Lexus launched its fifth-generation RX at an event in Plano, Texas on May 31.The Globe and Mail
Lexus launched the luxury crossover segment with its first RX more than two decades ago. For the 2023 model year, the brand has redesigned its best-selling nameplate, raising the bar in a category now packed with competition including the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi A5.
But unlike its rivals, the RX is built in Canada at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ont. and is made for the North American market. In a part of the world where SUVs dominate, the RX leads the midsize luxury field and also leads the entire Lexus lineup in terms of sales.
Not only is the RX a significant vehicle for Toyota Canada, but also for the Canadian economy. In 2003, TMMC was the first facility outside of Japan to produce Lexus vehicles. Since then, more than 1.5 million Lexus RX and Lexus RX Hybrid vehicles have been built there – more than 150,000 of them sold in Canada.
“Not only does TMMC employ more than 8,500 people at its three plants, but we’ve also made substantial investments in supporting the Canadian economy,” said Frank Voss, president of TMMC ahead of the vehicle debut in Plano, Texas. “Toyota invested more than $9.2-billion in its Canadian operations since 1985 and in 2018, TMMC announced a $1.4-billion investment to convert its North and West plants to the company’s New Global Architecture platform. This allowed for increased flexibility and further production efficiency while shifting production to meet the demands of North America’s rapidly growing compact SUV market. The fact that TMMC builds Lexus RX and NX also helps us attract new investment.”
On the outside, the RX is clearly a Lexus with an updated twist on the iconic spindle design at the front end.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
At first glimpse, the fifth-generation RX is impressive – it gets a new look on the exterior and interior, four revamped powertrains including three electrified versions, and more technology and safety features than previous models. It’ll come with two rows of seats. No news, yet, on whether the RX L with three-rows of seats will be available later or discontinued and replaced with an all-new three-row SUV.
The RX rides on a new global platform, dubbed “GA-K” – not that the acronym means anything to most people. But it translates into more space in the cargo area and cabin, especially legroom for rear-seat riders. Compared to the previous version, the RX is nearly 90 kilograms lighter. While the length remains the same, the new RX rides on a slightly longer wheelbase with a shorter rear overhang.
Four new powertrain options are available including a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine in the RX 350 all-wheel drive and a 2.5-litre inline-four engine mated to the fourth-generation hybrid system in the RX 350h all-wheel drive. The RX 450h+ is the plug-in hybrid electric version, but no details were released on that engine or electric motor. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance gets a new hybrid electric system for the Lexus brand with a front unit that integrates a 2.4-litre turbo engine, six-speed automatic transmission, inverter and an electric motor with an e-Axle rear unit with a high-output electric motor, inverter and reduction gearbox.
On the outside, the RX is clearly a Lexus with an updated twist on the iconic spindle design at the front end. From the profile, the roofline sweeps down ever so slightly toward the rear end. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, with beefier 21-inch wheels are optional. At the rear is Lexus’ familiar signature L-shaped light bar lamp with lenses that wrap around the side of the body for a wider, more muscular look.
Inside, it’s tasteful and elegant with real wood touches, leather upholstery and available features including a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen centre display and a panoramic roof. Technology takes centre stage with new available innovative features including a Digital Key that lets you lock or unlock the doors and start the vehicle with your smartphone – no traditional key is needed - and an advanced park system with more functions including the ability to assist with parallel parking – that’s in addition to conventional back-up parking and forward-facing parking. The RX also has Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 system, which includes a number of standard safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Support and a new feature of Motorcycle Detection; All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with new Curve Speed Management; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; and Emergency Driving Stop System.
The 2023 Lexus RX is expected to go on sale at the end of 2022. Prices aren’t available, yet.
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