Northern Group Car of the Year 2023: Lexus RX Wins SUV Class

Lexus has claimed a class win in the 2023 Northern Group of Motoring Writers’ Car of the Year polling, coming out top in the SUV category with the Lexus RX.

Remarkably now in its fifth generation, the RX originally launched in 1998 and the current model made its global debut in September 2022 — with the UK launch in early 2023.

Based on the same underpinnings as the smaller NX crossover, ES saloon, and LM minivan — as well as the fifth-gen Toyota RAV4 — the RX is a premium crossover SUV offering in the mould of other vehicles from the brand, starting at £62,125.

The NGMW membership voted the Lexus RX into first place in the class, ahead of the new, U11-generation BMW X1 and second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Lexus was able to provide an example of the RX for the Car of the Year driving day, near Skipton, in mid-range RX450h+ Premium specification, allowing the judging panel to evaluate it against the five other finalists.

The 15-member judging team was impressed by the RX, with one commenting:

The much-copied four-wheel drive SUV has evolved considerably since its introduction in 1998 and now, in its fifth generation, it further moves the goalposts.

Following the driving day, the judges submitted their selections via a secret ballot, with the results and the 2023 NGMW Car of the Year to be revealed at the SMMT Test Day North.

Should the winning car’s press office be available on the day, there’ll be a presentation ceremony to hand the traditional “Arthur” trophy to the manufacturer’s representatives.