2023 Lexus RX Hybrid | Talking Cars

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The Lexus RX has served as a benchmark for refined, stress-free, midsized luxury SUVs for more than two decades. We recently purchased our own to put through our tests at the Consumer Reports Auto Test track, and share our first impressions of its driving characteristics, controls, how it stacks up against competitors like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, and whether it maintains its solid reputation. We also discuss whether you should bring your vehicle to the dealer for software updates.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
23:19 - Question: Should you bother your dealer to check and perform software updates on your vehicle?
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2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
www.consumerreports.org/cars/...
Redesigned 2023 Lexus RX Ticks Up on Luxury and Sport
www.consumerreports.org/suvs/...
Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act
www.consumerreports.org/cars/...
Guide to Car Safety
www.consumerreports.org/cars-...
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[@karenrussell6386]

I’ve owned the 2023 RX 350h luxury fully loaded and LOVE IT. Once you get used to some of the features and customize them. Transition from hybrid to gas is very smooth and great very comfortable ride ❣️

[@omnimoeish]

Yes all the journalists say the same thing, they don't like the driver attention warnings, the HUD or the push button door. I can see how it's weird the first couple days but you quickly learn to love them. The only safety thing I'm probably going to turn off is the cross traffic alert because it's a little jarring to have it go off at an already high alert time for the driver.

[@denisef3149]

I was lucky to get a fully loaded luxury RXh and you are right in all respects. Very use to my old RX but the new features just get a little getting use too. The ride and the power is great. 15:07

[@dontarguewithidiots7459]

I have the 2024 and i like it too. The 4 cyl is a BIT harsh but overall it's a great car. SUPER quiet, comfortable, and the fuel economy is unreal. I regularly see 40mpg in town and overall i'm at 34.5 (i'm a leadfoot). great car

[@hryou1]

Thank you for all your info. Thinking about getting mine soon!

[@ihop4no14]

@@dontarguewithidiots7459 I'm getting 33.1 mph overall. Are you using premium or regular octane gas? Thanks!

[@asunjian5196]

I love the HUD on my RX450h+ (the PHEV variant of the 350). The reason the buttons are not hard labeled is because those are multi functional. For example, instead of the audio settings, that left hand controls can be set up to control climate, or even fully customize it!

[@RolfKwakkelaar]

It was mentioned that the hybrid needs premium. Actually, while premium is recommended, it is not required.

[@andreyoungcompton]

Yes premium is only recommended but Regular is okay, but only on the RX350h. The rest of the RX models need premium only.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Yeah, I paused and researched at the claim of the 350h requiring Premium. Premium is recommended, but Regular is acceptable. Makes sense, since the hybrid focuses on reducing fuel cost.

[@Tigre1370]

So the mpg rating is based off premium gas? How then would it change off regular? Sticker on gas and Manual says premium?

[@panzer_TZ]

@20:36 The problem is that the hybrid versions of most vehicles these days usually have long wait times, waitlists, and market adjustments; especially for desirable colors and options. In the case of Lexus, they almost never build more basic hybrid models. I'd consider a $51,000 MSRP RX 350h unobtanium.

[@mervinprone]

You can order one however you want. It will just take awhile.

[@christopherbarber9351]

Excellent! Highly informative.

[@Doc1855]

Good review ! Thanks Guys

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Thanks for your extensive review of the RX 350h. I am the happy owner of an RX, and the 350h is the variant that I like. I consciously purchased my RX for the virtue you mentioned--a clear focus on luxury, with no compromises. And the serenity is amazing. I do look forward to driving it, for the calm. My advice is to be sure to option the Mark Levinson audio upgrade. It is audiophile quality. In my research, I did not find a car that is significantly better in ride, silence, and audio quality, for less than twice as much. Many do other things better, but none are competitive on that core mission, IMO. I'm delighted to not be disappointed.

[@JimHertel-bb2lp]

Good luck finding the Mark Lev sound system in anything other than the Luxury trim and even that isn't a guarantee due to supply chain issues.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Great segment on your initial reaction to the Lexus RX. I never buy a car before hearing what Consumer reports has to say. The RX hybrid has been my favorite SUV since it's inception and I have been waiting for you guys to get your hands on it. I have also owned the LS hybrid which I love though that system is a bit different than the RX. I too find the touch pad on Lexus vehicles frustrating but only when I need to use the interface to enter navigation addresses. That, I have to approach with patience but from your descriptions of the push button for the door releases in the new RX and NX, it seems more intuitive once you know that's what you do. I've always felt pulling on a lever while pushing on a door to be counterintuitive. I was a bit disappointed with the discontinuation of the excellent six cylinder engine and the resulting reduction in horsepower/torque and therefore find myself looking more at the 500h variant but you did not talk much about that model so interested to hear more. Also, can't wait to hear your impressions on the plugin hybrid variant of the RX and the upcoming all electric RZ!

