2023 Lexus RX 350h Review

As the most popular Lexus model in America, the previous-generation RX midsize crossover SUV apparently satisfied the luxury cravings of many people despite a handful of sometimes glaring flaws. Now, a redesigned fifth-generation 2023 Lexus RX attempts to sustain and build upon that success, so it is comfortingly similar to yet substantially different from the old RX.

Styling is a subjective matter, so as is often the case with Lexus models, if you like the way it looks, then chances are you'll like most everything else about the new 2023 RX. That assessment extends to the RX 350h, which is one of two models to replace the previous RX 450h. (The other is the RX 450h+, a new plug-in hybrid model arriving midyear, according to Lexus.)

The RX 350h is a conventional — rather than a plug-in — hybrid. Unlike the V6-based RX 450h from last year, the 2023 RX 350h employs a four-cylinder engine, improving fuel economy while retaining the off-the-line responsiveness supplied by the electric assist motors. Better yet, based on the automaker's claims, acceleration remains on par with the old RX 450h.

As part of the redesign, the previous-generation RX 450h L with its cramped third-row seat is gone, leaving two rows of seats for up to five people in the new RX 350h. If you believe the rumor mill, a proper three-row Lexus crossover SUV is coming soon, likely based on the upcoming Toyota Grand Highlander. Hybrid power is a good bet, though the new, larger Lexus three-row crossover will probably use the more powerful drivetrain offered in the new RX 500h F Sport Performance model (reviewed separately).

As for the 2023 RX 350h, next-generation infotainment, convenience and driver assist technologies debut, including a cloud-based navigation and natural voice recognition system and a hands-free traffic jam assistant for when you're crawling along at low speeds in commuter traffic. With its comfortable front and roomy rear seats, and more cargo space than before, the new RX should appeal to the luxury SUV buyers that have made it successful in the past.

And while the new RX 350 faces several rivals, the RX 350h is in a class of one. The only hybrid-powered alternative in the luxury two-row SUV segment is the BMW X5 xDrive45e, and it's a plug-in model. You might also cross-shop the RX 350h with the smaller Audi Q5 TFSI 55 e, Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring and Volvo XC60 Recharge, three additional plug-in hybrid alternatives all in the compact luxury SUV segment.

Every 2023 Lexus RX 350h has a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (246 horsepower, 233 lb-ft torque). It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission and employs a small electric motor at the rear wheels to create an electronic all-wheel-drive system.