The 2023 Lexus RX has been revealed with a new platform, several new powertrains, and a segment-first hybrid model, poised to go head-to-head with the all-new Lincoln Nautilus.
The 2023 Lexus RX is underpinned by the Japanese luxury automaker’s new GA-K platform. This platform is lighter than its predecessor by 198 pounds, offering a lower center of gravity and more efficient weight distribution for a quiet ride. The wheelbase of the RX has also been extended by 2.36 inches, while the rear overhang is 2.36 inches shorter, making the crossover more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Under the hood, the 2023 Lexus RX will be offered with a handful of new powertrain options offering either front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive. The base RX 350 features the Lexus turbocharged 2.4L I4 engine, while the RX 350h model couples a large-capacity hybrid system with the luxury automaker’s 2.5L I4 engine. Meanwhile, details have yet to be released in full regarding the RX 450+ plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Joining the RX lineup is the RX 500h F Sport model, introducing a hybrid electric system to the luxury crossover that works alongside the turbocharged 2.4L I4 engine, allowing for low-end torque to provide improved performance and acceleration.
For comparison, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus features a choice of two engine options. Standard is the turbocharged 2.0L I4 EcoBoost engine, rated at 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque under the hood of the luxury crossover. The second option is the twin-turbocharged 2.7L I4 EcoBoost engine, good for 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. There isn’t currently a hybrid drivetrain offered on the Nautilus, and it’s unlikely that there will be, considering that it is set to be discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year.
The Lincoln Nautilus hasn’t proven to be a formidable rival to the Lexus RX thus far, consistently lagging behind the Japanese luxury crossover in sales. In fact, in the first quarter of 2022, the Nautilus sold only 5,089 units compared to the 26,795 deliveries recorded by the RX.
Sales Numbers - D-Segment Luxury Crossovers - Q1 2022 - USA
| MODEL | Q1 22 / Q1 21 | Q1 22 | Q1 21 | Q1 22 SHARE | Q1 21 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS RX | -4.10% | 26,795 | 27,941 | 25% | 23% |
| MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-CLASS | +8.61% | 16,910 | 15,569 | 16% | 13% |
| BMW X3 | -6.99% | 13,941 | 14,988 | 13% | 12% |
| ACURA MDX | -20.19% | 13,558 | 16,988 | 13% | 14% |
| AUDI Q5 | -29.62% | 10,368 | 14,731 | 10% | 12% |
| VOLVO XC60 | -0.91% | 7,818 | 7,890 | 7% | 6% |
| LINCOLN NAUTILUS | -5.27% | 5,089 | 5,372 | 5% | 4% |
| CADILLAC XT5 | -43.09% | 4,993 | 8,773 | 5% | 7% |
| INFINITI QX50 | -46.30% | 3,450 | 6,425 | 3% | 5% |
| BMW X4 | +35.91% | 2,286 | 1,682 | 2% | 1% |
| ALFA ROMEO STELVIO | -16.11% | 2,145 | 2,557 | 2% | 2% |
| TOTAL | -12.66% | 107,353 | 122,916 |
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Comments
Don’t know if the revised spindle grille is an improvement or not. Have to see one in person. This will sadly continue to trash Lincoln, in the marketplace, due to perceived quality and a significantly better dealer experience.
Lincoln needs to give a big refresh for the Nautilus for it to be an actual competitor to the RX
It looks like a proboscis monkey.
How on Earth can you see a resemblance in that?