2023 Lexus RX Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Redesigning a well-loved luxury model is quite the gamble - and it is a gamble that Lexus took this year with the 2023 Lexus RX. Hot off a full redesign, the RX comes with a brand-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers more power than ever before. Also, as a start to the RX's fifth generation, Lexus gave the vehicle some nice next-gen driver aids, convenience, and infotainment features.

But how good are all of these changes? Some of them are hits while others are misses. For example, the new infotainment system does not feel quite as intuitive as the previous model. Also, the RX's touch-sensing steering wheel controls are finicky and can cause drivers to get frustrated.

There's also the issue of the F Sport Handling's ride quality being overly firm. It doesn't feel sporty or luxurious. Buyers will likely want to avoid this version even though it promises more enthralling driving dynamics.

Take note: the RX L from the fourth generation has been scrapped for the fifth generation. This is a good thing given that the RX L was an entirely too-cramped third-row SUV. Now, you can only order the Lexus RX as a two-row, five-seater SUV. If you're feeling bummed about not having a third-row option, hold on a sec. There have been rumors circulating that Lexus will soon introduce a new model build on the same platform as the soon-to-be-released Toyota Grand Highlander, which will essentially replace the unpopular RX L.

Luckily, there are a slew of trim levels available on the 2023 Lexus RX line-up. All of the trims feature a more toned-down style than the previous generation, and the focus has shifted to including more high-tech gadgetry that buyers are looking for in a new vehicle. Also, given that the vehicle is still the same size as the previous generation, luxury buyers should be pleased with how much space they will receive.

But which trim level is the right one for you? You can choose from the Base, Premium, Premium+, and Luxury trim levels. Of course, there is also the F Sport Handling variant that you can opt for if you'd like more driving dynamics. Let's explore what the 2023 Lexus RX has to offer and which trim level will best appeal to the luxury SUV buyer.

Compare the Base vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

Up first is the RX's Base trim level. Above that is the Premium trim. The Base trim is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is able to generate a maximum power output of 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It is paired up with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the standard front-wheel drive system or an optional all-wheel drive system.

Standard equipment for the RX Base trim are 19-inch wheels made from alloy and windshield wipers that are able to sense rain. The vehicle is outfitted with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights for enhanced visibility. The exterior side mirrors are power-heated with automatically dimming glass for the driver's side. In the back, there is a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. Proximity-sensing keyless entry makes it easy to get into the vehicle, especially if you have a bunch of stuff in your hands. There are even Digital Latch electronic door latches for easy use.

Inside of the cabin, you will find ambient interior lighting and a tri-zone automatic climate control system that regulates temperatures in all three zones of the vehicle. The steering wheel is power adjustable, and there is synthetic leather upholstery throughout the cabin. Both front seats are heated and power adjustable eight different ways. The 40/20/40-split back seats are able to recline and fold.

The new Lexus infotainment system is quite robust. This list of features includes a standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen display that is compatible with wireless smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is also included as part of a free trial period. Other connected services are included, such as the Drive Connect system, which comes with cloud-based navigation and natural voice recognition systems. You also get Wi-Fi Connect, which outfits the vehicle with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Also, Remote Connect comes with remote engine start, and Safety Connect provides collision notification and assistance. Remote vehicle health checks come with Service Connect. Finally, you can enjoy your music via a 12-speaker sound system.

Lexus does not skimp on driver aids either. They outfit the RX with a standard suite of advanced driver aids called Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Bundled together in this package are automatic high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control (which lets you set a safe following distance between the RX and the vehicle in front of you), a lane keeping system (which makes small steering corrections that keep the RX centered in its intended driving lane), forward collision mitigation (which detects impending frontal crashes and applies to brakes to help prevent them), and lane departure mitigation (which alerts you of a lane departure when you don't use a turn signal and the vehicle starts to stray over the line). Additionally, you get a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (which lets you know if a vehicle is driving in your blind spot as you try to reverse or as you try to change lanes) and a rear passenger safe-exit system (which stops a rear seat passenger from opening the door into oncoming traffic).

