Overview & Reviews

Like its successful RX 400h predecessor, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover SUV allows the hedonist with an environmental conscience to have it both ways. It has enough power to press passengers back into their plush seats, yet it also flies the green flag at full mast thanks to impressive fuel mileage.

Like other Toyota/Lexus dual-mode hybrid products, the 450h can run on battery power alone during light acceleration, and the V6 gas engine shuts off at low speeds when not required. This results in truly excellent fuel economy for a midsize luxury SUV, and when added to the rest of the RX's appealing attributes, there is certainly a lot to like. However, the RX hybrid also carries a premium price that will be hard to recoup with fuel savings alone, so count this as more of a sound eco choice rather than a financial one.

Current Lexus RX 450h
The Lexus RX 450h's 3.5-liter gas V6 engine and battery-pack-driven electric motors/generators yield an impressive total output of 295 hp. All that thrust runs through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT), and despite its extra pounds, the hybrid RX is still plenty quick. Fuel economy estimates stand at 30 mpg combined with standard front-wheel drive, or 29 mpg combined with optional all-wheel drive.

Standard luxury features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Siri-based control system for iPhone users and a nine-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB interface. A Sport driving mode is also standard, which changes steering effort, throttle response and transmission shifts for a livelier drive. Options (many grouped in packages) include a blind-spot warning system, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system and a rearview camera.

The cabin boasts real wood accents as well as a sliding and reclining split rear seat to optimize passenger comfort. With the second row in use, cargo capacity is 40 cubic feet -- double that with the seat folded down. No third-row seat is available.

In reviews, we've found the Lexus RX 450h to be everything you'd expect from a Lexus. It's quiet and comfortable but rather uninspiring to drive. The powertrain is enthusiastic, though, particularly given its low emissions and stellar fuel economy. Overall, the RX 450h's relaxed demeanor and convenient wagon-style body makes it an excellent choice for those in search of a soothing, luxurious and environmentally friendly crossover SUV.

Used Lexus RX 450h Models
The RX 450h debuted for the 2010 model year. There have been only minimal changes since, the most notable ones being a different grille, the Sport drive mode and a few more standard features added for the 2013 model year. The Siri Eyes Free iPhone control became available the year after.

User Reviews:

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  Love this car! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By miss_mija - January 7 - 2:23 pm

  Overall great car. We were looking for a luxury family car with a quiet cabin and this vehicle suits our needs. The ride in this car if very comfortable and the cabin is quiet. Its a smaller SUV which suits me and my family fine. I only have one small child and found it easier and more practical to install the car seat behind the passenger side. Putting a car seat in the middle limits the space for another passenger. Also love that the vehicle if relatively low maintenance.

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  Huge surprise!!!!!!!!! - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Samantha - December 28 - 12:56 am

  Bought a brand new Lexus rx450h 2016 on 12/30/2015. Today, the engine and master warning both light up and Needed to be towed to the dealership for immediate check up. Only one week and this happened. What a disappointment. My good old rx2004 served my family over 12 years without a problem besides oil changes and tire rotation. Anyone knows what I should do? Legally, could I ask for another car?

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  RELIABLE and DEPENDABLE - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Satisfied Customer - December 24 - 5:48 am

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  Thinking of going green? Dont bother.... - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
  By tampabayjay - October 24 - 12:27 am

  I recently traded my 2008 Lexus ES350 for a 2012 450RX Hybrid. What a HUGE mistake! The estimated mileage on the sticker is NO WHERE close to what the vehicle actually gets. I paid a premium to get a Hybrid and Im getting 22-23 average miles per gallon! My ES 350 got 32 MPG average. Lexus has really disappointed me with this false interpretation of Hybrid performance. I asked my dealer (Lexus of Tampa Bay) today what I could do. They said to call Lexus. What a joke. Im a repeat customer that has referred several buyers to this dealership and they blew me off? I sincerely hope that taking the time to post this review will sufficiently warn others. Jay

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  AWESOME RX - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jules - October 11 - 1:26 am

  This is my 3rd Lexus SUV and it is stunning, superb, outstanding quality! Mine was a SPO and I waited 7 1/2 months before taking ownership. Well worth the wait!!

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  Waste of Money - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jason - October 8 - 12:13 am

  I am extremely disappointed in my purchase of 2015 Lexus RX450H. I put approx 12k miles and the mpg is a joke at 25-27mpg average. The electric hybrid does not work in excess of 30 mph. In addition, the emergency brake is positioned badly at the left leg shin. The vehicle I purchase sat on the lot for over 150 days. DO NOT take any vehicle that has been sitting around this long. I would definitely not recommend this vehicle.

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  Just an owner for over a month, but what a car! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Dorkyman - September 24 - 1:39 am

  Bought a 2010 RX450h from the Portland, Oregon Lexus dealer a month ago. Weve taken it on several 4-hour trips and Ive driven it every day on suburban roads with some freeway. Overall about 26mpg regular or premium, so well stick to regular gas in the future. Ive noticed that I can nurse the mpg up to perhaps 28mpg by babying my acceleration and braking, but I prefer to drive in my normal fashion; anyway, gas is cheap and saving gas money wasnt the motivator. Pros: beautiful and luxurious. Surprisingly economical. Like a gorgeous woman who still loves tacos and beer. Minuses: Has middle-grade stereo, boomy bass at about 100Hz, (Im an audio engineer, this really bugs me but what the heck), unknown future battery replacement cost (but other Prius hybrids have lasted for 200k+ miles, plus its a Toyota/Lexus). UPDATE December 2016: Now that its cold outside, it takes ~10 minutes before the engines toasty warm, and meanwhile the fuel economy is lousy. So if my trips are just 10 minutes every time, I get more like 22mpg. I would assume the EPA tests are done with a fully-warmed-up engine, which is why there is such a large discrepancy.

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  Rx 450 - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Al - September 13 - 5:36 am

  We bought the 450h awd w, nav, 19 rims and a few packages. Great decision. We drove it 2000 miles to Canada last week and got 31.5 mpg cruising with a full car of kids and gear. We have no complaints. Smooth and not able to tell when the motor transitions. Tested all gas and hybrid suvs and only one other came close: the highlander. This has more power, better mileage, and cvt. We like the style, comfort and handling. 3000 miles so far and no trouble.

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  This Car is so good, I just ordered 2 new ones - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
  By Willard Fee - July 19 - 8:30 am

  This is a smaller SUV than the larger LG series

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  Its a Lexus, need I say more... - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Douglass Ackley - July 9 - 1:05 am

  Though this model is a bit pricey with all the "bells and whistles", it is worth it in comfort, convenience, and reliability.