I'm usualy on the SC 430 fourm but its about time to replace the SUV which is curently a MB G 500. That being said any mpg over 14 is considered great. There was another thread about actual mileage experienced on the 450H but it got jacked into a octane and political discussion. So my questions are
1. Are most of you (with normal spirited driving, no coast-aholics) getting only about 25 mpg?
2. Do any of you tow anything. I have a utility trailer that I ocasionaly use around town. Probably max out at about 3500 lbs.
3. Back to question 1, I have driven a Audi Q7 and a VW Toureg, both with TDI, both get 17 to 24 mpg. If the 450H is only getting 25, why bother with the complexity of the system and potential problems later on.
4. Does the 450H drive strange or is it pretty much like a normal car.

Thanks in advance for opinions and info.

Surt.

 

2) the RX rates just at a 3500 pound capacity so that seems perfect for you

3) well, keep in mind the Q7 and Toureg do not get sub 8 second aceleration times. Plus, no matter how you look at it, hybrids will come out cleaner and more efficient. the EPA rates the RX at 30 mpg and my understanding is that they do not "hypermile" but in fact are rated through vigorous tests after the new rating scale in 2007, so it is much more accurate to real life driving. People who do not have a lead foot tend to get better, inter the mid 30s.

4. of course it drives like a normal car, thats the appeal of the hybid. brake pedal feel might be a little weird because of the regen braking, and of course the CVT transmission doesnt give any gear change indications, but all in all, it has 4 wheels best to give it a try at the dealership

 

My first 2 tanks were both 23.7. Lexus readout on display showed 25.5 but manual calculation came in at 23.7. Hoping this improves with time.

 

1. You should have no problem averaging 30 mpg unless you drive like a "maniac". I can easily get 33-35 mpg with ours driving around the city and 30-31 on the highway.

2. I am not sure what you will be averaging while towing a 3500 pound trailer.

3. I already answered a portion of this question. What complexity of the system and problems down the road are you talking about? The hybrid system on the RX450h is awesome. If you are concerned about the battery life, don't be. First of all, I believe it is guaranteed for 10 years. I have not heard of many original Prius vehicles that have had the hybrid battery die. Secondly, in ten years the "world could come to an end". In other words, an awful lot is going to change in 10 years.

4. The RX450h drives better than a "normal" car. It is quieter with better performance.

 

Thanks for the replies, no not like a mainiac, but not in the left lane doing 54 either. On the trailer question, I am not concerned about the mileage only the ability of the car to pull it. I only use it to haul mulch, some stone ocasionaly and remove yard waste. It is probably pulled less than 200 miles each year. Some smaller SUV's have a small hitch receiver and this will not work for me. After having a G 500 which I believe is rated at 8000lbs, I only want to make sure I can still have the utility with this car.

Regards,
Surt

 

battery and hybrid components are warrantied for 8 years, 100,000 miles, but whose to say it wont last longer?

 

I just had a 2008 RX400h (last generation) FWD for 5 days and about 200 miles of driving as a loaner car while our 2006 LX470 was being serviced.

Keeping in mind the new RX hybrid is more powerful and more fuel efficient, I got 25.8 mpg in that period. I commuted to work (75 mph) and drove up and down hills and around town. The vehicle (according to the trip computer) seemed to get better mileage in town (45 mph was the sweet spot) but that was without trying.

I was very impressed.

Does it drive like a normal car? Yes and no. The sound of the CVT working with the motor (almost a motorboating sound) under full throttle takes some getting used to as does the silence in parking garages. The last few feet of braking also takes some getting used to due to, I'm guessing, the regen braking.

All in all, extremely impressive and much more of a "real" car feel than the Prius I've driven.

Unless you're going to tow something very heavy there's simply no comparison between this powertrain and the Touareg/Audi you mentioned. None.

 

On our AWD the first tank was 25mpg and now 3rd tank 28.5 mostly around town with small amount interstate driving at 75mph.