The Lexus RX 450h is a hybrid version of the mid-sized RX 350 luxury crossover. It offers a well-appointed interior along with a powertrain capable of over 30 mpg on the highway.
Visually similar to the RX 350, the 450h has a few of its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, special 19-inch wheels, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.
For the latest model year, the 450h, along with the other RX variants, has received a cosmetic update. Keeping in line with Lexus’ latest design language, the latest RX 450h arrives with a new front end inspired by the GS sedan. Lexus’ signature hourglass-shaped grille is front and center, flanked by new headlights with a line of LEDs. A so-called “Aero Bumper” will also be on offer, giving the RX a decidedly aggressive look.
The hybrid crossover is essentially unchanged in profile, but the crossover does sport a revised rear-end. A slightly re-worked bumper is part of the new package, as is a license plate area shaped to mimic the car’s front grille shape. The RX’s interior largely carries over, although a new steering wheel is on tap.
Entering its second generation, the RX 450h features an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower -- 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.
Fuel economy is rated at 32 mpg city, 28 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.
Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive's evolution is the addition of two new systems that further improve fuel efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.
The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system. One key feature of the system is the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator, which allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.
The crossover also features a uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized.
The RX has a long list of high-tech gadgets, including an available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system, featuring an all-new "Remote Touch" controller. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is comparable to a computer mouse. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM satellite-radio capability is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.
The new RX is available with a selection of option packages, which include features like a Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.
The RX offers a wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation screen.
Occupant Safety
The RX 450h comes standard with a class-leading ten airbags, including dual front, front side, rear side, front knee, front side and rear side airbags. Other safety features include traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Key Competitors
As the new-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid has yet to be released, the RX 450h is currently the only gas-electric midsize luxury crossover. Buyers who place an emphasis on fuel efficiency but don't want a vehicle with a stylized "L" badge on the front grille should check out the diesel-power versions of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.