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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  Comfort - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By John Hurd - August 13 - 5:58 pm

  Premium fuel

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  Very good, not perfect - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By KC Evans - July 27 - 3:44 pm

  Super comfortable, with one of the nicest interiors in its class. Wife liked the new styling, me I think its a bit over the top. Radio and Nav interface could be better, but once you get use to it, its not bad. Have body fit and quality issues that are a disappointment. Gas filler door sticks proud of the body, the front hood rattles, weather strip around one of passenger doors has come loose. The paint on the front bumper around one of the parking sensors is dis colored. At 4000 miles the sending unit for the gas gauge failed leaving my wife stranded when she ran out of gas with the gauge showing 3/4 of a tank. The on center feel of the steering is vague and there is a bit of torque steer on hard excelleration. Smooth silent ride.

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  2010 rx 450h hybrid - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By cosgrove6345 - January 31 - 11:58 pm

  I bought this car after careful review from all the usual sources. I am very pleased with my new red car. Comfort package and all the bells and whistles. I studied the reviews and surmised that the way you drive the car dictates the mileage you will get. So no quick starts and using the cruise control when ever possible and averaging 28 mpgs! I live 6 miles from work and drive to mountain bike on the weekends and am getting over 400 miles per tank. You really have to take it easy and enjoy the car to get this but it is achievable .Love the complete voice activation for everything. Just read the manual and you are on your way. Very comfortable and a joy to drive.

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  New RX 450h awesome! - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By arex - January 10 - 8:25 am

  Purchase option makes more sense. Lease program for this vehicle not as good compared to Lexus RX 350...

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  2013 RX 450h vs 2006 RX400h - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By pcwlexus - December 11 - 1:06 am

  I purchased a new 2013 RX450h after having the original RX400h since April 2005. Since its been 7 model years of advancements I expected the new 450h to be more technically advanced then my 400h (it truly is), but I am amazed how much better it is overall. The 2013 handles much better, is quieter, and the transitions from no engine to having the engine cut on are not noticeable like they were on the 400h; especially at traffic lights. The 2013 feels much more substantial and you really dont hear the road noise or the loud engine go-cart like sounds that I could hear when I accelerated with the 400h.

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  Close to Excellent - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
  By dc_area_driver - September 17 - 4:40 am

  The buying experience was great. Other brands could learn from Lexus and how they treat their customers. . The mileage on the vehicle is as advertised. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is a great road trip vehicle. The Enform system is great! So why isnt the vehicle excellent? The navigation/audio system is 2nd rate. In a vehicle that costs this much money the sound/navigation system should be outstanding.

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  Happy camper - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By snowman22 - September 8 - 10:36 am

  Picked up the 2015 RX450h in March. Traded in a 2013RX 350. Gotta tell you the 2013 was a gas hog. Only 16 mpg. Tried everything to improve. No luck . The 2015 RX 450 h is just the opposite. Great mpg. Average of 28-29 city only driving. Could not be happier with the whole package. Car is loaded. Stargaze Black over Black. Hard to believe but it is even quieter than the 2013. Rides great with the 19" tires and rims. I believe with warmer weather and summer blen gasoline the mpg will,go,even higher. Glad we got the 2015. The 2016 redesign is not to our liking. We love the soft sculptured lines of the 2015 ext. And int.
  
  
  
  

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  2016 Lexus RX450H an excellent car to own & drive - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Bharat Rathi - September 6 - 6:22 pm

  Really love driving our new Lexus RX450H. Excellent car overall. The mouse control on the electronics is very sensitive. They could have made this a bit less sensitive -- that would have made managing the navigation settings a bit easier.

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  Before You Buy Hybrid - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By sind - July 31 - 5:27 am

  Please dont get the Hybrid version if what you want is to save on gas. Gas required for this vehicle is Premiun, so youll pay more at the pump. The tank takes about 14 gallons and I get about 300 miles about 22 mpg. I believe "Hybrid cars" are just a trend that does little or nothing for the environment. It does Nothing for your wallet. I think the only good thing I heard about Hybrid is that theres no smog check ever. Its extremely distracting every time youre looking at that dashboard to see if youre saving any gas. I wont recommend the hybrid version.

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  All around outstanding mid size SUV - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By sgull - July 22 - 8:44 am

  Had a Highlander, drove that and the rx350 and Rx450, the rx 450 beat the others. Its extremely quiet, powerful, luxurious, outstanding build quality and we think very nice looking. It takes getting used to a hybrid in day to day driving, as it doesnt jump off the line unless you want it to. Its almost a game seeing how good of mileage you can get. We are getting at least 28 mph in city driving. We intend to keep this vehicle at least 8 years, and gas is not going to get cheaper so it will pay for us in the long run. The ride on the 450 is smoother than the 350 due to the extra weight of the batteries. We have had zero problems or defects in the 7k plus miles we have driven.