2023 Lexus RX First Drive | Smooth Enough?

We do a first drive review on the brand new 2023 Lexus RX 350 and 500h. We break down the basics and improvements on this next-generation SUV. There are multiple trim levels for most people as long as you enjoy 4 cylinders and hybrids. In a sea of luxury SUVs and other brands going upmarket, the RX has serious competition. Others to consider are Acura MDX, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q5.
#cars #suv #lexus
Index:
00:00 Intro Final Days
1:00 Interior, Exterior, and Technical
6:44 Driving Impressions
14:07 Final Thoughts

[@geoffgoldplum1231]

Alright it looks nice and clean from the outside, but there's something to it that makes me question whether it is RUGGED and TOUGH enough for my daily trip through the Starbucks drive through

[@kevincrockett5155]

Not only can it do the Starbuck's drive thru, it can do curbside pick up at Whole Foods, then hit up Trader Joe's. All without missing a hitch. Giddayup!

[@Silversmok3]

But can it handle Caribou Coffee?

[@Parker53151]

It will need the lift kit in order to better align with the drive-thru window height.

[@xwarped83]

@@Silversmok3 You’re crazy!! That’s a Sequoia job.

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@Silversmok3 Not in a frontal impact.

[@dannoyes4493]

Sometimes you gotta take a step back to go forward. I like a rear bias. Unbelievably well done. Thank you for this.

[@powellaron]

That is probably my favorite intro you guys have ever done. 🤣

[@Static-MT]

I firmly believe that one of the hardest things to do in life is make a video about the RX interesting to watch. The media embargo concerning the RX must have expired today as my KZbin dashboard was (to my dismay) flooded with boring shots of a real snoozer of a car. Just about lost it and gave up on KZbin for the day, but you guys brought me back to my center and made it possible for me to get through without having to watch another RX video. Thank you for your service.

[@avery4528]

The suspension in these new SUVs has gotten crazy good. So much less body roll than 15 years ago.

[@pickupmr.3978]

I think this is the main reason why suv/crossover are so popular nowadays. My theory is that people always want a bit higher seated cars but it used to be so uncomfy

[@an-dr6eu]

Crazy good compared to really shitty they were before. Compared to rivals its barely average.

[@anotheryoutubeaccount5259]

@@pickupmr.3978 Everyone needs a large car. It's inhuman to have to stuff yourself into a cage, come on.

[@LongWalker730]

Why do people want hard suspension on their daily drivers? I like the body roll, it means I won't destroy my spin going over a pebble.

[@badongtagalog5737]

@@an-dr6eudid you factor reliability? Because competition is miles away

[@TheOreamnos55]

I've watched an awful lot of your videos, but just now I really noticed how great the spoken audio quality is during your test drives. Well done.

[@motioncompensation1544]

A first drive on this channel gives more information than a full review of many other channels.

[@andrewday5762]

That is the best intro to a Lexus review I’ve ever seen. Final days.

[@blackcaesar8387]

Always excited when you drop a Lexus video. I first came across this channel when I was researching the 2015 RX - which I ended up buying, and I still consider your video on that model a benchmark for well-rounded car reviews.

[@JimboJason]

Thanks, looking forward to the full review.

[@SpookyConcepts]

You guys are hilarious. The videos keep getting better

[@kimaniian433]

Finally, I've been waiting for this one from you forever.

[@peter300pete]

Looking forward to your full review and you are the only one who compared it to NX. Great job as always👍

[@kingneptune886]

Lexus has done a great job. The RX has always been a solid product and I'm sure it'll just be better.

[@anotheran]

Sad to see the V6 options gone. But rear steer is a surprise for this vehicle.

[@Swish36]

I LOVE THE INTRO!!!!!!

[@eazy529]

Looks like a nice ride. The new infotainment systems is a massive improvement over the old one. But the Michelin pilot sports on the press car is kind of overkill for a RX

[@SpicyPickle1]

L

[@pnourani]

The infotainment screen and dash itself is underwhelming in looks.

[@cornholioyo725]

@@pnourani in looks yes , but in functionality its a 1000% better ! People buy this car even if it has 0 screens lol or a screen that was from 2008 . So this is a huge win for its customers

[@maxheadroom224]

The 2nd owner will get uniroyals...

