Efficiency Or Performance? Lexus Finally Offers A Choice | 2023 RX 350h & 500h First Drive

The first two of three RX hybrids represent Lexus' new hybrid mission: have a model for MPG focused shoppers and offer something to folks looking for a bit more oomph in their luxury CUV. The 350h will net careful shoppers nearly 40 MPG on average while the RX 500h is the fastest RX ever built. And it'll still get you 27 MPG. Now, fastest RX isn't quite the same as "fastest X5"...

Join this channel to get access to perks:

[grisa]

As a buyer of a 500h, I can say I would not have considered a lesser trim. I hope Lexus makes an actual F, but for now I’m enjoying my 500h, it’s a nice balance of everything and finally it has a little excitement for buyers like me.

[rightlanehog]

Alex, With the V6 gone it seems to me the RX 350h will be the most 'traditional' and popular RX of the bunch. With a naturally aspirated engine, proven nickel metal hydride battery and a spare tire the 350h is like gourmet caliber comfort food. In a world full of unpleasant surprises, many Lexus buyers will be looking for soothing familiarity. I think the Canadian assembly workers putting it together will be kept busy😉

[Jia]

The 500h is the one to get... if it wasn't so darn expensive.

[ccroy]

My guess is the 350h will become the volume seller. I bought my 1st hybrid about 2 years ago and it's just a very relaxing enjoyable experience to have the engine off while coasting, braking, and especially while stopped and the AC keeps going. Plus, like Alex said you don't have to do anything different, no plugging in, just pay less per fill up. I also like the idea of the 500h that trades efficiency for performance, but I'd get the 350h in red ❤❤

[MilkyWayGalaxyy]

FINALLY, No more USELESS 3rd row!!!! We need a more spacious and comfortable 2nd row!!! Not all of us have kids or want kids.

I don't even need much cargo room. I just want more of a 2nd row!!!

[MH-fbkr]

My wife drives a 450h… comfortable and reliable. Averages 28mpg overall… she is happy, so I am happy.

[KM-lzch]

That "1980's Rose Gold" color is STUNNING (although I'll likely go with white as always! Ha!)! I've been car shopping for over a year looking at Genesis, Lincoln, Audi, Cadillac, Porsche, Infiniti and Acura. There are features in each one I liked, but too many things I didn't. Glad I waited. After watching all the videos on the NEW RX (luxury, comfort, reliability), I'm sold. Thank you for your review!

[Mark-dehj]

Alex you are just great at what you do. I turn to your channel when I want concise and easy explanation of the complexities of vehicles. Your energy and unique style is fast paced but very informative and I thoroughly enjoy your videos especially without any distractions.
The dilemma you pose in the title of your presentation is exactly what I am currently facing. As I plan to replace my current RX450h I am thinking that I need to get the 450h+ because although I am not a candidate for an all-electric vehicle, I think that might be a good fit for me. I feel that I don't want to give up the power of my current RX450h for the less horsepower 350h, even though I want that fuel efficiency. This is leading me to seriously consider the 500h but am waiting to get more info of the upcoming 450h+.

[nfjmlik]

The intricacies in the grilles are phenomenal in itself

[mark_u]

First impressions seem like Lexus pretty nailed this one. I agree that the 500h should have a non-F Sport model 😊

[beansy]

I’ve ordered the 500h but am having second thoughts as I’m concerned about ride quality vs the 350h which seems to be the sweet spot in the lineup.

[JKLionheart]

I’ve watched a lot of 2023-2024 RX videos and you’re the only one that fully addresses the difference between Li-ion and NiMh for this car 👍 6:59
Any concerns regarding battery longevity due to battery chemistry?

[hereigoagain]

Another Great A\A Review. When Toyota shifts to EVs, what will the engineers do with their free time? So complex: ICE + Turbo + 3 electric motors + transmission, all working in harmony.

[Mark-dehj]

Gorgeous SUVs and quite a range of choices and options! Thank you for the reviews.

[valdius]

Thank you for explaining the difference in the batteries tech! 😊
Thank you for spreading some tech knowledge 😂❤

[Kyriaeus]

Alex, do you have any plans on making a video explaining how planetary powersplit systems work? It seems like a often misunderstood design, since it uses differential action to split engine power between mechanical driving the wheels and power generation.

[Aikynbreusov]

Remember, not every driver wants a stiff sporty ride with a tank-like heavy steering evidenced by the high volume sales of Lexus RX for 20 years, and out sold every hmw X5 generation and Mercedes ML or GLE or Volvo

[mrfriz]

You might think a vehicle at this price point will have LED lamps all around, not Lexus. How dumb!

[KuyaArbee]

ALEX! AMAZING REVIEW AS ALWAYS! thank you for clarifying why Lexus decided on a 6 speed and not an 8 speed! thank you for the CLARIFICATION! I was skeptical and upset why they did that, but it makes TOTAL SENSE! Well I had a family member pre-order a Lexus 500H F sport performance in white and red interior! CANNOT WAIT! have a 2013 Rx luxury, the last gen Rx was a total letdown! this Rx is a redemption! was going to get an LX but damn the LX now has 2-3 year wait list and its just a dinosaur etc.. maybe ill get an LX once it's a hybrid

[ottomanyifan]

According to New Lexus RX page from Japan, The New RX HEV comes with a bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery(バイポーラ型ニッケル水素電池), the new one delivers 1.5 times the output from each cell and packs 1.4 times as many cells into the same volume, – effectively doubling the output of the non-bipolar nickel-hydrogen batteries. 😊😊😊