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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An Ugly Duckling - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By Sandy Stasiek - December 29 - 8:04 pmWe were going to trade in our 2010 RX-350 for 2016 model. When we first saw it we assumed that it was not finished, or was in an accident, have the Lexus designers consulted with the Mad Hatter? In our mind, Lexus always stood for understated elegance and classic lines, but no more, it is not just loud, it is plain ugly. So, we are going back to a Mercedes or perhaps will consider BMW or Audi. Sadly, good bye Lexus...
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Not so quiet ride! - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By Marcos Villarreal - February 26 - 9:26 amGreat luxury interiors Not enough sound suppression for road noise in cabin despite $55K plus price ticket Exterior front way too exaggerated design robs class to the vehicle
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Huge surprise!!!!!!!!! - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
By Samantha - December 28 - 12:56 amBought 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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Major problems; returned car - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
By asteinberg - October 12 - 1:34 amIntegrity of cabin compromised -- unsure if due to post-earthquake radioactive stuff or use of cosmoline. Lexus denies use of cosmoline, but service dept at dealer claimed this toxic substance was used; noxious fumes. Dealership would not test under similar circumstances. My wife and child ill; returned car within month with $5000 penalty. Dealer wanted to help, but Lexus company uncooperative. Lexus left me no alternative -- I shall now consider Federal and state regulatory authorities, litigation. In unlikely case Lexus stands behind product, I will update. But Lexus corporate was bureaucratic. Dealership had changed story many times -- such as - -that noxious fumes would burn off
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gives only 22 MPG vs 30 - 32 as stated on sticker - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
By neelimag - November 13 - 3:11 pmI traded in my Lexus GX470 after 6 years for the 2013 450h. The estimated mileage on the sticker is NO WHERE close to what the vehicle actually gets. I am getting 22-23 average miles per gallon! I called the sales man and he asked us to bring it in. Service dept told us there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The dealer told us to call Lexus corporate office. We are very disappoitned with the way the sales maanger treated us. He was insensative and blew us off. My family has been buying cars from LONGO Lexus (El Monte, CA) for 30 years. We will nto buy from LONGO again. I sincerely hope that taking the time to post this review will sufficiently warn others fo the this disparity in mileage
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Disappointed mpg - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By gored - March 21 - 3:26 pmI am very disappointed in our fuel economy. After 8500 miles we average 25.5 mpg. Suburban/rural Ohio mom running a 5 teen family. No special driving of any sort. Quite a bit different from the 29 combined mpg we were represented with. Not worth it.
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Very good, not perfect - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By KC Evans - July 27 - 3:44 pmSuper 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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Ride - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By disgusted - May 15 - 10:00 amHard, stiff, jolting ride. Very uncomfortable if there are any imperfections in the road surface. Lexus destroyed the beautiful 400h to create this mobile design error. Typical stupidity was to put the only front 12 v outlet in a cavern under 3 boxes. Duh! Why not a second convenient one? The only thing luxurious about the 450h is the price. It is our 3rd and LAST Lexus unless they replace our suspension system. It is sad to see great soft riding comfortable SUVs (RX series 1999- 2009) be trashed so badly in 2010. After 6 months the car has 3000 miles on it because our Honda truck is far more comfortable. The Lexus is history next year!
