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The fifth generation Lexus RX is finally here with a redesigned exterior and interior, four new engines, and a plethora of new features.

Lexus, the luxury division of the Japanese auto giant Toyota, has been one of the best luxury car brands in the United States ever since it set its feet on American soil. From being the most reliable brand to being one of the most stylish luxury car manufacturers, Lexus holds a special spot for its reliability and creative engineering.

Recently, Lexus introduced the fifth generation of the RX with a long list of changes. Lexus has redesigned the RX from the ground up, and its new exterior looks sharper than ever before. They have also redesigned the interior with A-grade materials and a contemporary layout. They have constructed the 2023 RX on Toyota's GA-K platform, discontinued the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine, and equipped the new RX with four new engines. While the new RX pours out numerous features, a few of them are really impressive, and these features will surely give the new Lexus RX an upper hand in the segment.

Related: All You Need To Know About The 2023 Lexus RX

Lexus has launched the fifth generation RX with some crucial changes, and one of the most important advancements in the new RX is its new set of engines. Lexus will offer 2023 RX buyers four powertrain options: a turbocharged engine, a regular hybrid engine, a plug-in hybrid engine, and a high-performance hybrid engine.

The RX 350 models will get a new 275-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The RX 350 offers both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems. The RX 350 offers around 24 MPG in the city and takes around 7.2 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration.

The costlier RX 350h gets a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that includes a 2.5-liter inline-four engine combined with a rear electric motor. The RX 350h’s hybrid unit comes mated with a CVT gearbox and is capable of producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, offering a combined mileage of 33 MPG and an estimated acceleration of 0-60 mph in around 7.5 seconds.

The RX 450h+ comes equipped with a 2.5-liter engine combined with front and rear motors and an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. While Lexus hasn’t revealed the exact output of this engine, we expect the numbers to be around 320 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers more performance by combining activating the engine and the battery to mine out more power from the engine.

The flagship RX 500h is the most powerful model in the lineup, using a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine mated to two electric motors. The front wheels get a permanent synchronous motor, and the rear gets a high-performance eAxle motor that offers excellent grip and muscular performance. The RX 500h offers a stout 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and offers a combined mileage of 26 MPG, offering stout power and decent mileage.

Alongside the capable powertrains, the new Lexus RX boasts a new all-wheel-drive system, which Lexus regards as the Direct4 system. The Direct4 system is a combination of a sensor and mechanicals that collects data like wheel speed, acceleration, steering angle, and power to optimize and properly control the drive force distribution ratio of the front and rear wheels. The system senses the situation, collects the data, and optimizes the front and rear drive force distribution between 100:0 and 20:80 to improve the start-up acceleration, overall handling and stability, and fuel economy.

When the vehicle is at rest, the system optimizes acceleration by pitching a drive force ratio of 60:40 to 40:60 on the front and rear wheels. While taking sharp corners, the system detects the speed, approach angle, and power to distribute 70:30 to 50:50 front-to-rear drive force to offer better handling and stability.

The sixth-generation Lexus RX offers a luxurious, roomy, and tech-centric cockpit designed to offer an excellent driver's position and comfort for the driver. The new RX’s cockpit design is based on the Tazuna concept, delivering a human-friendly ambiance and superb comfort.

The cabin can seat five passengers, and the seats are covered with perforated leather. The front side offers a pair of power-adjustable bucket seats with built-in heating and cooling functions, memory settings, and lumbar support. The driver’s side has a heated steering wheel, a 9.8-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a color HUD. For entertainment, the center stack offers a large 14-inch full HD touchscreen along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePLay premium audio system. Although Lexus hasn’t confirmed other features, we expect wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, voice-assisted navigation, and other premium infotainment features to be included. The controls are very intuitive and offer excellent ergonomics. For decoration, Lexus has used aluminum or wooden trims and delicate leatherette surfaces to deliver an upscale feel and look.

Related: How The 2023 Lexus RX Compares To The Volvo XC60

Safety has always been a priority for Toyota, and their vehicles not only use a robust chassis but also offer a heavy set of features for extra safety. That said, Lexus, it's luxury division, isn’t any different.

Lexus has equipped the 2023 RX with plenty of safety and driver safety features for unmatched driver and passenger safety. The new RX comes standard with the Lexus Safety Suite 3.0+ package, which includes premium driver assist features like the pre-collision system, lane assistance system, intelligent high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assistance. The RX also features a new Proactive Driving Assist package that includes some exclusive safety features like lane departure warning and assist pre-collision safety system and driver attention monitor. Lexus also informed us that they will add advanced parking, traffic jam assist, and safe exit assist in future OTA updates.

If the flagship RX 500h failed to impress with its opulence, Lexus offers further customization options with the F Sport package. The F Sport package features a sportier fascia with a wider and lower stance and an aerodynamically optimized exterior. A set of 21-inch aluminum wheels, an exclusive sports mesh grille, and a set of new 6-piston brake calipers are also included in the package.

These features will surely make the new Lexus RX an alluring luxury SUV in the market. The RX has all the features luxury car owners are looking for. Below, check out how the Lexus RX fares with the BMW X3.

Sourav hails from Siliguri, a city very close to the Himalayas in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Anything that has to do with wheels fascinates him. He has a soft spot for Lexus and BMW. He rides a Royal Enfield Thunderbird and is often seen with his group of friends in nearby hill stations. He also loves doing photography and making music. After working with CARHP and CAR INDIGO for more than 15 months, he joined HotCars to continue in automotive writing. He's currently crushing upon the Triumph Tiger 1200.