2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury Review

The competition in Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce in 2023. Many family users and professionals wish to have the texture of luxury brands while pursuing spatial practicality and rich configurations when choosing a car. The Lexus RX, as the core SUV model under the brand, enters the market with the combination of a 2.4T turbocharged engine and an all-wheel-drive system for the 2023 RX 350 Luxury. Equipped with a plethora of intelligent safety and comfort features as standard, this makes it quite attractive among competitors in the same class. This review will explore the static design, space performance, and dynamic driving dimensions to see if this car can meet local consumers’ dual demands for luxury and practicality.

From the exterior perspective, the 2023 RX 350 Luxury retains the family-style spindle-shaped grille of Lexus, but the mesh structure inside the grille has been adjusted. Paired with sharply designed LED headlight units on both sides, the overall recognition is high. The car's side profile is smooth, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body look longer and more elegant. The 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels enhance the sense of luxury. At the rear, the highlight is the LED taillight bar, which creates a striking visual effect when illuminated, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a bit of off-road flavor. For the lighting system, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and front fog lights are all standard, combining functionality with aesthetics.

Sitting inside, the interior materials and craftsmanship are in line with the positioning of a luxury brand. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, complemented by wooden trim panels, providing a pleasing tactile feel and a luxurious ambiance. The central console is driver-oriented in layout, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen positioned appropriately for smooth operation. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The head-up display (HUD) system is standard, showing speed, navigation, and other information to enhance driving convenience. In terms of seating configurations, the front seats offer electric adjustments, memory functions, as well as heating and ventilation capabilities. Meanwhile, the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split folding mechanism; the passenger-side seat can also slide manually and recline electrically, ensuring comfort during long rides. Regarding spatial performance, the body dimensions are 4,890mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,695mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850mm. Rear legroom is generous, allowing even passengers with a height of 180cm to have about two fist-widths of space between their knees and the front seat. The trunk space can meet daily usage in its standard configuration, and when the rear seats are folded down, the maximum capacity can reach 1,678L, making it more practical for moving or transporting large items. Additionally, the car offers plenty of interior storage space, including a spacious center armrest box in the front row and large door storage compartments, making it convenient for storing daily essentials.

In terms of power, the 2023 RX 350 Luxury is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 278PS and a peak torque output between 1,700-3,600rpm. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering responsive performance. The throttle is calibrated linearly, ensuring no jerky starts, and acceleration is smooth. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.6 seconds, making overtaking or highway driving a breeze. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively, keeping the engine rpm higher for a more direct power output. Regarding handling, the steering wheel offers precise turning with minimal dead zones. The suspension system employs a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, tuned for comfort while still providing decent support during cornering. On bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations, maintaining good body stability without noticeable swaying. The brake system performs consistently, offering adequate braking force with controlled body posture during emergency braking. In terms of fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.4L/100km. In actual tests, the city mileage consumption is around 11L/100km, while highway consumption drops to approximately 8L/100km, which is at an average level compared to others in the same segment for a 2.07-ton luxury SUV.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is commendable. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well-controlled, ensuring a high level of cabin quietness. The seats offer good wrapping and support, making long-term sitting comfortable. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with multi-zone automatic air conditioning, and there are independent air vents and temperature adjustment functions for the rear seats, meeting the needs of different passengers. Regarding safety features, 10 airbags, 360-degree panoramic camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and active braking are all standard, showcasing excellent safety performance.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury lie in its luxurious interior craftsmanship, rich features, and balanced dynamics. Compared with its peers such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, it offers a more comprehensive configuration and better value for money, making it suitable for families prioritizing luxury and practicality. Moreover, with the addition of the all-wheel-drive system, it feels more confident handling slippery roads or light off-road conditions, making it ideal for consumers who occasionally need out-of-town trips. However, the fuel consumption is relatively higher compared to hybrid models, which might not be the best choice for users pursuing extreme fuel efficiency.

Overall, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is a well-rounded luxury midsize SUV that satisfies the comfort needs of daily urban commuting while also being capable of long-distance travel and light off-roading. If you value luxury, rich features, and practical space as a family user or professional, this car is worth considering.