https://www.autoblog.com/2017/12/28/2018-lexus-rx450h-price-cheaper/

why did they do this?

Actually they didn't do this! That article is incomplete, misleading and looks a lot like click bait.

For the real truth and facts read here:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3...2fdkm2gGRfBJXA

So the price drop is actually about $1,000 year to year for the same car comparably equipped.

As far as I can tell, there is a price drop, but not as significant as this article states.
The Hybrid RX base for 2017 had more things standard compared to the 2018.
A day before I got my 2017, the Lexus website had been updated with the 2018s. I built the car with the exact same equipment as the 2017 I was considering. The 2018 ended up being ~$750 less than the 2017.
I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 2017 because of the good discount I was getting. Would have definitely waited for the 2018s to arrive of the price reduction was bigger!

Thx for the real info

Came here as the article made it seem like price drop of 7k between ‘17 to ‘18. Surely thought clickbait.

Actually, there is the following with the 2018 models:

• Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect now Complimentary for 10 Years

Since you get one year free, if you purchased before 2018, these two services $80 x 9 = $720 in additional savings added to the around $1,000+ reduction (on a near or fully loaded RX). So, you're looking at around a $2K savings over a 2017 model.

savings??, they are giving up to $8200 off i found on a 450, plus lexus cash, on a 17. currently thats 10.8k heck i got mine, new off the assembly line for $8500 off, with options i added
less options equals less cost on the 450, simple as that. yes, the 10 year service would be nice.

My comparison was based on retail pricing with no incentives or savings to reach what the price differences might be between the 2018 and 2017 model years.

I'm hoping that Lexus gets smart regarding the Enform Connect and Service pricing with existing owners prior to 2018 and offers substantially reduced future subscription rates. If not, I'll likely not renew any current subscriptions when they expire.

I also would be very tempted to toss a 2 way remote start and call it a day.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2018-lexus-rx-450h-base-price-slashed-by-7340/

Well, price drop or not, but Toyota plans to go full electric by 2025. That's only 7 years away. Why buy a hybrid then? Might have some to do with showing price adjustments.

Are you saying the cost reduction in the 450 is due to the 2025 plans??
I think they stripped options to get the starting price point lower, if people were looking at a non nav 350, a 450 was like 5 or 7k more. Now people in the 50k or below also have the 450 option. Won't be a bad thing.

As far as plans, the way every regulation is being tossed in the trash, including the minimum mpg and other things, there might not be the all electronic push. Time will tell.