[@dougklanecky9800]

I have noticed that most manufacturers seem to be listing their connected vehicles services as "requiring a 4G connection". This shows up on their Monroney window stickers as well on some brands (2023 Lexus NX and RX for instance). Given that we just went through the decommissioning of the 3G system, which seems to make 3G obsolete, what are your thoughts on how today's generation of "connected" vehicles will operate when the inevitable shut down of 4G happens? Thanks for the great Talking Cars feature!

[@Mabeylater293]

11:40 The interior door release buttons are a better design than the traditional ones. GET OVER IT. AND STOP YOUR WHINING!!

[@awanderer4973]

I agree. The fact that they had no idea how to use it and that the reason the buttons are blank is because IT'S PROGRAMMABLE is somewhat weird. I love the HUD and it's safer to use that than looking away from the road. Also, I wear sunglasses and I could see the HUD. perhaps it's because you can control the brightness and I had moved it up?

[@awolryan]

Glad you guys covered the 350h as well which is the true sweet spot on the RX line-up. I’ve owned the ‘23 RX 350h for about 10 days…same spec and price as yours. Agree, it’s the ultimate roadtripper! That said, Lexus has to get rid of the beeping from the interior eyesight system and the steering wheel controls. Coming from a VW ID.4…I didn’t think the controls could get worse! Love the car and ride still tho!

[@Mr21scott]

The steering wheel controls are ridiculous, but you can turn the eyesight off yourself under "Driver monitoring" setting.

[@joshuamoore2714]

Can you disable the eyesight system?

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I am so glad you guys mentioned Software Updates at the Dealer. I took delivery of my 2022 Hyundai Kona one month before their Navigation and Infotainment update and the dealership (where I leased my 4th Hyundai, by the way) REFUSED to do the update. They told me to just use a flash drive on my PC and download the update from their website. Well, I had to special order a 200 Gigabyte flash drive first because the download file was so large. Then, it took me 4 hours (had to keep the engine on too) to install that update from that flash drive into the car. Now, the infotainment is worse than before and if their website would have said what the updates were or had screen shots, I would have said "F" that, I'll keep the navigation and infotainment alone!

[@TalismanPHX]

A Lexus deserves that silky smooth V6...

[@MechayaAlta]

For a one car family a Toyota Hybrid is the way to go. For us, a two car frugal family, we have a a Nissan Leaf SV plus as our town car and a Subaru Outback Onyx 2.5 as our road trip/camping car (plain vanilla with no sunroof or GPS). Together they cost about the same as this car or a Tesla Y. We have been renting possible car purchases on Turo for three days before we buy. We love CR for our basic research. Even though I can afford cars like this, I have trouble spending 50-100 K on a depreciating assist.

[@Mr21scott]

I own the hybrid and it's a great car. No car is perfect and the steering wheel buttons ARE infuriating, but these are first world problems. I have already learned after just a few weeks that when I want to change the station, I just have to push the left arrow twice in succession and so on; yes, it's stupid but it works. I turned the HUD off because it was so annoying. I turned the driver monitoring off. Like Alex, I don't find the other driving nannies to go off hardly at all except when they should. Almost immediately I was getting 34 mpg, as advertised, and it's winter here. Everything else about the car, from the ride quality to steering to handling to visibility to whatever is great. The only thing that really annoys me is that while the touchscreen is a million times better than the old systems, the steering wheel buttons are a million times worse, so the end result is Lexus still has an infotainment system that is highly aggravating on a daily basis. Might as well have left it as it was. That, and the shift lever is ridiculous: stop with the dials and joysticks; just put a stupid shift lever in cars like they have been for generations; they just WORK.

[@georgeh6856]

I own a 2016 Prius with a color head-up display. The HUD does not show the buttons from the steering wheel. Instead, my car has circles on the left and right sides of the steering wheel with a center button inside each circle (for OK or select). The circles are actual tactile four-way buttons. The right one is used to select menus in one of the option displays. The left one is for audio: up/down for volume and left/right for track or radio station. It works well. I think the previous generation (gen 3) Priuses had something called Touch Tracer which replicated the steering wheel buttons selected on a small screen.

