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:
Showing 51 through 60 of 82.00-
Great car - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By Jim - July 21 - 10:39 amMy third Lexus and. Second hybrid. Very satisfactory
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AWKWARD CAR - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By temnek@hotmail.com - April 13 - 6:11 amThis SUV looks great outside and stands up on the lot. Unfortunately, this is the only great thing about it. Very poor performance even after shifting into S-Sport. Car feels very heavy (like most luxury cars, right?) and lacking power. After taking it for a day drive around the town, Ive got 22.5 mpg this is what you get for $19,000 used car (I was looking at regular RX for $9,000 and thinking: how much time/years will take to get the 5 mpg difference back?). Radio and controls are weird: like you are holding Japanese cassette player from the 80s. There is no way to find the button you need while you are driving... forget about using the joystick (awkward-est part #1 in this car ). So, bad gas mileage, mediocre performance... Probably good for people who cannot handle a V-6 engine (great for retirement?). I also tested LS 430 and I appreciated the ride (didnt buy it because we couldnt open a trunk. Later I found out that the car was overpriced).
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HYBRID MAN - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By Paul Levine - February 19 - 4:13 pmThe vehicle is great .Only shortcoming is visibility in the rear
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Love my Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By John Harvey - January 5 - 5:23 amThis is my first Lexus. I bought the hybrid because I keep my cars at least 10 years. Gas prices probably will at least double in 10 years. Also the Rx 450h probably will have outstanding reliability like its predecessor. So far the car is fun to drive and it really encourages you to drive for mileage. In the first 900 miles we are averaging 27.5 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving.
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The GPS - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
By willdublin - October 19 - 11:15 pmI Rate my Car Excellent in every respect except one . You are not informed whether your destination is approaching on the right or left when you input an address using a Home Computer(eDestination)or you use the Destination Assist feature. This is not only annoying but could be dangerous for obvious reasons.
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A Reasonably Priced Unisex Car - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By rky - October 17 - 12:02 amThis is not a Porsche, BMW, Audi, nor is it Mercedes. Its a Lexus, a fancy Toyota. I bought it because Toyota has a long history of reliable hybrid cars. I had a Porsche 928, two Corvettes, and a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. I miss the GT VR4. Im over 60 and wanted the biggest Japanese hybrid money can buy. But after I bought it I heard that Acura will have a hybrid MDX in mid year 2017. The MDX has a superior all wheel drive system that can isolate 100% of the power to any one wheel at a time - SH-AWD. Acura claims 26 mpg combined on its hybrid. Lexus claims 30 mpg combined. But on the econ setting I am getting 31.8 to 32 mpg. I currently have 665 miles on the car. I traded in an 2012 MDX Advanced. An all gas version that delivered 16 mpg combined. Anyway, it was time to go conservative and green. I like the aggressive front grill and the f sport badge even if it does nothing for performance. 0-60 is a sad 7.9 seconds. Hardly quick but adequate to merge into highway traffic. But I am driving in a way that you would expect a senior citizen to drive, like a turtle who had instant oatmeal for breakfast. I just hope the curtain airbags will protect my frail aging frame from any potential collision and that I continue to drive this fancy car into my 80s.
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Ipod disatifaction - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By Larry Gathings - August 4 - 10:13 pmI purchased this vehicle Sept 2009. I very much enjoy the vehicle. The mileage is great. I dont like the connection ports. The usb ports are very hard to reach. The main problem I have is my ipod will not play. The ipod will play intermittently. I have addressed this problem to the dealership as well as Lexus. Neither have solved this problem .
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Comfortable Ride - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By From Denver - July 14 - 10:36 pmThis is my first SUV and I love being high up. I love the ride; quiet, smooth like glass, cushy seats. Mileage so far is a disappointment. I am averaging just under 25 mpg. The interior of the car, other than the fine leather seats, is also a disappointment. Too much plastic. Even the wood appears cheap. The gadget technology (phone, nav, audio, etc) is unsophisticated and lacks elegance. Placement of the dashboard and other interior gauges can be in hard to find places making it necessary to take your eyes off the road. The glove box is a joke. I expect more from a $50,000 plus luxury car. I am counting on Lexus reputation for high reliability to make this a worthwhile purchase.
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Excellent - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By Marie - May 4 - 2:00 amI finally decided to get a new car and replace my 2005. Wanted to stay in the SUV arena, but really wanted to save on mileage. This one does it! I am averaging 30 mpg and Im not driving differently to effect the mileage. The technology is really fun -- I like the mouse and can work it effortlessly. (I was afraid it wouldnt be natural - it is.) Heads up display is cool. - - I can even see what radio station Im on. This car is not only beautiful but functional too. Im happy.
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very snow worthy - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By Carla Berman - January 18 - 10:40 amI bought this vehicle in the cash for clunkers program to replace a 5.9 L Jeep Grand Cherokee that was my vehicle to get to work in deep snow. Recently the Northeast got 24" followed by 20". I live in a rural area and was very pleased by the vehicles ability to easily navigate under adverse conditions. Of course in good weather it is a dream vehicle.