If you decide to upgrade to the Premium trim level, you get a few rather obvious upgrades, starting with the roof rails and power operated sunroof. In the cabin, the real wood trim adds an air of luxury, and the driver's seat gains memory settings. What's more, the front seats have a ventilation function.

Additionally, a wireless smartphone charger comes equipped. Parking sensors let you know when there is an obstacle of some sort near the bumpers that you cannot see with your own two eyes.

Compare the Premium vs Premium+. What is the difference?

Up one trim level from the Premium is the Premium+. It isn't a massive upgrade, but rather, it builds on what the Premium has to offer. This trim level tacks on upgraded ambient interior lighting to the cabin, and the climate control system is able to sense smog. The heated steering wheel is made from a combination of wood and leather, which matches well with the genuine perforated leather upholstery on the seats. Finally, you get upgraded to a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That, however, is the extent of the upgrades to the Premium+ trim level.

Compare the RX Premium+ vs F Sport Handling. What is the difference?

Going up to the F Sport Handling variant gives you a sportier version of the Premium+. This trim level comes with 21-inch alloy wheels done in gloss black and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension that creates a firmer ride quality. The brakes get upgraded, and there is special F Sport front and rear styling. The exterior trim is done in black.

The cabin has some upgrades worth mentioning as well. There are front sport seats, a steering wheel with a flat-bottom sport design, and synthetic leather upholstery. There is even aluminum interior trim and synthetic suede interior door trim. A 9.8-inch touchscreen display and a 10-inch color head-up display are crafted into the cockpit of the F Sport Handling variant too.

Compare the F Sport Handling vs Luxury Trim. What is the difference?

The line-topping Luxury trim level includes a lot of what you find on the Premium+ trim level and does away with the F Sport Handling's unique mechanical and styling elements. However, on the Luxury trim level, you will be riding around on some big 21-inch alloy wheels. The interior door trim gets upgraded to synthetic suede, plus the upholstery is upped to premium perforated leather.

Both of the Luxury's front seats are power adjustable ten different ways, and they each come with power lumbar support. To top it all off, this vehicle comes with a 10-inch color head-up display that projects important driving info onto the windshield in front of you, letting you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.

There are some options that you can equip on certain 2023 Lexus RX trim levels, including the Luxury. You can get upgraded LED headlights swapped onto the front fascia for enhanced visibility. You can also opt for a hands-free power liftgate for even easier access into the cargo area. A panoramic sunroof gives you a lot more light inside of the cabin, and there is a digital key function that turns your cell phone into a key for the 2023 Lexus RX.

Another optional feature is the digital rearview mirror, which makes it so that you can see out of the rear even when you have the cargo area totally loaded up to the roof with stuff.

There are some optional tech and driver aids, too. There is the Lexus Interface which comes with a 14-inch touchscreen display. You can also opt for a downright mind-blowing 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. Driver aids include traffic jam assist (which is a semi-automated, hands-free driving system that helps you out in slow-speed traffic scenarios, such as a traffic jam), a 360-degree surround-view camera system (which provides you with a top-down view of everything immediately surrounding the RX), and an automated parking system (which will steer the RX into a parking spot with very little - if any - intervention from you, the driver).

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Lexus RX is a robust line-up with some solid options. It feels more exciting than the outgoing fourth generation line-up, but there are still some flaws. That being said, though, there is one trim level that delivers a good amount of features for the price - and that is the Premium+. We'd recommend equipping it with AWD for the extra traction it provides. There are a lot of comfort upgrades and enough tech and safety features to appease nearly everyone.

The 2023 Lexus RX is a luxurious SUV that offers a lot of refinement. While it might not be for everyone, it has a subdued but serene presence on the road and is worth considering as you move forward in your buying decision.