Just got our 17 RX450h. Driving around town, the engine is turning off and on quite a bit. Is this normal? Can I turn this feature off? Doesn't put a lot of wear and tear on the starter and other components?
Thanks, mike

 

Yes, it is VERY normal. I'm not intending to insult you in any way, but did your dealer not explain any of this? A hybrid (RX450h) operates very differently than a conventional gasoline motor. In fact, many 2016 and newer conventional gasoline powered vehicles are now using "start/stop" technology. The Ford F-150 comes to mind right away. Start/stop systems are another way to wring out a few more MPGs.

I'm not aware of any way to turn off the start/stop on the RX450h as that is one way the electric motors come into play and run on battery power (especially in city driving). The RX450h will get substantially better MPG in city driving vs. open highway driving. I would suggest you take your 450h back to your dealer and demand the Technology Specialist spends some time explaining all the operating features to you in a way you can understand. This is my first hybrid and start/stop equipped vehicle. The system takes getting used to, but once that happens, it does it's thing and I'm a happy camper getting an average of 26 mpg back and forth to work (mostly highway). I don't know of any other luxury SUV that delivers that kind of mileage consistently. Good luck and please ask lots of questions - that's why we are all here.

 

Thanks, I knew the there would be some stop/start being done, but it does it quite a bit. And you are right, I didn't get much of an orientation with the new 450h. I didn't even know how to set my radio. I am going to call the dealer and see if the Technology Specialist can spend some time with me.

 

Also, I find the Lexus 450h Owner's Manual very well written & pretty easy to understand. It's jam-packed, orderly & I STILL haven't read all the way through mine since November.

 

Well I am up to page 140 and working on it.

 

Mike, cograts on your 450h. IMO the gas engine kicks in less often than the previous gen. How frequently it happens depends on things like like weather, road types and driving styles. When it's cold out, the engine helps generate heat. It's also needed when climbing hills and accelerating. If you keep the gas pedal pressure light and within the blue range, you'll find it stays electric. Coasting has the same effect. A green light comes on the dash to let you know. Another factor is mode. I've kept my RXh in eco since picking it up. Possibly yours in normal which will engage the gas engine more often. I don't notice any appreciable reduction in power. In fact eco helps me moderate my speed better since the gas pedal is like a feather compared to my old 450h in eco, LOL! It's true eco will give you the better gas mileage. But please don't get caught up in the numbers. It's going to take time to acclimate. And most of us went hybrid for other reasons than spending less on gas.

Some dealers have new owner sessions to go over some of the basics. The technology specialist is better for a one-on-one and more in-depth overview of your 450h. They're great along with the humongous owner's manuals gadgetman mentioned. Bonus, the manuals are a perfect cure for insomnia It's also available online through the Lexus owner's website to search and download. That might be easier and less daunting.

And don't worry about wear and tear. I've seen RX450h and other Toyota hybrids like the Prius and Highlander used as NYC taxis. That should tell you something.