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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2023 up RX model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the hybrid models. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other fifth generation RX models.
My experience with my RX350h is similar (the range and the gauge reading appear to be pretty much in-synch): When range is low and I fill up, it takes far-less fuel than capacity suggests. I noticed this early on and brought it up to the dealer, wondering if it was a problem with my vehicle, but the service guy seemed un-surprised, said there was some (deliberate?) margin for error (i.e. more gas left than the range would suggest), but thought it was only about a gallon’s worth. I’d have to come with more evidence/data as to range readings, gallons upon fill etc. to convince them it was really a thing. I’ve not thought it worth doing that, have just adapted - I get such good mileage with the hybrid that I really don’t feel like I have to refuel often enough for it to be an issue.
My complaint is that the true reserve is far more than the Lexus stated reserve. In the case of the RX350h, Lexus states that when the fuel warning activates, there is approximately 2.6 gallons or less left, when there is actually much more left, some seeing double that amount.
With our RX450h+, I know we can drive another 50 miles past "Empty" before we will be close to the stated reserve. When I ran it down to true empty, I drove 138 miles past ""Empty!"
By comparison, my GR Corolla stated reserve is approximately 2 gallons or less and I've found that to be an accurate statement.
Sounds as if C/D saw a little less than 3 gallons that could still be used, after the car said "YOU'RE EMPTY!!!"
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Yeah, the 2024 Grand Highlander manual states that approximately 2.6 gallons or less is available when fuel indicator comes on. Sounds like its accurate. I'd be more concern with the number of topoffs it took to get full capacity.
With our RX450h+, I know we can drive another 50 miles past "Empty" before we will be close to the stated reserve. When I ran it down to true empty, I drove 138 miles past ""Empty!"
So for the RX450H+ - what is the miles left at "Empty" - is it 50 miles or 138 miles ?
I'm wondering if Lexus tried to do this extra reserve deliberately because they know in the right PHEV use model, users would not fill up the gas tank normally (as they would use the EV mode most often) - leading to low levels of gas in the tank normally - and they wanted to keep the fuel pump submerged still in the reserve fuel despite the fuel tank almost never being full of gas during regular (i.e. EV-dominated) usage.
So for the RX450H+ - what is the miles left at "Empty" - is it 50 miles or 138 miles ?
I'm wondering if Lexus tried to do this extra reserve deliberately because they know in the right PHEV use model, users would not fill up the gas tank normally (as they would use the EV mode most often) - leading to low levels of gas in the tank normally - and they wanted to keep the fuel pump submerged still in the reserve fuel despite the fuel tank almost never being full of gas during regular (i.e. EV-dominated) usage.
"Empty" is zero miles HV range and nothing left on the fuel guage. I can then drive another 50 miles and still have a couple of gallons left in the tank. Lexus claims 2.2 gallons left at Zero miles HV range left.
I don't think it has anything to do with the PHEV aspect as the other RXs have even greater reserves, both claimed and actual.
We just got the 2.6.0 update to the app...The only change I've seen is the removal of Drive Pulse & Trips after April 23 2025.. As a "Jersey Driver" I rely on that to assure that I am driving aggressively enough. . Might be simpler to display how many times a day I lean on the horn!!
UPDATE: after what I thought were a few "close calls" on DTE, I have it pegged now. When the last bar disappears, I have 10 liters (~2 gallons) of gas left. With my driving style, that is 150 kms. 100 to be safe. The yellow low gas" warning light is effectively useless. YMMV (literally)
Based on highway runs @ 70-75 mph with RX450H+ in only Hybrid mode - the projected range on the dash with a full tank is 440-450 miles of Hybrid-only range. However, I found that is an overestimate of the actual Hybrid-only miles you get till the dash says 0 miles range left - so you get only about 400 miles by my rough estimation. However, with the 50-100 miles (depending on what you want to believe) of gas still left in the tank, the total hybrid-only range on the highway is about 450 - 500 miles, by my reckoning.
Since we can't trust the dash estimates, if anyone finds the above inaccurate, please chime in for the RX450H+
This is the fuel record of an Arizona road trip we made around Christmas in our RX450h+. This was all pure HV, no EV charging. The tank holds 14.5 gallons, so max range was anywhere from 406 to 565, but averaged around 474. Leave two gallons for reserve and it's 409 average, 350-487
I find that the estimated range is way off at the start of an interstate trip, but gets closer to accurate with each tank of gas. It takes a while to learn the "new normal." For the Arizona trip, it started with 454 miles estimated, but within 5 tanks, it had dropped to 415, then stayed around there for the rest of the trip.
Lifetime average over 27,000 miles has been 36.65 mpg treating each full charge as a gallon of gas.
As a "Jersey Driver" I rely on that to assure that I am driving aggressively enough. 
. Might be simpler to display how many times a day I lean on the horn!! 