[@lsft]

The heads-up display and the touch sensitive buttons are great. Not sure why you say it's bad in the NX and now the RX. I've owned my NX for 10 months and i don't even need to look where I put my finger. I rarely accidentally touch the buttons when I turn as well.

[@freds4764]

The HUD buttons do have a short learning curve and then fantastic. Anything else is operator error.

[@zeuscallie1572]

As an avid fan of CR, I very much appreciate this video. As a customer who was looking to upgrade from a RAV4 hybrid Limited, the price jump to step up to the RX350h is unjustifiable, the noise of the hybrid with the heavier vehicle ruins all the luxury. However testing the RX500h the car finally feels like the power to weight ratio is perfectly balanced and only I feel justified the price.

[@Rubyred-rb2fe]

I bought and received my 2023 RX350 Premium + two weeks ago. My only issue is that the Lexus App is not that interactive. Thank goodness for Android Auto Mate...I can easily synch with this app and use the Lexus app only for internal purposes, cabin air adjustments. I had my 1999 RX300 for 24 years and I do not recognize a difference in the v6 vs v4 engine but that's probably why I had the RX300 for more than two decades, I'm not drag racing/speeding. My new vehicle barely fits in my garage. I'm using 89 fuel grade although the Lexus Manual only refers to 87; the Salesman suggested I use a higher grade fuel. I'm very, very happy with my new Lexus!! By the way, I've not used the steering wheel buttons, as of yet. I just tell Google to skip to the next song. The door latch was an easy adjustment...No concerns and my Mother who is 82 years old never needed assistant opening the passenger door so I think they are over exaggerating a bit.

[@davidpaisley9949]

Love the Apple 2 C, my second computer.

[@hugsmindy]

I disagree with you on the HUD buttons and the door handles. I’ve had my 23 RX for 2 weeks and no issues at all! Easy breezy and I love the HUD.

[@DamianHunterJohn]

I love Keith's choice of ear buds match his shirt.

[@Lesfac]

I have a 2022 RX450 h F Sport Takumi. I would have liked to hear your comments on the infotainment system, particularly the voice control. I have found it most frustrating with what it does badly. From saying a destination to playing my music off a usb stick. I had to change the format of every number in my telephone's contact list before the screen would show who was calling me. I had to drop the leading zero and add +44 (I'm in the UK). I have found that the cruise control allows the car to overspeed downhill. I use the cruise control to stay within the speed limit. (There is a proliferation of speed camera vans here) This could get me a ticket if I was not paying attention and of course applying the brake cancels cruise. This is all the more annoying because if I reduce the cruise say from 50 to 30 the car actively reduces the speed and having got to the lower speed it allows it to run away down hill. My Kia Sorrento controlled it perfectly.

[@hereigoagain5050]

So sad that the V6 is gone. My guess is that its affluent customers are not sensitive to fuel cost. Thanks Talking Cars.

[@Mabeylater293]

V zero is much better. As in Battery electric.

[@TheLifetraveler1]

First we lost the eight cylinders. Now we're losing 6 cylinders. Huh, 😣. We had to six-cylinder vehicles. Now we have two four-cylinder vehicles. I must admit the mileage is a little bit better, but I would have still preferred the smooth powerful acceleration and quiet acceleration of a six-cylinder, any day.

[@mikej238]

So why do they drive 85g EVs? Why build a hybrid?. If what you say is true Tesla wouldn't exist

[@Mr21scott]

So sad the crank windows are gone. Same for the 8-track player, crank engines and ignition keys. Not all changes are improvements, but it's so funny to see how many people can't accept change AT ALL.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Tightening emissions regulations are a big driver towards fewer cylinders, even in luxury vehicles. A turbo 4 has lower emissions than a naturally aspirated 6.

[@user-vp8gh2wm4j]

My favorite car❤

[@bradcolby3624]

You guys are spot on with everything that is troublesome with the new RX. Bought my 2022 early just to keep the V6

[@reddragon3518]

How often do you change the heads-up display once you set it? Never is the answer,

[@alexw190]

I agree with you on the HUD 100%. There is way too much going on with the HUD. I also have an Audi Q5 with a simple HUD and I wish the Lexus was the same.