[@jayjacaty3009]

Holy shit I laughed way too hard at this. It's so true. TIGER PAW'S FTW

[@Eatshhhushi]

I am so glad your channel is doing the new RX’s review. Nice job and this is going to be my next new car! HaHa I like the “technical” disruption! Love this channel where the other YTubers review don’t even get close!!!

[@MickeyCastro]

I've never heard of you guys before this video. And this review was so well done that I decided to subscribe after the video done. Please continue making reviews telling us who each car is made for. As someone who isn't a gearhead, I'd like to know who each car is made for. I feel like most reviewers overlook this, and doing this makes the content more palatable and less confusing. So thank you for that.

[@zoner__]

You’ve missed a lot and have to do some binge watching

[@cayman9873]

Great review

[@supremewhip]

Thanks for the intro. I haven’t peed my pants from laughter in a while. Regards.

[@erwark]

So glad to see paint-matched fenders. 🙏😍

[@cyanprince00]

I hate to see grey-plastic fenders/side skirt trims, on cars over 50/60k..it kinda seems like the manufacturer cheaped out when u look at it. Anyway, this RX seems like the best yet! Even if it's not as powerful as the German SUVs. Or the best in turning corners- it does its job as a comfortable, luxury SUV, I think. SUVs don't need to be "sporty". Plus the lower price tag

[@mulamulelilumadi4717]

CX-60 higher trim models are going that way too. Guess customers were sick of the black plastic wheel arch trim

[@anotheryoutubeaccount5259]

@@cyanprince00 But, as far as I see it, plastic arch trim is more suited to being beat up by dirt and stones.

[@Tool0GT92]

Looks like a great car. We just got a rav4 hybrid for my wife and their hybrid system is incredibly smooth and works really well. I would get the 2.5L hybrid option if I was purchasing this.

[@Lion-hj7ch]

been driving 2021 rav4 xse hybrid for 80,000km and the hybrid system is amazing. the only thing, its loud on highway, would love to upgrade to the new rx

[@moloono1]

I’m pretty sad to see the v6 go, but I’m happy for all the other improvements made. Edit: Hopefully the engine isn’t harsh on acceleration. The old v6 was smooth as butter.

[@paulshi5974]

2GR engine was sweet. It could really pull on the top end, and sounded a lot better than the typical lazy 4 cylinders in grocery getters

[@moloono1]

@@paulshi5974 100% agree!

[@Ficon]

@@paulshi5974 It also made no sense in a car like this. I've driven it in the Sienna and there is no power under 5000 rpm.

[@cvshav]

V6 is needed for this huge car

[@gilboman]

@@Ficon Sienna doesn't have a turbo charged engine

[@singular9]

The T24a engine is actually quite reliable. It is simply an A25A engine that has thicker cylinder walls, better cooling, and old school variable valve timing. Its actually MORE old school than the 2.5NA A25A engine. So this engine will last. Just because it has a turbo doesn't mean it will break, its just that germans suck at making reliable turbo cars (late alone the korean makers).

[@johnstone7697]

More horsepower through 2 less cylinders, a turbo spinning at hundreds of thousands of RPM, a bunch of additional plumbing, electronic controls etc......Toyota has had legendary reliability, but that reputation was largely built on old school, normally aspirated, relatively low hp per cc designs. There's no guarantees, with all this fancy stuff hanging off the motor, and the turbos will likely die long before the engine does.

[@KZ-se4ik]

When you look at the torque output of this engine, the peak cylinder pressures are probably 50% higher than what the old V6 experienced. On top of that they've got to be extra careful about detonation issues, and the turbocharger itself is a major wear item. While I'm sure Toyota has done a ton of long term durability testing, all things being equal, the old NA V6 would probably look better after 10-15 years, if that's your thing.

[@lw1878]

I agree. I'm not quite sure why a couple of folks think it'll behave like a Ford Ecoboost with zero justification.

[@bigcjm]

The last gen Lexus NX with the turbo was among the most reliable luxury cars out. You here no complaints about the Lexus GS 200t, is 200t, or NX owners from last gen with the turbo 4.

[@legatus9081]

My last Toyota turbo lasted 280.000 km

[@pete1067]

I was pleasantly surprised when a coworker let me pilot his new Rx. The ride is sublime if you are disinterested in any sort of driving performance. It is fine product and will outlive most owners, given proper maintenance.

[@sesomediagroup]

Thank you for this channel. That is all.

