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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  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.

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  Love it! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By NoDuplicates - June 20 - 12:30 pm

  I went from a Lexus IS350 to the RX450H AWD. I was hung up on performance, but there is no comparison. Utility with MPG was my need for the long term. I got a lot more. The car drives like a dream. There is plenty of power for normal city and highway driving. However, dont expect to floor it at a light and whip ahead of the car on your left. Its not built for this but it can do it if you want to shoot the MPG to hell. On the highway, throw the trans left into manual and downshift to 4th gear for extra passing power. Comfort is king, fit and finish are perfect. Good ergonomics, handles well with 19" rims on curves. Instrumentation beautiful and relevant.

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  Lives up to high expectations - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Dave - June 20 - 10:00 am

  With 5,000 miles on the car now, Im averaging about 28mpg. The lowest tank average occurred driving through the mountains on vacation with a loaded car at about 25 mpg and I have gotten around 30mpg on normal driving around town. I had very high expectations for this car when I chose to buy it and it has really beaten my expectations with pure comfort, exceptional ride quality and enough technical gadgetry to keep me occupied on long drives. It certainly is not a sports car, but for its size, the handling is very good and the engine and CVT transmission is a perfect match. I also live in a very dark area and the adaptive headlights are bright and extremely helpful at night.

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  RX 450h After 1 year - 2011 Lexus RX 450h
  By tgriff - February 5 - 7:14 am

  I traded in my 2007 RX350 for this hybrid and have been quite pleased. It feels much more stable on the road. The navigation is disk based and is somewhat different, as it trades the touchscreen for a mouse-like control on the console. I miss the storage compartments in the back that are now taken by batteries. I expected higher MPG and would probably get it if driving stop-n-go on city streets, however Dallas driving uses lots of highways. It has good power, but I find myself starting slower, trying to reach the stated MPG. I initially used Premium fuel, then switched to Regular - noticed no difference in performance or MPG.

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  Good 1st Impression - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By dalav8r - December 28 - 9:26 am

  Ive owned an AWD 450H for about 2 months now Overall Im impressed. Well built, supple ride, handles well, and quiet...all things youd expect from a Lexus. So far Im averaging 27.5 MPG which is actually fairly close to the EPA estimate. The math doesnt pay for the hybrid though. I recommend it if you want to be eco friendly, but if it is just a straight $ decision, purchase the 350.

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  Love my Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Barbara Piccola - December 6 - 10:33 pm

  This is by far the best car I ever owned. Would highly recommend it.

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  Love it. - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By LuckyMe - October 30 - 6:05 am

  The great thing about this SUV is that the body changes so little each year that the car seems like new, at about a third of the price of a new one. I dont like the big new grilles Lexus has been making anyway, I think they cheapen the look. I prefer the more refined grille of the 2010. Despite that mine had somewhat high mileage, it was extremely well maintained by the previous owner and seems like new. I have had no problems with it thus far except I occasionally get a little carriage squeaking on overpasses for some reason, but not on regular paved road. However, otherwise, the ride is as smooth and quiet as silk. My favorite things about this car are the cushy interior and the high ride so that you can practically walk in and out of the car. No having to bend way down to get into the car. The quality of the interior is great, soft leather, nice wood on steering wheel and other locations. The only things that are cons for me are that the charger outlet and usbs are not in a good place. You have to remove a storage bucket in the front center console to get to them. It would be more convenient to have them in the dashboard area. However I guess it allows you to store things that are being charged or played out of sight. Heated seats are very nice. I like the auto lights and being able to talk on the phone handsfree via bluetooth connected phone. Mine is silver (tungsten pearl, to be precise; it is a little different than silver, Ive noticed) with black interior and some light gray around the window area. I love it. Sometimes after I get out of it and walk away, I look back at it just to admire it. I am getting good mileage, averaging about 29 mpg thus far, and thats on 87 or 89. By all means, buy the luxe car a few years later at a fraction of the price!

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  hybrid rules - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By lou fine - September 19 - 3:13 pm

  excellent ride and comfort.

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  Great - but!!! - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By slojimi - May 3 - 1:17 pm

  This is my 2nd RX, previously owning a 2008 RX400h, the 450 is definitely the better of the two. It is extremely comfortable, fun to drive, well appointed & stylish. I drive a lot, so it is important that I dont feel beat up or worn out after 5-8 hours. There isnt much I dont really like about this vehicle. My disappointment has been with mpg in both vehicles. I am a "hyper-miler", squeezing every mpg out of the car I can. In the 450, after two years I was averaging 30.5 mpg; getting 32-33 mpgs on many trips. Something changed and Im lucky to get 28.5 now. The same with the 400h after 70K. Raising the issue with Lexus netted "thats too bad", offering no interest/solution to fix it!

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  Mercedes to Lexus Leap - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By C Smith - April 11 - 2:53 am

  Purchased my 450H about 3 weeks ago. Drove ML320 for 200K and fully expected to get another one, but after test driving the 450H I was sold on the ergonomics, fit and finish, and the gas mileage (twice that of my ML). Navigation system, design and ease of use, comfortable, quiet. I loved my Mercedes and it was a great car; but the mileage, design and comfort of the Lexus won me over. Would not change a thing, except maybe the price. But, compared to similarly equipped cars of this quality, was not too painful. BTW, dont seem to lose a thing in the acceleration. Handling and cornering a little soft, but you still get a sense of the road. Lot of great little features I havent even tried yet.