[@mervinprone]

The heads up display criticism is a temporary issue at worst because after a couple weeks at most, you’ll memorize which button is which. Do you look at a keyboard when you type? Not after awhile. When you’re driving you shouldn’t be looking down at the steering wheel anyway.

[@aungmoekhainghtun1260]

Why you didn’t talk about voice control?You can still use a voice command if the touch buttons are distracting while driving.

[@thomastalks3841]

Great video, I was looking at the new RX. Sadly the cheapest version starts at £59,950 in the UK. The last gen you could get a F sport RX450h for that kind of money.

[@rightlanehog3151]

I suggest you buy a British made Corolla Touring Sports and keep £20,000 in the bank. 😉

[@MrEric377]

Would you compare the 2023 Toyota Venza with the RX 350h ?

[@waynechorney2728]

Do you have any updated videos on the RX350H coming soon?

[@RelicDavvi]

I settled for the NX because it arrived before the next gen RX. I would have liked either the same. I know it comes out as biased but I did get used to the touch sensitive. I knew left side was audio and it was okay to assume left push was skip left and right push was skip right. I knew the right set of controls were auto cruise functions so push right was cancel. I almost never needed to go any deeper for either side of controls. As for brushing the pad on a turn. You're turning, do you care for what's on the sceeen? No, you're in the middle of a turn, finish turning safely. Move on with your day. I do appreciate the responsivenss, which encourages me to use it more instead of ignoring it. As far as sunglasses, mine are polarized and apparently HUD tech is polarized opposite so it often cancels out what you should see. That's a industry wide problem, please correct me if I'm wrong, it's the tech itself. My fix is taking my glasses off for a moment.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Agreed on the polarized sunglasses tending to block HUDs. One solution is special ordering tinted glasses, rather than polarized sunglasses.

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

NX is ugly , bro

[@bobsctx8166]

Big advantage of 450h is traditional Toyota hybrid “eCVT” “transmission which is far superior to 8 speed on gas models. The smoothest transmission with the V6 to date IMO. Curious to drive 500h with 6speed and one less electric motor, similar to Tundra hybrid application.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

For decades, Lexus and Toyota (and Subaru) had the most intuitive, satisfying, easy to operate little stalk control for cruise control. #IfItAintBroke...

[@mark8684]

Does the new RX 10” display have more physical buttons e.g., climate controls, than the optional 14” display?

[@RelicDavvi]

Exact same, just smaller screen.

[@robertpetruzzelli9307]

I've owned the 2022 RX 450h now for two years and I just love it. I had the 2020 RX 350 gas version for two years and stepped up to the hybrid for the better gas mileage. I use premium which for me costs 10-12% more where I live, but I'm getting 50% better mileage so it is a win win for me. I've ordered the 2024 RX 350h and have scoured youtube for reviews. All of the other reviews I've watched are much more balanced and thorough than this one. I must say I stopped my CR subscription years ago because their reviews stopped reflecting my feelings about products that I owned vs their opinions. This review, if you can call it that, just reinforces my feelings. It is one big bash fest.

[@bobd7384]

It sounds like Toyota is moving from passive to active for driver attention module and motion controls. I had a 2017 Subaru Forester that was obtrusive to me and got rid of it in favor of my current 2020 AWD Escape Hybrid which has been great for me.

[@andreyoungcompton]

2023 Lexus RX350h is the only RX model that you can use Regular Gas. Other spec RX models require premium gas only at 91 octane.

[@SavetheWater1]

is this confirmed? on the fence with a new purchase and this matters

[@garman7921]

True the 2023 350h only recommends premium, not requires.

[@mervinprone]

@@SavetheWater1its confirmed

[@Jrbettis]

arrows unlabeled so you can determine (program) which arrow does what? We were raised to PULL to push a door open. Versus push to push a door open.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

One beautiful automobile 🌹

[@naveenthemachine]

Beautiful 😂 A gv80 aviator x5 xc90 cx9 cx90 are far more beautiful

[@adamhenderson5607]

I own a 2023 RX350H, and I notice that when shifting gears, when I back our of the garage, the shifter goes in to "D" first before I back out. When that happens I have to shift to reverse "R" quickly, that is not safe.

[@mitchlader]

It is simply to the left and up for reverse and to the left and down for drive. What you are suggesting cannot happen, and also your foot must be on the brake to begin with. Please watch some videos on how to properly shift gears. Mitch from Freeman Lexus.

