Leaving tomorrow morning for the 450h's first long trip, from upstate NY to Daytona Beach. I'll keep folks up to date on the MPG. I'm going to use 89 octane gas on the way down, and 91 when I come back, to see what the actual differences are...

 

And leave the gorgeous weather we've had around here lately

Safe trip and give us a progress report. Have fun too.

 

That's def long drive. The most I got with my car was from Boston to Atlantic City and came back. Much more relax and enjoy driving compares with the sedan. #1 SUV

 

It is a interesting test subject. Please, post your result for curiosity public..

 

I'm excited for the results.
Enjoy the RX and the road.

 

That's a nice little trip, I've done that drive up from Miami to NYC a few times and back.

 

The RX averaged 24.7 MPG from upstate NYS to Daytona Beach, using about 3 1/4 tanks of mid-grade unleaded. Average speed was between 75-80 MPH. A recent trip from Daytona to Tampa, and back, averaged 23 MPG, with an average speed between 80 and 85 MPH. The MPG drops quickly after 70 MPH. The RX is a very comfortable ride, even for long distances. Its air conditioning works extremely well, even in 85-90 degree humid Florida weather. I will try to drive more slowly on the way home next week, to see what the MPG could be. I might even try a tankful of 87 octane once, to try to measure the effect of lower octane fuel. I was surprised at how much the RX holds; quite a lot of stuff on the way down only took up about half of the back with the rear seats folded down. Handling was quite good for a semi-large vehicle, even through torrential rain coming back from Tampa the other day. The adjustable intermittent wipers are by far the best I have had, and worked well in high speed, high wind and rain situations.

 

You need to put an end to the 87 vs 93 octane debate and put 93 in on the way back.

 

Good to hear that the trip went well!

The RX is a beast, in terms of long distance travel. I take both the RX's on 1200 mile + road trips (RX450H belongs to my brother, RX300 is mine) about every month. Some trips are up to almost 2000 miles, a recent trip over the summer I did was about 3400 miles in the RX300. Both the RX300, and RX450H are extremely comfortable on long drives. Surprisingly, I think the RX300 driver seat is more comfortable than the one in the RX450H. It has more support, that's not to say the RX450h seat isn't comfortable as well, they both leave you without fatigue. The rear seats are just about the same, from what I hear from the family. I don't sit in the back, so I can't tell you what I personally think is better.

Both RX's have great passing power and make long drives a breeze. The RX can hold a lot of stuff, for it's size. Not as much as a van of course, but it gets the job done. I usually have to put everything in the trunk strategically, but it all fits in the end.

I spend a lot of time in the RX, considering all of the driving I do, and I can safely say it's the best car I've ever purchased. (Mind you, I've bought a ton of cars)

 

You're right about speeds above 70 decreasing the mileage drastically. I made the trip when my car was new from north of Atlanta to south of Jax with three people, full luggage and a 200lb Segway in the back. I stayed around 70 for most of the trip and averaged over 30 for the whole 4 days there and back.

But for the short period above 75 I could definitely see diminishing returns. That was the trip I decided to toss the radar detector into the cargo compt bin. I paid a good bit extra for the (h) and found it pays off if you don't speed.

It drives well going faster but really sucks the fuel. I've had a paradeim shift and I'm used to it now and getting the mileage I should be. So my trip maybe took an extra hour, so what. Was sure enjoyable .

 

Arrived back home this afternoon. Average on the way home was 26.6 MPG. 93 octane used, though MPG increase may also be due to a slower average speed between 70-75 MPH. Overall, the RX 450h was an awesome road trip vehicle, which both my dog and I enjoyed. Hybrid power was more than adequate, adjustable intermittent wipers continued to impress me, bluetooth phone integration with my iPhone was flawless. Navigation system was excellent, split screen info display on upcoming exits on the highway was appreciated (rest area approaching was great for my dog and me). Back storage area is actually quite impressive, even with the rear seats up. One suggestion, bring the tonneau cover with you, even if not using initially. I would have liked to have had it on the way home, as all of my return luggage/baggage fit in the rear; additional security is always good when stopping overnight.

 

Sounds like you like your car too. I just turned 29000 last week so I'll be getting my 30K sometime next month.