The real scoop on the RX 350: forget subtle updates. The 2023 model was the game-changer. Lexus gave it a heart transplant (bye-bye V6), a massive tech upgrade, and a killer new suit. Think of 2022 as the comfortable, reliable predecessor, and the newer ones as just slight refinements on that brilliant 2023 glow-up.
Honestly? The 2023 is your sweet spot. You get all the good stuff without paying top dollar for the very latest model.
I’ve been digging into the details – from actual fuel costs to what people are really paying across different countries. Think of this as our personal cheat sheet to finding you the perfect RX. Ready to find your dream car?
Table of Contents
The 2022 Lexus RX 350: That Dependable Friend You Can Always Count On
What Makes It Go: Tried-and-True Power?
Under that hood lives Lexus’s legendary 3.5-liter V6 engine. Now I know what you’re thinking – “Isn’t that old technology?” But sometimes, classic is classic for a reason. This engine is like your grandma’s secret recipe – perfected over the years, incredibly smooth, and never surprises you. When you need to merge onto that hectic freeway, it delivers power without any drama.
Why This Might Be Your Soulmate Car:
- Your Daily Escape: The moment you close that door, the chaos outside just… stops. The cabin is so quiet you can actually hear yourself think, and the ride is like floating on a cloud. Rough day? This car is your therapy session.
- The “No Surprises” Ownership: Here’s the real magic – this V6 has been around long enough that Lexus worked out all the kinks. While other luxury brands might have you worrying about random repair bills, this one just… works. It’s the automotive equivalent of that friend who always has their life together.
- Instant Comfort: The seats hug you just right, all the controls are right where you expect them, and everything feels solid. It’s not trying to be trendy – it’s focused on making you feel pampered.
Let’s Keep It 100% Real Though:
- Fuel Bill Reality Check: She’s not the most efficient girl at the party. You’re looking at around 20 mpg around town and 27 mpg on highway trips. Not terrible, but the newer models will save you more at the pump.
- The Tech: This is where you’ll either shrug or scream. That infotainment system with its fussy little touchpad? Let’s just say it requires patience. If you’re the type who lives for slick touchscreens, this will test your sanity.
- Familiar Face: The styling is handsome and timeless, but let’s be real – it’s not turning heads like it used to. It’s the automotive equivalent of that trusty Michael Kors bag – classic, but everyone’s moved on to newer designers.
The Practical Stuff You Actually Care About:
It comfortably fits five real humans, not just five “theoretical” people. The back seat has actual legroom! For cargo, you get 18.4 cubic feet behind the seats – perfect for your weekly Trader Joe’s run – and if you fold them down, it swallows 56.3 cubic feet of… well, whatever chaos your life requires.
Here’s what people were paying when it was new:
- USA: Started at $46,995
- Canada: Around $58,000 CAD
- Australia: Roughly $89,000 AUD
(Our UK friends mostly got the hybrid version, so the gas model was rare over there!)
Now that we’ve covered the “classic” RX 350, let’s move to the major turning point: the 2023 redesign, where Lexus changed the engine, the tech, and almost the entire personality of the RX.
The 2023 Lexus RX 350: The Glow-Up We All Needed
Technical Specs & Powertrain
The biggest news? Lexus said “out with the old” and swapped the smooth V6 for a peppy 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Now, I know you might be thinking, “A four-cylinder in a luxury SUV?” But trust me, this one’s a little powerhouse.
It makes 275 horsepower and, more importantly, a whopping 317 lb-ft of torque. That torque is what gives you that satisfying “shove” when you accelerate, making it feel surprisingly zippy around town compared to the old V6.
Advantages & Strengths
- Better fuel efficiency than the V6, especially in highway driving.
- More modern engine architecture which may reduce long-term lightweight maintenance costs.
- More environmentally efficient, smaller displacement, turbo helps with low-end torque.
- Maintains a luxury feel, but with a bit more “zip” thanks to the torque curve of a turbo.
Fuel Efficiency
- Specific mpg numbers for 2023 vary, but users report better efficiency than the V6 — though some mention noticeable turbo whine when accelerating.
- According to user reports, city driving can yield 35–39 mpg on hybrid models, but for the pure turbo model, efficiency depends on driving style.
Configuration & Capacity
- Still a 5-seat SUV.
- Cargo space is comparable to 2022, as the platform and interior dimensions didn’t radically change.
- Likely similar weight distribution and towing capacity.
Cost (approximate) in different markets
- USA: While the exact MSRP for the 2023 turbo-4 is not always publicly listed, expect it to be similar or slightly lower than the V6 base, but new trims may affect this.
- Canada: Local pricing will depend on import, taxes, and trim; ask Canadian Lexus dealers.