[@jsfbay1]

At about 22:30 Alex says there's a FWD model that is $1,600 less, but then says it's down on power compared to the turbo models. I'm super confused - isn't the base RX powered by the 2.4L turbo? What model are you talking about that is down on power? Thanks for this great review!

[@rickr1295]

He meant the Hybrid is down on power, not the FWD model which has the 4cyl Turbo.

[@edweagle]

Would the camera be a dash camera for accidents and be intended to be always running?

[@Mark-de4hj]

They are referring to the camera that records what you are doing while driving the car. The camera is embedded into the top of the steering and is a part of the driver assist function. My understanding is that recording can be disabled.

[@v1p3d]

I haven't test driven one yet, but the driver legroom specs in the 2022 was 44.1".In the 2023 the RX350's are all quoted as 41.1" . Is this just a different way of calculating by Lexus or did they really decrease the legroom by 3". I'm tired of manufacturers adding second row legroom and in return decreasing the driver's legroom. 99% of the time I am driving with no one else in the car. I want to be comfortable more than the invisible person in the back seat. In my old age I have shrunk to about 6'4". Will I comfortably fit in this car and be able to use the thigh extender on the seat?

[@cameronb3834]

I test drove one before as a rental it’s so smooth.

[@freds4764]

6:4 and have plenty of legroom and at least three inches of headroom.

[@william6765]

I have the NX350h premium trim and it does not have head up display so buttons are labeled. So I think many RX350h trims do not have the heads up display

[@garman7921]

HUD is an option on Premium plus and lower, standard on Luxury, I’m waiting for a premium plus in white or red without black interior and no heads up display

[@Wisdom7I]

Expect to pay at least $3,000 more for the hybrid and slightly more maintenance cost. For those wanting AWD then it is a good option. For those not needing AWD and do not drive that much, the cost savings might not exist. However, $3,000 is not much of a difference so either option is likely good depending on what ride you like in the car. I preferred the more power and refinement in the non-hybrid for my needs.

[@MortenDamm]

We just got a 350h lux. What exactly do you mean by more maintenance? We specifically chose the h due to regular fuel, no turbos, and no direct injection.

[@jakgnn1]

Is it true that hybrid system shuts off and car just run on gas 100% when driving on highway more than 60 KMPH?

[@Zoooks]

I've never been lucky enough to have a sales person that could operate the system well enough to teach it to me. After a couple months of ownership I knew more than they did.

[@rdoubled1384]

The 2022 RX also had a touch screen.

[@TheUsflow]

Why isn't EV charging network reliability rated, and factored into overall score?

[@Modeltrainscarsstereos614]

Messed up putting turbos on it

[@phdroc]

My wife got a 2020 RX 350 after a series of disastrous experiences with a 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring (CR's cover car at the time we bought it). The Ascent became my car, but only briefly. I traded it for a 2021 RX 450h. We both love our RX's. She loves the "turn it on and go painlessly" nature of her 350. I'm getting an average of about 36 MPG after two years of driving my 450h. We both love the 3.5 liter V-6. Neither car has required anything but routine servicing. No initial quality issues, no recalls, no clunky 4 cylinder turbo. A totally different experience from CR's 2019 Car of the Year - the awful Ascent.

[@victreebel170]

The Ascent was never the "Car of the Year." That's not even an award CR gives out. The very first reliability report on the Ascent showed it was very trouble-prone. Don't blame CR, you clearly didn't read anything they wrote.

[@scottormond7985]

I also bought the 2019 Ascent. Mine was reliable but had a smoking exhaust at startup. The dealership never fixed it. I got tired of it. The Ascent was new in 2019 and had a really high test score from CR.

[@Aikynbreusov]

Ain't the bitch about Lexus.....it just won't die no matter what you do, drive, or abuse...it just keeps on going.... it's hard to find a reason/excuse to buy a new one because the damn thing just won't die....lol...

[@ekuhlkamp]

To the point of @arielponyweather, it was not car of the year. It was named CR's best midsize SUV. To your point however, I have a 2021 Outback XT. Same transmission as the Ascent. It was defective from the day we picked it up (a cicada-like whine), which the dealer never told us about. After getting another issue fixed, a rattling seatbelt, the Subaru mechanic flagged the issue and it was replaced. In total there have been four issues within the first year of ownership with my 2021 Outback, all fixed under warranty: - Transmission, replaced - Faulty seatbelt install causing rattling, replaced - Faulty ABS sensor which shut ALL safety features off, including power steering (!), replaced - Insufficient lubrication on driver's side door window causing it to stick and enter pinch-protect mode (this makes it impossible to close the window). Fixed with silicone lube by dealer. The Outback routinely features highly in CR's ranking. I'm honestly shocked at how unreliable the car has been. I love the car otherwise, it's unstoppable on dirt roads, but holy cow I didn't expect it to be the least reliable car I've ever owned.

[@williamlau2405]

My wife got the 2018 RX450h. She loves everything about it. Its ease of driving. Its gas economy. Its comfort and refinement.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

The RX is interesting. The gas version has an 8 speed automatic, not the CVT as implied in this video. Only the 350h versions have the CVT. I know with the RAV4 the gas car works better in the snow. It has no wheel slip on take off in the snow. The hybrid? The front wheels spin before the rear wheels engage. Do the RX versions have this same performance? Wheel slip with the hybrid in snow? I wish Toyota with its electronics would take up the simple controls of GM and even Subaru before it went to the new "tablet" which is also horrendous.

[@stevebier710]

This is why I’ve disabled all of those electronic nanny settings (LKA, etc) in our cars. It’s highly annoying.

[@lcarliner]

Considering that premium fuel costs typically some $0.60 per gallon more, I wish that CR will take some points off in its overall ratings! The extra performance offered by engines that require premium fuel is so marginal to not be cost effective!

[@lcarliner]

There is another item I wish would be a rating reducint item that would be applied: It is mandatory included low profile tires and wheels. A major gimmack is optional higher diameter whieels. In order not to require the necessity iof providing a speed and odometer recalibration is to substitue a low profile tire! Low profile tires carries the prive of degrated ride quality and increasted long term cost of ownership because of extra extence in replacement and volurability of damage.

[@Mr21scott]

You don't buy hybrids for the cost savings. But you already know that.

[@RolfKwakkelaar]

The 350h does not require premium. It is recommended but not required.

[@TheLifetraveler1]

Enough with the 4cyl replacing the V6. I guess my next vehicle will have to be a used car, with a V6.

[@CaesarDarias]

My Toyota dealership in New Jersey flat out refuses to provide information about software updates. You would think I would be asking a CIA secret. My 2017 Prius has never been updated, including the GPS which has some glaring errors. The exit for Rt. 17 North exit moved from the left side to the right side of the Garden State Parkway more than five years ago. The change is not reflected on my Prius GPS.

[@anotheran]

If you pay for the labor cost of doing the update, I'm sure they'll live to do it for you

[@CaesarDarias]

@@anotheranAgreed. I have, however, asked for a freebie. When I ask, I get no answer. It’s very peculiar and Twilight Zoneish.

[@haduong5828]

I’m considering 2023 RX 350H because of great fuel efficiency. But can you estimate how long in term of mileage before the hybrid battery needs to be replaced and how much it’d cost. Is it worth it? With about 246hp compare to V6 model is it much noticeable slower? Thanks for the video.

[@johntorrey9510]

Data point: My Prius battery cost $4500 to replace after 120K miles in 2018.

[@phdroc]

The hybrid system (including the battery) in my 2021 450h is warranted for 10 years/150,000 miles.

[@Mr21scott]

For crying out loud why do people worry about this? It's 2023. The battery is warranted for 150k miles; how much longer do you want it to last? After 10 years, you have to expect replacing things on a car.

[@kurthunter5206]

One reason I might not buy a hybrid version is "no spare tire". That's not a problem as long as one can be added. I insisted the dealer do that with my Accord hybrid. The dealer wanted to know why I wanted a spare; I said I'm not driving a car with 19" wheels & tiny sidewalls without a spare tire. However some cars do not have the space to put one under the trunk floor. When my lease is up I want a compact SUV. I haven't gone & looked at any yet to see if a spare can be added. I know an Escape will have one once I add options & the Rav4 will have one. If it got to the point you could only have a spare with a gas version, I'd buy the gas version. A hybrid doesn't save me much as I've only put 8700 miles on my Accord Touring in 2 years.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The RX Hybrid comes with a spare. The NX does not.

[@Trailfinder8]

The UK RX hybrid doesn’t come with a spare but an after market one is available for about £390 for the whole kit. There is loads of space under the trunk/ boot floor when you remove the plastic infills.

