RX450h Mileage Thread
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 11
From: Mn
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 42
Likes: 13
From: KY
How are you calculating this? You cannot rely on the dash as it is notoriously optimistic by about 1.5 or 2 MPG. Also, the dash needs to be reset and cleared for each tank in order for it to even get close.
As to techniques for driving a hybrid in order to maximize your mileage, there are numerous threads here and in many other forums for maximizing your fuel economy. I recommend you do a search here to locate those discussions. The best single recommendation I can give you is the “pulse and glide technique”. Just drive normally (but not in a spirited/aggressive) manner up to a few miles above the speed you desire, then relax the throttle just a bit to get the EV mode to engage, and then apply just enough pressure on the throttle to maintain speed. This obviously only works at speeds up to 35 mph, and shouldn’t be used in heavy traffic or with following traffic as you don’t want to be one of those “nuisance” hybrid owners. Also keep in mind, this technique only works in stop&go city traffic so if your driving is predominately higher speed or highway, you won’t do much better that the 27.3 you described above. Cold weather driving also hurts the city mileage as the vehicle has to run the internal combustion engine more/longer to maintain heat. At highway speeds it will run the ICE continuously anyway.
As to techniques for driving a hybrid in order to maximize your mileage, there are numerous threads here and in many other forums for maximizing your fuel economy. I recommend you do a search here to locate those discussions. The best single recommendation I can give you is the “pulse and glide technique”. Just drive normally (but not in a spirited/aggressive) manner up to a few miles above the speed you desire, then relax the throttle just a bit to get the EV mode to engage, and then apply just enough pressure on the throttle to maintain speed. This obviously only works at speeds up to 35 mph, and shouldn’t be used in heavy traffic or with following traffic as you don’t want to be one of those “nuisance” hybrid owners. Also keep in mind, this technique only works in stop&go city traffic so if your driving is predominately higher speed or highway, you won’t do much better that the 27.3 you described above. Cold weather driving also hurts the city mileage as the vehicle has to run the internal combustion engine more/longer to maintain heat. At highway speeds it will run the ICE continuously anyway.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 841
From: Idaho
When you are driving at speeds above 55MPH (what I consider “highway speeds”), the internal combustion engine never shuts off. This is in contrast to city/neighborhoods where the hybrid will shut the ICE down if you aren’t pushing it, or as you approach a stop. The street leading to my neighborhood is posted at 25 and if I’m gentle on the throttle, I can do most of it (except for taking off from the stop sign) on just the electric motor - EV mode. This street is about 1.5 miles long and level. I have seen this behavior up to about 35 MPH as long as I’m gentle with the throttle and not heading uphill. I hope that clarifies my previous comment, which is normal for every hybrid I have owned?
Last edited by TechNut; Jan 1, 2025 at 02:58 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 836
Likes: 80
From: ca
2022 Lexus NX 350 H here, trying to find the best advice on how to maximize charging the hybrid battery. I seem to rarely get it past four bars but I am always trying to get the best mileage with pulse and glide etc. Would love to hear any tips.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 228
From: GA
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 228
From: GA
2020 RX450h fill up at,20,636 miles 4/23/25. Traveled 400.7 miles, 100% local. Weather mostly 65F to 85F.
31.5 mpg calculated. The RX said 31.4 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
31.5 mpg calculated. The RX said 31.4 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
Last edited by jollick; May 15, 2025 at 02:09 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 228
From: GA
2020 RX450h fill up at 22,194 miles 8/9/25. Traveled 372.6.miles, 100% local. Weather mostly 90F to 100F
28.8 mpg calculated. The RX said 27.9 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 22,455 miles 8/13/25. Traveled 261 miles, 100% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F.
26.9 mpg calculated. The RX said 26.8 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 22,713 miles 8/16/25. Traveled 257.9 miles, 100% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F
25.7 mpg calculated. The RX said 25.9 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 23,032 miles 8/26/25. Traveled 318.7 miles, 80% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F
27.4 mpg calculated. The RX said 27.7 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
The RX450h does not provide as good mpg when driving 70-75 mph in 90-100 degree weather.
28.8 mpg calculated. The RX said 27.9 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 22,455 miles 8/13/25. Traveled 261 miles, 100% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F.
26.9 mpg calculated. The RX said 26.8 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 22,713 miles 8/16/25. Traveled 257.9 miles, 100% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F
25.7 mpg calculated. The RX said 25.9 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
2020 RX450h fill up at 23,032 miles 8/26/25. Traveled 318.7 miles, 80% highway 60 to 75 mph. Weather mostly 90F to 100F
27.4 mpg calculated. The RX said 27.7 mpg. Filled up with Sam's Club Premium 93 Octane.
The RX450h does not provide as good mpg when driving 70-75 mph in 90-100 degree weather.
Last edited by jollick; Aug 26, 2025 at 02:30 PM.