Lexus RX350h 2023 review: snapshot

The predicted most popular version of the all-new, fifth-generation RX series will be the 350h hybrid, and why not. It's the entry point so most accessible, offers outstanding fuel economy and is pretty lively to boot.

Priced from $87,500 before on-road costs, the base Luxury 2WD is the only front-wheel drive RX on offer, and combines an engine and electric motor up front. A second electric motor on the back axle turns it into AWD for $4500 more. That's known as the e-Four system.

Standard features include LED headlights, electric and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, electric door handles, synthetic leather trim, three-zone climate control, a 14-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 'Hey, Lexus' voice control, six USB ports, 40:20:40 split rear seats with auto fold, electrically adjustable steering column, a powered tailgate, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Explore the 2023 Lexus RX350H Range

Lexus RX 2026 review: 450h+ Sports Luxury Lexus RX 2024 review: 350h 2WD Luxury Lexus RX 2023 review: 500h F Sport Performance Lexus RX350h 2023 review: snapshot Lexus RX500h 2023 review: snapshot

Stepping up to the Sport Luxury brings bi-LED three-projector headlights with auto high beams and washers.

Stepping up to the Sport Luxury brings bi-LED three-projector headlights with auto high beams and washers, 360-degree surround view monitor, variable suspension damping for a comfier ride, a head-up display, heated/vented front seats, more salubrious leather, extra fancy front seats, 21-speaker premium audio, wireless smartphone charger, power reclining/folding rear seats with heating/ventilation, uprated brakes, kick sensors for that powered tailgate, rear sunshades, ambient lighting and 21-inch alloys.

On the safety front, you'll find Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise-control with full stop/go capability, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors, Intersection Turn Assist (ITA – providing early brake activation if required), Emergency Steering Assist (ESA – extra steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane) and a digital rear-view camera mirror.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5L petrol atmo engine and CVT automatic.

These come on top of eight airbags (including dual-front occupant knees and a centre item to stop lateral head strikes), anti-lock brakes with brake-assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control systems, three rear-seat child-seat tether anchorages and two ISOFIX latches.

You also score Lexus Connected Services with – among other features – an SOS button or automatic emergency services notification with vehicle co-ordinates should the driver be incapacitated following an accident, as well as Safe Exit Assist – which won't allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.

It comes with 14-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5L petrol atmo engine and CVT automatic, mated to either a single front-mounted electric motor to drive the front wheels in the 2WD, or a second rear-axle sited electric motor, bringing all-wheel drive.

Using the NEDC fuel-consumption figures (the only ones available at launch for Australia), the 350h should average just 5.0L in the 2WD and 5.4L for the AWD version. The corresponding carbon dioxide ratings are 114g/km (RX 350h 2WD) and 123g/km (350h AWD), while – in theory – the former can average up to 1300km between refills while the latter might achieve 1200km.