Just confirming does the 2023 ES300h have the split screen like nav and radio together? Reason I am asking is I have been looking at RX350h and it is not split screen. Seems Lexus is trying to do away with it and also using confusing and distracting steering wheel buttons.

 

The '23 ES does NOT have split screen, which I didn't know ahead of time. To me, this new system is a big step backwards from what the '19-'22 system was. It also does not show incoming emails! Lastly, the NAV does NOT retain its display settings after you turn off the ignition. If you set the zoom and type of display (north up, 3D, etc) it will go back to its default settings once you turn off the ignition. That really bugs me.

The only way to get split screen is by using Android Auto or I assume Carplay (I don't do Apple so don't know for sure). The problem there is that at least with Android Auto it heats your phone up and sucks up the battery since it's using the NAV from the phone full time. I've found the wireless charger to be extremely flaky, which means I have to screw around plugging it in to charge.

I will be calling Lexus to complain about this new system. I'm hoping they can add functionality back with a future firmware upgrade.

 

That's really a shame. Makes you wonder what the hell was going on in the room when that decision was made.
Big fan of the split screen, and now I'll cherish it a bit more, knowing that it's been taken away.

 

Yeah...I would have never know if not gone to RX forum but seems they did it to NX last year with new system. With the new RX steering wheel controls are a nightmare and basically make you use the HUD for cruise and radio. I did ask and was told if HUD was turned off it would show something on main display but if like you want to cancel the cruise you first have to push cancel arrow to bring up HUD display and then push again. You can't just push twice. Also on forum putting in drive before infotainment fully loaded makes it loose all its defaults. Seems like a totally different designer for technology is doing this. I am glad I asked here about the split screen as it has not been mentioned and I am thinking more and more about keeping my 2020. Also want to mention that manuals are telling you less and less about workings of vehicle. As for an upgrade to fix this Lexus is defiant in there reasoning to do away with the split screen.

 

Makes one wonder just what's going on at Toyota... Happy that I own a 2019 for more reasons than one...

 

If you want to see how the steering wheel controls on the new RX equipped with HUD operate, Northside Lexus's Melissa O'Connell in her 2023 Lexus RX Deep Dive Tutorial - Part 1 video starting at the 1:03:13 timemark demonstrates their operation:

 

While there is no split screen, the voice control is excellent in the way it can use Amazon music and hear commands while running CarPlay

 

By looking at the video the display and steering wheel controls all look pretty normal without HUD so it is having the HUD making this terrible to use.

 

The '23 ES does not use the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. It's steering wheel is basically identical to the LS. You don't need to use the HUD to do everything, and the buttons are pretty much all single purpose. There is a four way controller on the left that handles the system information on the left of the instrument cluster, but that isn't really needed when driving. You can flip around in it to see your mpg or distance, and in the hybrid it has a display of power to/from battery/engine/wheels etc.