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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Very impressive vehicle - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By dorene - December 25 - 11:06 pmWe are so impressed with our 450h. The handling is excellent; it glides and flies down the road. The steering is tight and the car responds with little effort. We took a trip with our two adult children and a 14 year old; the middle seat is a bit tight, but it handles full capacity comfortably for the most part. Tech features are fun and mainly intuitive. The mouse is fun and useful. Voice navigation has limits but reads well. We love the heated/cooled front seats and classy interior; love the interior lights. Dont like the park assist; it over reacts and is annoying; other downside is it tends to be a little underpowered at times, but nothing major. Overall a total winner!
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Scoop on Mileage - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By His and Hers - October 16 - 10:56 amMy wife and I both drive this car, and I wanted to let people know our experience about gas mileage. My wife drives the car just like she always has driven any vehicle. She routinely averages about 25 to 26 MPG. I have found that, if I deliberately drive to maximize mileage (no jackrabbit starts, stay at 70 on the interstate, take it easy in general, but nothing extreme) I can consistently average 29 or 30 MPG. I would stress that these are AVERAGE mileage. Often people (and car ads) talk about the highway mileage as though that is the mileage. The really strong suit of these hybrids is their combined mileage. An SUV that can average 30 MPG if driven calmly is pretty impressive to me!
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A great second generation hybrid - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By reeveswilson - June 5 - 8:30 pmI bought the Rx450h after leasing the Rx400h, buying it off lease and giving it to our son. While the Rx400h was great, the Rx450h is a great improvement with even better mileage. The size is perfect - larger than the 400h but still small enough to be nimble in town and larger enough to feel roomy on the road. We get 28mpg+ (about 1mpg better than the Rx400h). I love the improved comfort, the ventilated/heated seats, the technology plug ins; did I say it was great throughout the last 3 snowstorms that hit Washington, DC? The technology and interior design are improvements over the the rx400h. I loved the RX400h I bought he RX450h when the 400h lease was over.
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GAS MILEAGE - 2014 Lexus RX 450h
By acamp2 - April 30 - 10:27 pmI see people here having concerns about gas mileage in the RXh and feel I might have some advice. I am on my second hybrid SUV from Lexus and also owned an LS. The first thing lots of people do no seem to realize is that in order to extend your gas mileage in any car, including hybrids, YOU HAVE TO KEEP THAT HEAVY FOOT OFF THE ACELERATOR! Driving faster than a maximum of 65 will diminish your mileage, also driving in hilly terrain, fast take-offs, your AC usage, incorrect tire pressure, and otherwise rough handling. In addition, you have to go into the RXs information setting and reset the gas mileage monitor (usually after a fill up), to see the true mileage. Hope this helps.
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Loving the Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By S Hodgson - March 26 - 3:45 pmIve been driving my RX 450H for around 4 years and love it. I spend a tremendous amount of time driving for work and wanted something nice/comfortable. We purchased the extra maintenance plan and at 125,000 miles, so far Ive done nothing but the scheduled oil/maintenance, covered under my plan. More importantly, I love driving it. I concur that milage is contingent upon driving style. I average 28 mpg even hitting 80mph with highway driving, by avoiding quick acceleration and taking my foot off the accelerator when I know Im braking soon. My only frustration is the USB port location is inconvenient which theyve changed in newer models. I leave the connector plugged in so rarely have to access it the port. My Lexus dealership couldnt be more accommodating during maintenance, with a loaner if reserved beforehand, shuttles to the mall across the street if desired, and a nice set up at the dealership where I can work or watch TV in designated lounges. (Johnson Lexus, Raleigh NC) I highly recommend this car and wouldnt hesitate to buy another lexus after this experience.
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RELIABLE and DEPENDABLE - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
By Satisfied Customer - December 24 - 5:48 am -
AWESOME RX - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
By Jules - October 11 - 1:26 amThis 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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Just an owner for over a month, but what a car! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
By Dorkyman - September 24 - 1:39 amBought 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 amWe 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 amThis is a smaller SUV than the larger LG series