[@7477238]

I think at present I'd spring for a final year previous generation RX350 with the old school V6 motor. Smooth, refined and bulletproof reliable. There are too many new things on this Lexus like rear steer, turbocharging (not going well with the Tundra motor) and lots of unproven tech. I'd give it a few years.

[@florinvid]

600k and climbing Way to go Mr. Goose! PS : this was a fun one to watch 😄

[@gladdy02]

Damn, the white with the black roof and trim looks good 👍🏿😊

[@ruxsreviews1113]

As always, great video. I can’t wait till you guys review the rivian R1S. As the plant is In Illinois, hopefully they give you guys a jump ahead the line

[@janes5653]

this colour looks amazing especially under the sunlight ! wooow

[@BarnStangz]

Man, that intro took a turn. How delightful! I wonder if you could be a guest director (or writer) for the new Aliens TV series coming up? This new RX looks pretty nice, I'll have to take one for a rip, but I dunno, might be hard pressed to lose our 2015, man that thing has been SUPER reliable (as we all know).

[@Oosh21]

7:29 - Late 40s to early 50s empty nesters are pretty rare given kids are had later in life and staying at home until 25+.

[@kharseet2014]

Intro 10/10

[@zzrandy7110]

Great review guys and fantastic country music at the start! Do you know if the new 500h has a towing capacity commensurate with the outgoing rx450h?

[@treaves2175]

You guys are the best

[@jpmavichana]

Great video. Can't wait for the GR Supra Manual video!

[@alexoger]

Best intro ever.

[@dentsetc.2080]

Nice review! Whats up with that grille/front fascia?

[@abogoni]

that color is amazing 😍

[@tweedeldee8122]

599K. Congrats on the big 600!! Well deserved!

[@Loko_The_Savage]

Lmao - that intro scene was a complete flurry of emotions - actually closely resembling same exact way I felt after driving a 2022 GX460.

[@paulbugoni2846]

Did you like the GX460?

[@Loko_The_Savage]

@@paulbugoni2846 I wish I did! You can't beat the reliability & platform, but it just felt way too old. Steering feel, suspension, the A6, it just felt outdated. Cross compared the MDX Type-S, X5, and Q7.

[@patchesohoulihan9826]

​@L T S Why I left the dealer with a RX500H F-sport over the GX460 Luxury. Wanted that V8, but the RX was way better of a ride and updated.

[@TakedaKenshi]

Savagegoose? More like, SavageGOAT. Keep rockin' those videos, brother.

[@Persocondes]

liked, commented and subscribed for the algorithm!

[@mrelectric4577]

Omg.... that "Copper Crest" color is gorgeous. That vehicle, in the 500h variety and in that color, is probably the most magnificent vehicle I've ever seen. I need one.

[@patchesohoulihan9826]

Went to test drive a GX460 Luxury and left with a Copper Crest RX500H F-sport, haha. Looks great in person and have had people get out and red lights to ask me for the colors name.

[@sirmingusdewiv8325]

I love their combination of driving skill, vehicle knowledge, and don't give an eff attitude.

[@MrDonohuea]

Gotta have a dark sense of humor for that intro... I love it!!

[@altezza46]

3:34 and on points to a closable shade on that pano roof, bonus in my book

[@vigneshie]

That's one helluva intro

[@AlanForde-CheyneMS]

Interesting intro to this video

[@varthdader12]

#Looseasagoose Great first look as always fellas

[@lorrinbarth1969]

When is comes to handling, what I want to know is, when on the interstate and you get run off the road into the center median, do you come safely to a stop or end up on your roof in the apposing lanes.

[@nelsonricciardi7087]

So is it smooth enough? I'm not sure you addressed the point directly. Love your work.

[@beansy99]

Waiting eagerly for your RX 500h full review.

[@ccoedo808]

I really like the fact it comes with a RTX reference card on the center console

[@navilupets]

600k sooooo close !!! Cmon guys let's get it!

[@whispanic]

As a TexPat it was great to see what a Lexus RAV4 owner does on his commute from Austin to his Full-Auto-Heli-Russian Boar hunt reservation. You’re real men now. You’ll forever hold that experience over the heads of lesser transplants like S3XY and JRE.

[@nazhif1]

does anyone know how they got the POV look? How was the camera mounted?

