Hello - I'm wondering if there might be something not working correctly with my RX450h or if this is just "normal" for this vehicle.

When I am going down the road at say 60mph and decide to pass someone and put the accelerator to the floor - the vehicle accelerates - however - not as quickly as it seems like it could be... if I push the accelerator say 2/3rds or 3/4 of the way - it will accelerate more rapidly.

Same if I need to pull into cross traffic and need to accelerate quickly or just want to - it does the same.

My vehicle has 177,800 miles on it... bought it with 35,000 in December 2014.

Curious what others experience with their '12 RX450h AWD and accelerating.

Thanks
JC

 

I experience this when using regular gas, and not with premium. Try some different gas would be my first suggestion.

 

Too many reasons and if you would pardon me, some of them can be pure perception ... unless backed by real measurements.

1. Andy already mentioned fuel quality.
2. Air filter condition ... I hope you don't have the washable/reusable kind.
3. Weight in the vehicle.
4. Steering set straight or not.
5. Status of the traction battery when you want to accelerate [is it syphoning the power to charge the battery]
6. VSC on [I do not recommend to turn it off, but if it is on, you get choppy power to the wheels].
7. Does the vehicle roll without drag [hanging brakes], poor alignment, bad whees/tires?

The question I do have for you is ... is the vehicle behaving differently or it has always exhibited the same behavior?

You can always go the dealer used lot and test out another RX-450h

Salim

 

Thank you for the feedback.

1. I filled up with premium fuel today... will see if it makes a difference.
2. i change the filter regularly - so in good condition.
3. n/a
4. straight
5. n/a
6. will check this
7. n/a

Thank you!

 

Thank you for the feedback.

Filled up with Premium today...i will see if makes a difference and advise!

Thanks

 

Hello

Part way into my second tank of Premium fuel… made a significant difference! It is like a different vehicle!! Solved acceleration issue and overall performance much better !!

I looked into the TRAK setting, it’s on unless I turn it off. I definitely turn it off in snow or ice, slick conditions. It is more dangerous with it on in those conditions.

Thank you!

 

You may like to read the owner's manual and play with ON/OFF in various conditions. I call this a "nanny switch" and with it "ON" (default), the throttle, auto trans, brakes etc ... electronics take over and make the vehicle docile and predictable as opposed to raw engine and wheels. For general users/drivers, I would still suggest that leave it "ON", but for faster response [which requires a more skillful driver to control] it can be turned off.

Salim