New owner: 2016 RX450h......AWD
11-23-15, 02:35 PM
#16
Lead Lap
It would be good to know the capabilities of what we're purchasing prior to ownership. Not after the fact. I had no idea there was even a difference between hybrid and full fuel versions of this SUV. Seems as though the salesperson should have a better idea of what's being sold. Seems like the brochure should make mention.
Wonderful driving SUV though!
Wonderful driving SUV though!
11-25-15, 10:51 AM
#18
Mikeivan....no....Although I merely spent 15 minutes in the FWD hybrid, I sensed no difference. I noticed a huge difference between the full gas version (350) and the hybrid (450h). Skip the fuel savings (which really does not pan out, especially since the hybrid runs on premium). The drive, the ride, the quiet and vibration reduced motoring.....made it a "must have" for me. Perhaps it's the added weight, especially with the extra 3d motor in the AWD hybrid....the ride is very different than the RX350, imo. From the moment I drove the hybrid, there was no going back. I recommend test drives in both versions before committing.
Lexus says premium because that gave them the higher number for the EPA, no other reason.
11-25-15, 07:52 PM
#19
Pit Crew
so technically, u can use reg fuel on Hybrid model? My wife wants hybrid to go to gas station less and just want to have higher range. I told her it isnt to save money on fuel economy.
11-26-15, 05:03 AM
#20
People will argue this as it is like a religion and the choice it up to you. Your wife will have to fill up less, especially if most of her driving is in stop and go or around town where a hybrid delivers the most savings.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
12-29-15, 11:18 AM
#21
Driver School Candidate
1st post :-)
AWD is primarily for safety, computer control of the rear wheels if traction loss is detected, going away from Volvo XC90 (very safe tank) I would only consider the car if it had AWD, we live in California so not doing much off-roading anyway. The hybrid noticeably does drive different than the gas version and I would suggest driving both before buying, but that's up to you. Really like the car so far.
AWD is primarily for safety, computer control of the rear wheels if traction loss is detected, going away from Volvo XC90 (very safe tank) I would only consider the car if it had AWD, we live in California so not doing much off-roading anyway. The hybrid noticeably does drive different than the gas version and I would suggest driving both before buying, but that's up to you. Really like the car so far.
04-13-16, 08:01 AM
#22
RX350 & RXh are FWD all the time. The minute the system detects slip, the Rx350 sends torque to the appropriate axle, and wheel. It can only send 50% to the Rear axle (50% of 267 total torque). The RxH has to engage the rear motor. The difference is almost twice as much comparing the hybrid to the gasoline. However the important difference here is that. the hybrid torque is on demand and available from 0 rpm. The gasoline will not produce that kind of torque curve on demand until it hits the peak curve on the rpm band. Hence although its advertised as 50 of 267, if your stuck in a snow bank, you`ll need to be in the ideal power band and gear to achieve that number
Last edited by TexasRxh; 04-14-16 at 06:26 PM.
04-13-16, 12:18 PM
#23
After watching the graphics on my '13 Rxh it appears (and I'm sure I read this before) that the rear electric motor in the AWD hybrid does additionally, in fact, help the vehicle accelerate from a stop. Depending how hard you are accelerating the effect may last for a very short time but it is there none-the-less. Again, if you watch the graphics, you will see the rear motor contribute to driving and acceleration frequently. In the '13 Rxh reviews I recall that's how it could claim more horses than the Rx350 (due to the rear motor's help).
04-25-16, 07:36 AM
#24
Just got my '16 Rxh last week and I'm still learning all the new stuff. I never noticed it on my '13 Rxh but that doesn't mean it wasn't there. I'll try to keep that screen up for a while and see what it does.
10-21-17, 05:42 PM
#26
Lexus Test Driver
Sorry for bringing back this old thread but does anyone know if we get the full 308hp from a roll? I've been looking at the awd power monitor and notice the rear electric motor only fires up from a stop for traction, and I assume for when there's slip detected. Most of the other times it's never on, so does that mean we don't get the full 308hp since the rear motor doesn't come on if we mash it from a roll?
10-23-17, 12:37 PM
#27
Pole Position
Sorry for bringing back this old thread but does anyone know if we get the full 308hp from a roll? I've been looking at the awd power monitor and notice the rear electric motor only fires up from a stop for traction, and I assume for when there's slip detected. Most of the other times it's never on, so does that mean we don't get the full 308hp since the rear motor doesn't come on if we mash it from a roll?
I seldom have the graphic that show which wheels are doing what, but after trying it for a while I never saw the rear electric motors kick in.
10-23-17, 10:47 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Ok I answered my own question today. Decided to mash the gas fully a few times while looking at the wheel power gauge. Looks like the rear motor does kick in but only if you go past about 70%'ish throttle so I guess we do get the full 308. I was worried it wouldn't and only have the 259hp on tap from a roll. It's throttle based and not RPM based because I tried using the sport manual mode and brought it to redline a few times without flooring it. The rear motor never kicks in that way. I guess I didn't want to smash the gas fully before because I haven't gone past my first oil change yet and also because it's a hybrid I've been playing that how to get the most mpg game.
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ggebhardt (10-24-17)
10-24-17, 09:02 AM
#29
Pole Position
Ok I answered my own question today. Decided to mash the gas fully a few times while looking at the wheel power gauge. Looks like the rear motor does kick in but only if you go past about 70%'ish throttle so I guess we do get the full 308. I was worried it wouldn't and only have the 259hp on tap from a roll. It's throttle based and not RPM based because I tried using the sport manual mode and brought it to redline a few times without flooring it. The rear motor never kicks in that way. I guess I didn't want to smash the gas fully before because I haven't gone past my first oil change yet and also because it's a hybrid I've been playing that how to get the most mpg game.
Have not used the graphics in the gages but will give it a look!
Thanks for getting this cleared up!
Enjoy!
10-24-17, 02:31 PM
#30
Ok I answered my own question today. Decided to mash the gas fully a few times while looking at the wheel power gauge. Looks like the rear motor does kick in but only if you go past about 70%'ish throttle so I guess we do get the full 308. I was worried it wouldn't and only have the 259hp on tap from a roll. It's throttle based and not RPM based because I tried using the sport manual mode and brought it to redline a few times without flooring it. The rear motor never kicks in that way. I guess I didn't want to smash the gas fully before because I haven't gone past my first oil change yet and also because it's a hybrid I've been playing that how to get the most mpg game.