- Australia: Newer turbo RX 350s (or demo 2024) go around A$99,990 drive-away in some listings.
Considerations / Notes
- Some owners note engine noise: “You definitely feel … you can certainly hear the engine, it’s whiny, high-pitched …”
- Reliability: mixed reports. A Reddit user cited a Consumer Reports reliability score of just 46/100 for the 2023 RX.
- Infotainment and tech are more up-to-date, but some find the interface less intuitive than older Lexus systems.
So, Lexus nailed the redesign in 2023. What did they do for an encore? Well, they took all that greatness and focused on adding even more “wow” factor. Let’s see how the 2024 model turned up the luxury.
The 2024 Lexus RX 350: The Polished Performer
Remember how excited we were about the 2023’s new tech? The 2024 keeps all that goodness but adds a layer of comfort you can feel. It’s like your favorite coffee shop finally got those super plush chairs – same great coffee, just a comfier experience.
What’s New & What’s the Same
Under the hood, it’s the same gutsy 2.4-liter turbo-four from the 2023 model. Same great power (275 hp), same satisfying torque (317 lb-ft). The magic here isn’t in reinventing the wheel, but in making that wheel roll even smoother.
Why This Might Be Your Winner:
- They Softened It Up (In a Good Way): The biggest upgrade is one you feel, not see. Lexus tweaked the suspension to absorb bumps better. My cousin test-drove both and said the 2024 just feels more “premium” over rough city streets.
- Better Standard Kit: For 2024, they made some popular features standard on more trims. It’s that “more bang for your buck” feeling we all love.
- The “Safe Bet” Bonus: All the tech kinks from the first-year model are worked out, but you’re not paying for a brand-new redesign. It’s the sweet spot for wanting something new and reliable.
Let’s Keep It 100% Real:
- Engine Sound is Still There: If the turbo’s hum bugged you in the 2023, it’s still present. It’s not a V6, and it never will be. You’re trading that classic purr for modern efficiency.
- The Price Creep is Real: You’ll pay a bit more than the 2023 model, especially if you’re looking at used prices. Is the extra comfort worth it? You’d really have to drive them back-to-back to decide.
The Nitty-Gritty Details:
Still the perfect 5-seater with that super usable 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats.
Here’s the real-world price tag you’re looking at:
- USA: Starts right around $50,000
- Canada: You’re looking at about $63,500 to start
- Australia: Kicks off near $94,000 AUD
(Our friends in the UK still only get the hybrid versions officially)
Next: Now that the 2024 updates are covered, it’s time to move into the 2025 model — the final full-year version before looking ahead to upcoming changes.
The 2025 Lexus RX 350: The Peak of the Current Generation
When you look at the 2025 Lexus RX 350, it feels like Lexus has finally settled into a rhythm with this generation. Nothing dramatic changed from the previous year, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The familiar 2.4-liter turbo engine is still under the hood, paired with the smooth 8-speed automatic.
According to Lexus Canada’s spec sheet, it continues to deliver 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque — numbers that won’t blow anyone away, but they’re more than enough for the relaxed, confident way most RX owners drive.
What really stands out is the feel of the SUV. Many reviewers describe the 2025 RX as one of those cars that melts the stress out of your daily drive — quiet cabin, cushy seats, and a suspension that deals with rough roads better than most of its rivals. Some outlets even went as far as calling it “masterfully comfortable,” and that’s not an exaggeration.
As someone who has worked around cars for years, this is the type of model you recommend to people who don’t want surprises, just a dependable, premium experience that works every day.
Fuel economy gets a small improvement, too. Lexus lists a combined average of around 9.9 L/100 km (about 29 mpg US), which is actually pretty impressive for a luxury SUV. You’ll get better numbers on longer highway trips and slightly worse if you spend most of your life in city traffic, but overall it’s fair and predictable.
Inside, Lexus didn’t reinvent anything, which is probably why the interior still feels so polished. The cabin seats five, the layout remains intuitive, and the 838-liter (29.6 cu ft) cargo space is more than enough for family road trips or weekly grocery runs. The curb weight stays close to 1,945 kg, depending on trim.
Prices vary heavily depending on where you’re shopping.
Here’s what the 2025 RX 350 generally goes for around the world:
- United States: around $49,000 USD for the base trim.
- United Kingdom: usually between £63,000 and £85,000, depending on options and taxes.
- Canada: pricing depends on the province, local taxes, and the trim level you choose.
- Australia: late-year demo units and dealer listings hover around A$100,000 for F Sport AWD models.