[@ItsAlive111]

Lexus has a camera recording the driver without any benefits for the driver or the ability to get access to the recordings. Great

[@Wisdom7I]

Consumer Reports, love your reviews but would love to have sound level readings shown in your reviews. Your magazine shows arrow levels but that is basic and unclear. A real numerical number would be so helpful. Also, if you get the bigger tires, then realize that those tires impact road noise and ride comfort. Ideally, test with regular tires and upgraded tires so consumers are better informed.

[@xuzhoubradychen2809]

I guess that the reason they don't label the button is that it's programmable.

[@anotheran]

Funny how the RX engine gets downsized from a V6 to an inline 4 but Toyota never bothered to reduce the front overhang and just leave big empty space under the hood. CR complaints about the engine noise at high rpm, typical RX drivers don't push their cars anyways.

[@SavetheWater1]

couldn't take the feeing found in the brake and pedal....not sure if thats what hybrid do, but literally felt like my foot was on the tire, weird for a 65K vehicle

[@jsfbay1]

Why are there no bumpers? The repair bills will be huge on this vehicle for even the most gentle front end impact - and the hatch in the rear will get damaged if one ever backs into something. Ugh. Though *not* an issue unique to this vehicle.

[@cameronb3834]

Evolutionary change this time

[@raymondpiovesan5903]

I have owned 2. I will not buy another if I have to put premium gas in it. Why would they do that?

[@mervinprone]

In general, turbo engines have higher compression ratios and the fuel detonates more easily. You want a higher octane fuel because it’s more difficult to ignite and prevents knocking. The 350 and 500h both have turbo engines and require premium fuel. On the other hand, the 350h runs on an Atkinson cycle engine which actually has a higher compression ratio but it works differently than the turbo 4s in the other two so you don’t need premium gas for it.

[@shugarch]

Too much attention and outrage over the heads up display. Such a minor item on an order option.

[@LEXIRAE93]

Especially since it can be customized to your needs which is awesome! It's personalized !

[@brianscudder2170]

Touch screen is not new to this generation RX - it was introduced in the previous version about three years ago…

[@anotheran]

Software updates are not normally applied unless you have an issue that is resolved by the update. It costs dealer time/money to perform the update and will require manufacturer to authorize the work and charge. Software updates also introduce problems like bugs/defects.

[@bobsctx8166]

I own ‘20 RX450h and love current HUD and when I upgrade to ‘26 RX I plan to get HUD again. One tip regarding reading the HUD while wearing polarized sunglasses: you have to turn your head to the right slightly to brighten up the HUD display. Just optical physics at play. For the record I have owned all generations of RX from 99 on. Best control system was track ball like mouse the first gen car had. Auto writers whined about it so much Lexus proceeded to make it worse with every generation IMO.

[@coyotef150surfer7]

When will the large wheel fad die? 21” rim = less sidewall and firmer ride. Performance tires with proper inflation on a reasonable say 18” rim would improve the ride with all the performance. Luxury vehicles do not need to follow formula 1 cornering G force rules of low sidewall

[@johnrose7212]

i Hope BMW never gets rid of the straight 6 turbo..

[@mfbikle]

My 23’ NX350h is a much better value preposition at $45k OTD. Also, the amenities are way nicer than equivalent Rav4!

[@Mr21scott]

I have always found "beneath" and "above" to be better PREPOSITIONS. As far as PROPOSITIONS go, a Corolla is even better still than an NX; the argument is invalid from the start.

[@davidkim4492]

That's great deal! In what state or dealership did you purchase the vehicle? And is that with a premium or luxury package? My local dealer is quoting me $54k with a premium package

[@mfbikle]

@@Mr21scott I’m talking about a luxury category. But you are right, corolla, hatchback, hybrid, or corolla cross hybrid is the best total value! A $42k RAV4 hybrid competing with the NX350h with same options it’s Very clear driving back to back that Lexus is the value champ. This is my 3rd hybrid..

[@mark8684]

Anyone considering the new RX 350 may want to wait for the new Mazda CX70, due later this year. It will have a turbo in-line 6 cylinder with 48V mild hybrid system (aka BMW X5) and rear wheel drive (or rear wheel bias AWD) for less money!

[@Mr21scott]

And it'll be a Mazda! Pass.

[@naveenthemachine]

Thank goodness the heads up display in my Camry is so much better than this hud

[@Aikynbreusov]

I take comfort over sporty driving at any time....