[@HannahsGarage]

4:36 YIKES. The amount of bezel on that lower infotainment trim is astonishingly insulting. If I got into any car with a center screen that looked like that I'd dismiss it immediately. Touchscreens are wildly inferior to rotary knob style interfaces. 2018 Audi MMI and the like were the peak of human-machine interaction in cars, but now automakers forego spending money on designing a good looking dashboard with quality hardware and just slap the customer in the face with a Fisher Price Etch A Sketch. Easily the worst trend in car design right now. Toyota and Lexus are the worst offenders, besides Kia/Hyundai for the comically terrible bezels, but every automaker should take their touchscreens and shove them. After being in several cars with them I can tell you it is so distracting to operate while driving that I don't know how it makes DOT approval. Much more unsafe than using a smartphone. God I hate the general direction the auto industry is moving these days. Automakers these days be like: Put a heavy, useless and dirty-to-make EV battery cell and an etch a sketch dashboard in a car, price it at $80,000 because we're cash-strapped and have to compete with dumbass shit like the Mustang Mach E and call it a day.

[@johnstone7697]

I just loved the intro. You guys are so damn snarky.

[@davisdesigns1153]

Best intro so far 😂

[@bigcjm]

I really didn't think mark was even going to do a press launch video for this. When I saw it I had a feeling he was going to troll a bit. It's a competent vehicle and it's improves at the things people like Lexus for.

[@fromjucal1963]

Well you guys inspire me,, just got my RX350 premium plus last night::: I must say I’m static about it 👍😎👌

[@avocado9763]

Off topic I'm looking at to purchase Gt 350 and have heard they have real bad engine issues. Do you know anything about it. Thanks

[@tamakatsui]

Excellent, thank you for the content!

[@barrygoldwasser5449]

I rather the old V6. Proven power plant. Reliable like the tides.

[@le1690]

Agreed. I mean this is nice, but I doubt it will hold up anywhere near as well. New tech, new engine, turbo, rear wheel steering. Something is gonna break in this long before the previous gen RX. We shall see tho.

[@spishco]

Still the best auto channel on the toob.

[@kristoferfc6525]

That intro was fucking gold

[@bbbt8090]

Only thing lacking is the RX 500H's transmission to improve 0-60 times and mpg

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

Mark, did you get that "WOW!" feeling driving on the ocean shores (or bottom)?

[@austinfrazier7325]

The music at 5:03 sounds like the opening scenes of a early 2000s college humor movie like when the kids are walking to class.

[@BrennanLetkeman]

wait, does the start-stop engine button change between 4:39 and 4:41? are those clips from different cars?

[@jackholmes8105]

Different trim levels

[@singular9]

Everyone I know who has had a luxury car of any kind and then tried a lexus, says the same thing. "It is the smoothest vehicle I have ever driven". Nuff said.

[@rickettyross9254]

You mean a maybach

[@singular9]

@Ralph B trash

[@mofayer]

@Ralph B My friend upgraded to a brand new S class back in 2012, I was surprised that it was harsher than the Lexus LS it replaced.

[@mbyte84]

Acoustic glass - is that for the RX500 only? Or is it also on the RX350?

[@savagegeese]

Upper trim 350s as well.

[@koichi.k1161]

Great work Geese. Lexus has done brilliantly in terms of exterior and interior design with this. The pure petrol will probably be the best bet for longevity. Wonder if the IS will get this treatment at some point, just fear the V6 will be eliminated completely in newer generations of ES and IS.

[@brettgoldsmith8584]

Don't drink and drive kids. Even in Napa Valley. On a serious note (lol), I do love how meta SG is about their press event coverage. Most people would look at the Target demographics and taylor their review to those people. SG makes it part of the coverage. The car industry is the story. Not just the car

[@davidgillham6847]

the hybrid system does take a lot of strain off the 4 cylinder used in the 350h, so reliability I don't think will be that much of an issue, but certainly it will sound like crap and not be as smooth or refined feeling in such a big car compared to the outgoing V6 models. I personally think they should have tried to improve the efficiency of the V6 and mated it to the improved hybrid system, best of both worlds, but Lexus now are seriously cost cutting in my opinion and trying to claw back for all the new R&D. I mean charging more for a 4 cylinder hybrid is a bit of a joke quite frankly...

[@wiegraf9009]

I think it'll be able to handle those runs to Whole Foods without jerking around just fine.