There are a few things worth keeping in mind. Some owners mention the turbo-four can sound a little “whiny” when you push it hard, especially if you’re used to the older V6, which had that smooth, effortless tone. And even though Lexus remains one of the most reliable brands out there, the internet always has mixed opinions. In 2025, there was also a small recall related to instrument cluster visibility, nothing major, but still something to check with the dealer.
In short, the 2025 RX 350 doesn’t try to surprise you — it tries to reassure you. And for a lot of drivers, that’s exactly what they want from a luxury SUV.
What’s New for the 2026 Lexus RX 350 (Real Facts & Updates)
- Wireless charging is now standard on all trims. No more optional add‑ons — every 2026 RX gets a built‑in wireless charger. Lexus USA Newsroom+1
- New “Appearance Package” option: On F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades, you can now add a styling package inspired by the previous Black Line Edition. It includes black accents, sportier wheels, and a more aggressive, premium look. Lexus USA Newsroom+2autoevolution+2
- Expanded trim/grade lineup: Lexus added a Premium grade to the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid range, giving buyers more flexibility and a broader “range of luxury + performance + efficiency.”
- New interior tech and grade‑specific upgrades for 350 trims:
- On the RX 350 Premium trim: you get a 9.8” display, 12‑speaker sound system, 12.3” digital multi-info screen, and Active Noise Control.
- On the RX 350 Luxury trim: expect a larger 14” touchscreen, 21‑inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, 64‑color ambient lighting, heated and ventilated rear seats, and digital key functionality.
- Sporty / luxury‑oriented F SPORT upgrades: For those who want a more dynamic RX: the 2026 F SPORT trims get sharper styling, revised suspension dynamics, and more driver‑aid or comfort features depending on the subgrade.
💡 What This Means
If you care about comfort, convenience, and modern tech, the 2026 RX 350 feels noticeably more “complete” even if under the skin, the engine is familiar. The wireless charger, for example, instantly upgrades your daily usability. The new Appearance Package adds sportiness and visual flair, great if you like your SUV to stand out without going full-revamp.
For buyers who want luxury + practicality, the higher trims of 2026 bring in more premium touches, better screens, ambient lighting, digital key, rear-seat comforts, things that matter on real-world drives and daily life, not just on paper.
If you’re more into style and sportiness, the F SPORT upgrades show Lexus isn’t ignoring that. And the broader grade range (including the hybrid plug-in RX 450h+ Premium) reflects that Lexus is giving customers more choice, depending on whether you value efficiency, comfort, or performance.
💵 Projected 2026 Lexus RX 350 Pricing (Global-ish Breakdown + Insight)
- For the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, things are more interesting: the new 2026 “Premium” trim is now US$66,680, which is more accessible than previous high-end PHEV versions. CarBuzz
- In Canada, Lexus officially lists 2026 RX 350 prices starting at CA$60,635 for the Premium trim, going up to CA$78,914 (Black Line) for higher-end versions. Lexus Media
- In the U.S., according to reliable car‑site data, here are the key 2026 RX 350 trim prices:
- Standard FWD: ~US$ 51,175 Cars.com
- Premium FWD: ~ US$53,350
- Luxury trim: ~ US$61,895
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the price of a Lexus RX 350 in Malaysia?
Hey, I was just checking this myself! For Malaysia, you’re looking at about RM 600,000. But honestly, you really need to call Lexus Malaysia directly – prices can change fast.
Is the Lexus RX 350 actually reliable?
Oh, for sure! My aunt has one that’s like 8 years old, and all she ever does is oil changes. These things are built to last forever.
How much does a Lexus RX 350 cost in Dubai?
In the UAE, prices start around AED 235,000. But you know how it is – better to check with Al-Futtaim Lexus for their latest deals.
What’s the cheapest Lexus I can get?
If you’re looking for new, the Lexus UX is your best bet. It’s their entry model, but it still feels plenty luxurious!”
Lexus or BMW – which should I choose?
Okay, real talk: Want something comfortable that won’t give you headaches? Go Lexus. Want that sporty thrill and don’t mind higher maintenance? BMW. Honestly, you should drive both and see what feels right for you!
final word
If your heart is set on that silky-smooth V6 and proven track record, the 2022 RX 350 won’t let you down.
But if you’re ready for modern tech, better fuel economy, and that head-turning new style, the 2023 model or newer is your perfect match. It feels like a car from the future compared to the older generation.
My final two cents? The 2023 model is the golden ticket. You get all the revolutionary updates without the brand-new car price tag.
I truly hope this guide felt like chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
But what’s still nagging at you? Can’t decide on the F-Sport package? Wondering about real-world insurance costs? Maybe you’re curious about the hybrid models?
Seriously, leave a comment below! I’m here to help. Let’s figure this out together until you’re completely sure. Your perfect RX is waiting