Lexus Canada has confirmed pricing and trim levels for the fifth generation RX SUV, which boasts hybrid powertrain options for the first time, ahead of its arrival early next year.
2023 Lexus RX 450h
Though Lexus doesn’t specify exact dates, Canadian sales for the “completely redesigned” RX will begin before the end of the year ahead of the start of customer deliveries in early-to-mid 2023. Prices start from $58,650 for the ICE-only, entry-level RX 350 Premium, with seven trim, gas-powered options raising that to $74,150. All Canadian examples will be built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Ontario facility in Cambridge.
Lexus RX 350h
Significantly though, 2023 also marks the first time in its 25-year tenure that the RX will feature hybrid powertrain options. Consequently, six hybrid-specific trim levels, each all-wheel drive, will also be available, ranging from $60,150 for the electrified RX 350h Premium to the range-topping ‘RX 500h F SPORT Performance 3,’ one of two “high-performance” hybrid F Sports that will be available (yes, the naming is a little confusing).
Read our vehicle review: Lexus RX gets better in every way
The RX 350h AWD option mates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with a CVT transmission and a fourth-generation hybrid electric system developed in-house, the combination producing a total of 246 hp and 233 lb ft. The higher-spec 500h AWD meanwhile mates an electric motor with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – both of which send power to the front axle via a six-speed automatic transmission – while a second electric motor / inverter / reduction gearbox ‘eAxle’ combination powers the rear wheels. Total power and torque is a more sprightly 366 hp and 406 lb ft.
Lexus RX 350h
These are two of three powertrains available for the RX, the third being a gas-only RX 350 AWD, which uses the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as the 500h, albeit with power tapped out at 275 hp and 317 lb ft.
The entry-level ‘Premium’ boasts among other features a 9.8-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker sound system, NuLuxe upholstery, and heated steering wheel and front seats. The mid-range ‘Luxury’ – from $67,350 – ups the 19-inch wheels to 21-inch, and also adds a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rear console box, and multi-colour ambient cabin lighting system. The higher spec, more technically-focused ‘Ultra Luxury – from $71,150 – also throws in a head-up display, a power boot lid with kick sensor, and select driver assist systems (Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert), while the ‘Executive’– from $75,650 – boasts bespoke ‘hi alloy’ wheels, and also includes a 21-speaker surround sound system, more lumbar supportive seats, and semi-Aniline premium leather.
Lexus RX 500h
All four RX 350h AWD powertrain packages boast a 1,587 kg towing capacity, and all trims bar the entry level Premium feature a larger, 14-inch touchscreen.
Prices for the latter start from $79,800 for the F Sport Performance 2 and rise to $85,600 for the F Sport Performance 3. Both feature a limited slip differential, four-wheel steering for more responsive direction change and ‘F Sport’ 21-inch alloys, while the ‘3’ also incorporates the 21-speaker sound system, a 36-degree Panoramic View Monitor, and additional driver assist systems. Oddly though, despite the additional grunt, both F Sport models feature the same 1,587 kg towing capacity limit.
Lexus RX 500h
Alongside its hybrid powertrain, the fifth-gen RX, unveiled for the first time back in May, boasts a redesigned exterior and, more significantly, Lexus’ EV-dedicated Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform. As well as being stiffer than that of its predecessor, the lower centre of gravity and optimized weight distribution means the new RX should provide a “more refined performance.”
2023 Lexus RX trims and prices (hybrid only)
RX 350h Premium $60,150
RX 350h Luxury $67,350
RX 350h Ultra Luxury $71,150
RX 350h Executive $75,650
RX 500h F SPORT Performance 2 $79,800
RX 500h F SPORT Performance 3 $85,600