[@akshaypersad]

Where is the cost cutting?

[@AndreiGonzalesDesign]

Emissions and efficiency are the driving factors to the changes, not cost cutting. All manufacturers are doing it. Keep in mind that Toyota is closely matching the specs of a past engine which had bigger displacement through hybrid + turbo tech.

[@ericchen776]

the hybrid system and engine is not new, it's reliable

[@alh06]

I’m not sure it is cost-cutting, since it makes sense to switch for emissions reasons, while Toyota and Lexus are heavily investing in electric now.

[@bigdombig]

Bro this intro killed me 😂

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Noon here in Europe... do you upload videos in alignment with our lunch breaks now?! More bullion to you!

[@CJ-sh6sc]

Just before commutes for the East coast. #winning

[@johndemerse9172]

How do you clean that suede like material on the doors and seats?

[@_Makanko_]

In the real world, leasing and other purchase models will have the competition win out vs this I think. They will keep the loyalists but I don't see many new buyers coming in.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Great understated tribute to Queen Elizabeth with the intro lifestyle segment.

[@adanny4140]

RIP DaQueen 🙏👸 We lost a real one 🫡🤷‍♀️😭

[@MattMatt77]

Chip-chip-cheerio

[@ibrahimmuyibi4489]

@@adanny4140 bruv f her who cares

[@josephchavis8232]

If you had to pick between the 2023 NX 350H or 2023 RX 350H?

[@Mistadontplay89]

That color is freakin beautiful...

[@aircanuck]

I was looking for this comment. It seriously blew me away.

[@Ravi9357128438]

What’s the pricing look like for new trims

[@OPMDK]

NX vs RX: practical size differences?

[@andrewhillman9632]

I was Lexus review 'drunk' by the end of this video, the content is that strong!

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

OMG that intro

[@fajitas4every1]

The music choice leading into the Driving Impressions was *mwua*

[@sooperman12]

I thumbs up'd just for the intro

[@coolomino]

I'm glad Lexus _is_ no longer stuck in the early 2010s. The infotainment is exasperating and I'm glad someone at Toyota determined them to expunge the touchpad tbh. Lexus is getting back in action slowly and I quite like the latest RX + I hope the LS gets more refined and I wish it came with a V8 as it's more essential than the 3.5 electricified V6 optionally offered...

[@papa_pt]

Yes touch screen only is a trip back to the mid/late 2000s

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Toyota has been in the hybrid game longer than anyone and their hybrid systems are rock solid. The only thing to worry about is the turbo system but even that manufacturers have pretty much figured it out.

[@wess7831]

Minus the cable corrosion now in the rav. Disappointing

[@Dowlphin]

2:08 That is the first time I remember seeing that effect outside of video games, which is really sad, considering in this video it does not break immersion, while it does in every video game. (keyword Verschlimmbesserung.) 3:25 Interesting choice: Either eyes straight on the road during a crawl all the time or hands off the wheel and/or eyes off - basically FULL FREEDOM - in unassisted mode. 5:36 Lex - the dark zone. (I like black calipers.) 7:24 So they are targeting a super-niche market. 😏 (A creative visionary would be someone who thinks lens dirt/flaring in a first person video game is stupid. ... Oh wait, no, I think those are called terrorists now.) 8:27 Every time you say that brand name now I am thinking of the "Honda e".

[@kinglumpy6145]

What is the source for the music you use in the videos?

[@RubmaLione]

I heard this video inspired Kubrick to get into film. Incredible.

[@phprofYT]

Well, that went dark at 0:40.

[@paulm6481]

This right here my friends wins best color of year award. Bravo Lexus. 👏

[@barrydraper]

While it's going to continue to be an outstanding flagship vehicle, I'm keeping my gen 4 (2016-2022) RX350 (luxury package) with a naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 engine. But an RX EV might truly be a game changer...

[@aprtur]

I'm not sure they're going that route any time soon, since they have the RZ in the wings that's based on the BZ4X architecture. The 2GR previous gen that you have will last an eternity if you take care of it, so enjoy to the fullest! I'm doing the same with the IS I just purchased, and am loving the 2GR.

[@kenchen704]

That RX you got is still one of the best SUVs out there, I agree there’s no big reason for you to upgrade.

[@bliglum]

For sure a big improvement.