Lexus have fervently resisted meaningful moves to all-electric propulsion, a significant number of units sold are hybrid. The jointly developed RZ is the only full electric Lexus so far.

In a small concession to mending a burning planet, thirstier engines are being phased out in favour of smaller turbo engines and hybrid drivelines. The RX range is positively brimming with hybrids, which now make up a substantial part of Toyota and Lexus sales.

The exterior is a series of complex curves, lines, slashes and mind-bending angles. They’re made to shimmer light passes over it. The upward swing of the lower section arches gracefully over the rear tyres, making the rear haunch look pantheresquely powerful. The front end considerably less Insta-worthy. It is dominated by a reinterpretation of the hourglass-shaped “spindle grille”, which by now should have been retired. Headlights on upper models get fancy Blade Scan LEDs, Lexus’ version of matrix non-blinding open road beams. I don’t know how it works, but I want it desperately.

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ABOVE: 2023 Lexus RX Range

Inside:

Lexus has always had a certain “feel.”

Technology is there, and although is on show, is not in your face. Not only are the Japanese crafting a cabin worthy of a private jet, but the way it interacts with you is friendlier and makes more sense. The new user interface uses a 14” tablet instead of that catastrophic joystick and trackpad combo Its loss shall no be remembered with undiluted pleasure.

Our RX 350 F sport came with an Audio system from a bloke called Mark Levinsen. His beautifully rich tones are a delight, leaving the listeners with the aftertaste of a fine aged scotch.

The system is easily navigated by flicking the wrist a la smart phone. Wandering fingers find easier to find too. Customisation of the aids and convenience features does require trawling the user guide for minutiae, only to find what you seek is beyond your grasp.

The petrol-only RX 350 also comes with a nifty noise cancelling system, making each journey a meditative affair.

In many ways, the RX 350 has taken the place of the LS range. Although the larger LX is the one blessed with a 4-seat option that includes limousine mode, the RX has vast 2^nd row legroom. The 2^nd row outboard positions have seat heating and cooling as found in the front pews, and rear doors have pull-up sun shades. And, to gives those in the back a true VIP experience, there is a 3^rd zone of climate control. I’ve never really understood multi-zone climate control though. If you don’t want cold or hot air on you, move the vents. It isn’t as if the cabin is big enough for personalised zones to provide a significantly unique atmosphere, is it?

Lexus has kept options to some simple choices, the enhancement pack 1 and 2. Pack 1 gives you a fancy sunroof, and Pack 2 adds a digital rearview mirror and an automated parking system.

The Drive:

Lexi of the past were a joy to drive but felt rather like steering the Queen Mary in a gale. Lexus RX is its antitheses, and is as nimble Nureyev.

The Cottages:

As usual, we loaded the car full of boys, booze, and bric-a-brac, to head out of town for a relaxed weekend at the Cottages.

Recently graduating from twinkdoms’ Rampant Trollop Academy, Raffy declared the mini-break to be one of antiquing, adventure, and cocktails. We toured wineries in The Hunter, roving the countryside like riverboat escapees. The Hunter’s notoriously moody roads go from billiard table to bomb site in the flash of an eye, yet the RX was a Zen cocoon throughout. Even on the nastiest day, lashed by storms of biblical proportions, the gentle nature delivered consistent 1^st-class travel.

As we wafted down the M1 Sydney-bound, we reflected upon our time resting gently in Lexus’ bosom. The “Zen” was end to end, from the adjustable steering and suspension, to the soft leather seats and symphonic sound.

Once we ejected the hangers-on, we pushed the RX a little harder through corners, using every centime of its grip and grit.

Raffy banged on endlessly about the Euro 6b-ness of the 205kw/430Nm turbo-4, but he yearned for the 273kw/460Nm hybrid range topper. Alas it was not to be. By way of compensation, most models have AWD for a smidge of extra hold, just when you need it.

While some of us lamented the absence of a 3-pedal option, the 8-speed automatic was like a sip of finely aged single malt.

Conclusion:

The Lexus RX was a fabulously relaxed SUV. A 7.6 second 0-100 dash is decent for such a hefty lass, and there is more than enough space for a very comfortable roadtrip. It is classy and elegant, but doesn’t get the hoopla it deserves.

There are other Lexus benefits too, such as the Encore programme, Drivecare, and fuel discounts.

We could list all the models and specifications here, but it has become apparent that you’ll get far more by visit the Lexus RX site HERE.

Price: $87,500-$126,000

RX350 Sport Luxury + packs 1 and 2 $109,800 (Petrol AWD)