Lexus RX 2023 Review

In Malaysia's mid-to-large luxury SUV market, family users who prioritize comfort, smart features, and reliable performance often face a dilemma—either the configuration is sufficient but exceeds the budget, or the space is adequate but lacks a sense of luxury. The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury, as the brand's flagship executive model, enters the market with a 2.4T turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, and fully equipped intelligent features. Its core selling point is the "balance between luxury and practicality." This test will cover static design, spatial practicality, and dynamic driving performance to verify whether it meets the core needs of Malaysian consumers for an executive SUV.

In terms of exterior design, the RX 350 Luxury continues Lexus's signature spindle grille design, with a smoked interior finish accented by chrome strips for high recognition. The sharp styling of the LED headlamp clusters on both sides of the front blends seamlessly with the grille edges, and the L-shaped daytime running lights feature clear visual effects when illuminated. The car’s side profile features smooth lines, with a length of 4890mm and a wheelbase of 2850mm, creating an elongated proportion. The 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 235/50R21 tires enhance the luxury feel of the vehicle. At the rear, the through-type LED taillight set integrates with the body-color rear bumper, and the hidden exhaust layout underlines the simple styling. The overall design strikes a balance between the stability expected of an executive model and youthful dynamism.

Stepping into the cabin, the interior is wrapped extensively in soft leather materials, with the center console primarily characterized by horizontal lines and a layered layout. The 12.3-inch touchscreen occupies the central position, featuring a clear interface logic and supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity with swift responsiveness. The cockpit is equipped with a 10-inch HUD (Head-Up Display) capable of showing speed, navigation, and other information, reducing distractions during driving. The steering wheel is made of genuine leather and integrates buttons for volume adjustment, voice control, and driving assistance features, offering a comfortable grip. In terms of seating configuration, the front driver's seat supports electric adjustment, memory function, as well as heating and ventilation functions. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split and the backrest angle can be manually adjusted, providing relief during long rides. As for space, a passenger with a height of 175 cm sitting in the front seat would have about a fist and two fingers of headroom remaining. The rear legroom space measures up to two fists, along with a headroom of one fist, ensuring comfort even when fully occupied by five people. The trunk offers ample standard storage capacity, which can be expanded up to 1678 liters when the rear seats are folded down, making it spacious enough to accommodate large suitcases or camping gear. The rear row is also equipped with air conditioning outlets and USB charging ports, maximizing practicality.

In terms of power, the RX 350 Luxury is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 278PS and peak torque available in the 1700-3600rpm range. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The initial acceleration response is quick—slightly pressing the accelerator provides an evident push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration figure is 7.6 seconds. During actual testing, in sport mode, the acceleration performance is even more aggressive, and pressing the accelerator during overtaking prompts the transmission to downshift actively with a linear power output. The driving modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly delayed, making it suitable for daily commutes. In Sport mode, the steering wheel feels heavier, and the suspension support is enhanced, ideal for mountain road driving. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, tuned by Lexus for excellent road vibration filtering. When crossing speed bumps or pothole-filled roads, the vehicle's body experiences minimal disturbance, maintaining strong comfort. At high speeds, the chassis shows excellent stability with minimal steering play, and the vehicle follows precisely when changing lanes.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test covered urban congested roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 10.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official combined figure of 9.4L. However, considering the frequent use of air conditioning in Malaysia's hot weather, this performance is above average among 2.4T models in the same class. Regarding braking performance, the tested 100-0km/h braking distance is about 38 meters. The brake pedal feedback is linear, and the braking force output is stable. Noise control performance is excellent, with tire and wind noise effectively isolated during highway driving, allowing normal conversations without raising voices. The engine noise slightly enters the cabin when the RPM exceeds 3000, but it does not affect passenger comfort.

Compared to competitors in the same segment, the RX 350 Luxury has clear advantages: 10 airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and full-speed adaptive cruise control are all standard features, which are more generous than similarly priced German competitors. Its space flexibility and seat comfort better cater to family needs, and the trunk's expansion capability surpasses that of the hybrid RX 500h F Sport version. However, its fuel consumption is slightly higher than the hybrid model. If daily commuting mainly involves urban roads, the hybrid version may be more economical, but the RX 350 Luxury is approximately 40,000 MYR cheaper than the RX 500h F Sport, offering better value for money.

Overall, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is a highly balanced executive SUV. Whether it is exterior design, interior luxury, dynamic performance, or practical space, it meets the core needs of Malaysian family users. It is particularly suitable for those who prioritize ride comfort, comprehensive smart configurations, and want a vehicle for both daily commuting and weekend trips. If you are looking for a mid-to-large luxury SUV with an affordable price and full features, the RX 350 Luxury is worth placing at the top of your list.