For the 2023 model year, Lexus concentrates on the launch of its most crucial model: the fifth-generation RX. For perspective, it’s the best-selling Lexus model and the top-selling luxury SUV on the market. If that weren’t enough, the Japanese luxury automaker also debuts its first-ever all-electric model: the Lexus RZ. Lexus has stated the goal of offering an all-electric version of each model by 2030, ultimately transforming into an all-electric vehicle (EV) company by 2035.
For 2023, several Lexus models get an improved infotainment system with smoother voice operation, larger touchscreens, and F Sport handling and appearance packages. At the time of writing, Lexus hadn’t announced changes to the LS sedan, LX SUV, or RC sport coupe/convertible for the 2023 model year. Listed below are changes to all other 2023 Lexus models.
For 2023, Lexus’ roomy ES midsize sedan gets a reconfigured center console and adds Lexus Interface infotainment with enhanced voice activation. For those not interested in the F Sport package, you can deconstruct elements by choosing the new F Sport design package that adds gloss black wheels and a revised front bumper, rear spoiler, and grille frame. It also gives you a parking-assist feature as standard. An F Sport Handling package also debuts, with an adaptive variable suspension, custom drive modes, the aforementioned parking-assist feature, and aluminum trim around the cabin. Otherwise, the ES— available with three powertrain choices, including a hybrid—continues into 2023 unchanged.
Lexus’ burly, ancient GX (the automaker introduced the current-generation model in 2010) remains as capable off-road as ever. You’ll find a thirsty, 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine under the hood, with standard 4-wheel drive (4WD) for journeys beyond the asphalt. For 2023, Lexus offers the GX in a couple of new colors, and the Black Line Special Edition receives a 360-degree surround-view camera. Also, the Luxury trim level gets a standard Mark Levinson audio system.
For 2023, Lexus’ compact sport sedan receives Special Appearance packages; for the IS 500, you’ll see a Molten Pearl exterior, Black NuLuxe interior, and matte black wheels. Meanwhile, the IS 350 gets an Incognito paint job with darkened wheels. Further, a new F Sport Design appearance package debuts for the IS 350 with a distinctive front grille and bumpers, badging, and rear lip spoiler. The third-generation IS—introduced in 2014—gives you three engine choices, each driven with your option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The LC 500 and 500h hybrid sports coupe continues into 2023 as the Lexus flagship. Buyers can choose between the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 471 hp or the hybrid that produces 354 hp between a V6 engine and an electric motor.
For 2023, Lexus tweaked the LC’s suspension settings to deliver greater agility. Further, opting for the Sport package with the glass roof now means you’ll get polished 21-inch wheels with gloss black accents. There’s also a new Cloudburst Gray paint color.
Following a complete redesign for 2022, there are precious few changes on tap for the 2023 Lexus NX. The only notable one is the availability of the F Sport Handling package for the NX 350, which provides adaptive dampers and unique trim on the exterior and throughout the cabin. Lexus continues to offer the compact SUV with gas engines for the NX 250 and 350, with a hybrid setup in the NX 350h and a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the NX 450h that provides 36 miles of all-electric range.
The Lexus RX midsize SUV enters its fifth generation in 2023. Boasting an entirely new platform, the RX debuts one new gas-only engine and three hybrid power plants: a 275-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder for the RX 350, a 246-hp hybrid for the RX 350h, a more performance-oriented 366-hp hybrid for the RX 500h, and the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid whose specs Lexus will reveal in the coming months. The first two have standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with available AWD; the latter two come standard with AWD.
Six trim levels are available for the 2023 RX: Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and F Sport Performance. Predictably, the RX is bursting with the latest infotainment and safety technology to keep owners connected and give them the best chance of avoiding a collision.
For the 2023 model year, Lexus introduces the new RZ, the Japanese automaker’s first-ever all-electric model. Based on the Toyota bZ4X—and, by extension, the Subaru Solterra—the RZ takes luxury and comfort up to Lexus levels, with requisite amounts of safety and connected technologies; a 14-inch touchscreen controls the latter. A dual-motor setup with a total of 308 hp provides power to the standard AWD system, and the RZ delivers an estimated 225 miles of range on a single charge.
For 2023, Lexus drops the gas-only version of the UX from the lineup, leaving only the hybrid powertrain for the subcompact SUV. Powered by a 181-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the UX comes standard with FWD; AWD is optional and comes with a second electric motor to power the rear axle.
Lexus also enhances steering response for the new year and improves body rigidity with more spot welds in the structure. A new F Sport Handling package provides adaptive suspension dampers to smooth out the ride, while the F Sport Design package gives darkened wheels, grille, roof, and roof rails, along with a moonroof. Finally, Lexus replaces the persnickety touchpad with either the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen, complete with wireless smartphone projection and charging.
Lexus is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on November 7, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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