2023 Lexus RX 350 0-60 Times: A Step Backwards
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 0-60 times represent a regression in acceleration, with even the AWD F-Sport trim taking a glacial 7.3 seconds to complete the feat.
What happened? Well, the 3.5L V6 was swapped out for a 2.4 Liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which produces 20 less horsepower.
Lexus RX 350 0-60 times weren't exactly great before the 2023 lineup, before we get to that however, lets look at what 2023 has to offer.
2023 Lexus RX 350 0-60 Times & Specs
There are plenty of trim packages for the RX 350, but for acceleration purposes, all that matters are the 2 different powertrains and the 2 different drive types.
RX350 F Sport (AWD)
- 0-60 Time: 7.2 seconds
- Engine: 2.4 Liter Turbocharged inline-6
- Horsepower: 275hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive
- Price: $56,600
RX350 (FWD)
- 0-60 Time: 7.5 seconds
- Engine: 2.4 Liter Turbocharged inline-6
- Horsepower: 275hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive
- Price: $47,400
RX350h
- 0-60 Time: 7.4 seconds
- Engine: 2.4 Liter Turbocharged inline-6 + 2 Electric Motors
- Horsepower: 246hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 233 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
- Transmission: CVT
- Price: $49,000
The RX 350 F Sport with All-Wheel Drive can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, according to Motor Trend. Lexus itself claims the same speed for the base trim with AWD, with the FWD option being 3/10ths of a second slower, which is where the 7.5-second figure comes from.
The F Sport is significantly more expensive, and by all available accounts has no effect on acceleration with its focus being on improved handling, so if speed is your primary concern, it's not worth the upgrade.
Sometimes the hybrid model brings improved acceleration over its ICE counterpart, as can be seen with the Audi Q5. This is unfortunately not the case with the RX 350h, which reaches 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, a negligible difference from the base RX 350.
Historical RX 350 0-60 Times
Analysis
From 2007, when the RX 350 was introduced, all the way through 2022, the RX 350 0-60 time did not improve. Its V6 engine was upgraded from 270 horsepower up to 295 horsepower in 2016, but this did not affect acceleration.
The RX 350's poor straight-line performance did not go unnoticed, as it was consistently criticized for lagging being its competitors in this department. Lexus doesn't seem to care though, as their latest engine swap made the car even slower.
You might be wondering why Lexus would release a slower 350 than the one they were producing 15 years ago, especially when its competition like the aforementioned Audi Q5 or Acura MDX are now a second and a half faster.
It most likely has to do with the fact that the RX 350 has a reputation for focusing more on comfort and luxury, rather than performance. And that formula seems to be working, as the Lexus 350 has been the best-selling luxury vehicle in America for over a decade.
Conclusion
If you value acceleration, you'll be disappointed with the 2023 Lexus RX 350 0-60 times, which declined from an already underwhelming benchmark. The performance regression is unlikely to bother its target audience however, as the RX 350 has been behind the curve for over a decade and remained incredibly popular.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lexus RX
1. What is the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time for a 2023 Lexus RX 350?
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.2 seconds with All-Wheel Drive, and 7.5 seconds with Front-Wheel Drive. These numbers make the RX 350 quite slow for its class.
2. How fast can the 2023 Lexus RX 350 go?
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 has an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.
3. What is the 0-60 time for the 2024 Lexus RX 350?
The 2024 Lexus RX 350 remains largely unchanged from 2023, so you can expect the same anemic 0-60 times, 7.2 seconds for the All-Wheel Drive entry, and 7.5 for the Front-Wheel Drive entry.
4. Is Lexus RX 350 a fast car?
The Lexus RX 350 is not a fast car, and has consistently lagged behind its competitors in terms of acceleration. However, it is known for its luxury features and comfort, not for its outright performance.
5. Does the 2023 RX 350 require premium gas?
Yes, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 is recommended to run on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using premium fuel helps in maintaining the optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity of the engine, as per the manufacturer's specifications. While the vehicle can operate on lower-octane gasoline, doing so may result in reduced performance and efficiency over time.