[@doronor6552]

Why would you not buy the hybrid?!? Will consumer reports buy my $8K replacement battery when it dies the second it’s warranty has expired after 8 years? And how much gas can you buy with this $8K? Also, when hybrid ages, how costly is it to maintain (more complex)? I personally think that this new overly complex RX is a downgrade from the trusty and silky smooth V6 RX and the only reason Lexus went that route is to improve its overall emission ratings. I had the option to buy the 2022 V6 or wait for the 2023. I chose the V6, thank you very much.

[@rprtr720]

As a CR member, I have enjoyed and learned from these Talking cars reviews. But, Mike Quincy sounds aggressive and like he’s angry in this video. It’s off putting.

[@rightlanehog3151]

350h or bust!!!!!!

[@darrenchan4594]

not happy with those greedy dealers that mark up $5000 from window sticker.

[@petegalindez9961]

Why would you sit with the sales guy for hours to go over the system? First, that’s part of the fun of owning a new car…figuring it out…second, doesn’t anyone read the manual anymore? I’m on forums for all the cars I own, and I am constantly posting pages right out of the user manual to answer 90% of the questions out there…lastly, there are a million KZbins that tell you everything your car does…

[@TokyoOlympics2020]

Airgun noise so annoying

[@sidney4329]

I wish we could get past those ugly gaping front ends.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Not "we", YOU. Speak only for yourself. I love it!

[@JL-hc3to]

@@Mark-de4hj thank you!

[@bandiclass625]

Far too much complaining about little things. Why not give an overview and then touch on the few things that might be disliked by some drivers.

[@rprtr720]

Despite Mike Quincy’s horrible, annoying and aggressive review, I purchased the RX 500h and love it! It takes driving the car a couple times to get used the steering wheel controls and all the safety features. Calm down.

[@petegalindez9961]

The radar adaptive cruise is TERRIBLE! You can’t adjust it and it slows the car to speeds it thinks are proper…and it freaks you out when it happens…I have it in my Kia EV and have it turned off…

[@Mark-de4hj]

Radar cruise is adjustable in the Lexus..

[@mervinprone]

Lexus RX is great but I’m not sure I’d get it in white 🥚 🥚🥚

[@davidm5707]

"Tesla sends out updates over the air all the time"... And takes them back over the air, too.

[@CTOInformation]

235?????? skinny tires look like a pizza lol

[@abrams313]

To answer your question about why not go for Hybrids which is a double edge sword is the battery. When the battery is not working and needs to be replaced...THE COST! Although this would be a better alternative vs full EV.

[@constantinepapoutsis6556]

Fear of a dead hybrid battery is ridiculous. First Lexus provides you with a 10 year warranty on the battery. And with 25 years of making hybrids, not only is it proven to have the lowest cost of ownership, there are tons of people who specialize on replacement batteries at a cheaper cost than transmission replacement. Plus the eCVT is so simple a design that it's bulletproof. I own a Lexus hybrid. While getting some oil at the dealer I asked what the replacement cost of the hybrid battery would be. Parts jockey was confused since after 21 years at that dealership they had never had the need to order one!! NYC taxi cabs are almost all Toyota hybrids now not simply because of the fuel savings, but because of their rock solid reliability. Standard to get 300K miles from one before any issues arise. Once you drive a Toyota based hybrid system it's hard to go back. Going 60-80K miles between brake changes due to regenerative braking is only a bonus.

[@Tigre1370]

That won’t cost the owner a penny. Toyota/Lexus covers their batteries & for the record mines 12 years old 143k miles running strong. You can find a 93’ Prius with those batteries maybe needing replacing.. and that’s a solid maybe.

[@FakeAccount-df7ny]

That's how you make a video. None of the personalities were annoying and were very insightful. If CR could make them like and not have some of the other less charismatic reviews on. That would make talking cars great again.

[@billyrock8305]

Nice but overpriced!

[@jjakkad]

20:33 - No stock, thats why & toyota makes the buck at the end of the day anyway.

[@BLacknesmonstaz]

Dolphin nose....

[@billyrock8305]

Lexus NX 350h much better! ✅

[@simontong2954]

Yes, those high end touch base control hindered my discussion to buy such stupid thing.

[@garren588]

Are you really complaining about the interior door handles? They are simple as hell. Pulling at straws now. 🙄