2023 Lexus RX 450H
I’ve got a pretty cool car on deck today! The 2023 Lexus RX 450H is a plug-in hybrid and after a week of driving, I’ve got a lot of thoughts to share. Although this is a really nice car to look at, the question stands: is it family-friendly?
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and I wear a lot of hats. As a Certified Child Safety Tech, mom of three, and car fanatic, I cannot wait to walk you through all the features of this plug-in hybrid Lexus.
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2023 Lexus RX 450H Exterior
Lexus is really going through a resurgence and updating their exteriors. I think it looks incredible. The previous grills were really in your face, but this one is a little more subtle and I’m all about it. It lets the body lines of the car speak for itself.
Looking at the side, the really nice body lines continue to show that this is a 5 passenger SUV. Lexus does offer an extended wheelbase (L option) that makes a third row, but it’s really crammed and not one I recommend. If you’re looking for a midsize three row Lexus, I highly recommend looking into the 2024 Lexus TX. It was a Car Mom Car of the Year finalist.
Looking at the back end, we have a very sloped roof, and the emblems showing it’s a plug0in electric hybrid. With the hybrid, you’ll get about 35 miles of pure electric range. What I really like is that Lexus put the gas tank on one side and the plug-in on the other. It’s much nicer than having one in the front. It’s really discrete.
2023 Lexus RX 450H First Row
This is a lux interior. The recent upgrades they’ve made to their first row, and specifically their infotainment system, were so needed and really brought Lexus back as a competitor. Looking at the driver’s door panel, I’ve got suede, white leather, brown leather, and contrast stitching. It’s so beautifully made.
Random note - you can open the center console on either side (instead of pulling it up) and I found this quite interesting.
Infotainment System
The tech in this car is killer. Full digital dash and we have a wood steering wheel. Who’s putting wood on the steering wheel anymore? Lexus. Heads Up Display is a great feature on this car, but there is also an eye tracker and tracks your eyes it does. If you look away for a second, the car beeps and asks you to put your eyes back on the road. I will admit, I do find it annoying, but helpful.
As for the infotainment system itself, it’s stunning. I’m so happy for where Lexus has moved this interior into and it really makes all the difference driving wise. We have the AC controls pulled out, and a very friendly touch display. At the bottom, we have the parking assist buttons.
2023 Lexus RX 450H Second Row
Second row amenities include:
Built-in sun shades (you know how rare this is?!)
Really plush seats
Excellent head clearance
Heated and ventilated seats
Climate controls
USB-C ports
Let’s talk three across. I want to say first, it is difficult to find a car out there that is able to fit multiple combinations of three across. I make sure to test out several options of car seat categories (infant, forward facing, etc…) to really ensure when you buy a car, it’s able to work for you. That being said, the 2023 Lexus RX does not pass my three car seats across approval.
It is a really good car for two car seats, but that middle seat is so narrow, no passenger or car seat can fit in there safely and comfortably. To me, this is a really nice, luxury four person SUV, but don’t buy this thinking you can fit three people with any combination back here.
I tested the Graco SlimFit 3LX back here, a very slim car seat that is the staple for any of my three across combinations, but it still didn’t work for three. As far as hardware is concerned, you have lower anchors on the outboard seats and technically three tether anchors across the back.
2023 Lexus RX 450H Trunk
We kind of have a hatchback style look to this RX, so I love how tall this trunk opens. The trunk itself is huge. Five passenger SUVs have such nice trunks and I was able to fit the Zoe twin double stroller in with zero problems. Love this! Could do a Costco haul with this!
2023 Lexus RX 450H: Wrap Up
Overall, I really enjoyed the 2023 Lexus RX 450H for a smaller family. Driving this is incredibly smooth and the gas mileage is excellent. I love being able to use the EV range and for the right family, ideally four passengers, this is an awesome luxury vehicle.
To see a complete walkthrough of the 2023 Lexus RX 450H, watch my car tour here.
What do you think of the 2023 Lexus RX 450H? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent posts:
