I read in the last part of March a discussion regarding towing. I thought it would be a good idea to remind those who plan to tow a boat or other trailered item at or near the tow limit that the RX 450h will simply not respond when the transmision selector is placed in reverse in an effort to back up if you are parked on an incline. Thus, if you park your Lexus on a San Francisco hill with a boat attached behind and someone parks in front of you, you will not be able to move until you have sufficient clearance in front. This is because the internal combustion engine (ICE)does not engage in reverse. I found this out that hard way when the front of my car was at the water's edge and would not back-up with a boat and trailer attached; I had to call a tow truck. Lexus and I have since resolved my compaint that the dealer was deceptive when they assured me that the car had sufficient torque to back up. Prior to purchase I expressly informed the dealer that I needed to back up a hill with a boat and trailer attached. (I have a house on a lake with a steep boat ramp from the boat garage to the water). Bottom line, the dealer simply was unaware that the ICE did not engage.

 

my understanding with the reverse gear is that the ICE does not power the wheels, but it does turn on to supply power to the battery packs.

Its just like when you are just starting your engine. during the first 30 seconds of driving, you are purely using electricity to power the vehicle, but the ICE is still running and is used to supply juice. After about 30 seconds, you will notice a change in the tone of the engine as it begins to supply power to the wheels


thanks for the heads up

 

Reverse is a strange beast for sure. I was backing into a garage the other day and was turning at the same time and the display showed the rear electric motor running too.

Power limited to prevent damage when towing. Just glad I'm not a boat/mobile home/camper owner!!

 

When reverse, it strictly uses the electric motors, they are not that powerful, and not much in low end torgue.