View Poll Results: Which model?

RX350

53.85%

RX450H

46.15%

Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

Deciding on a 2021 RX

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Sep 28, 2020 | 08:55 PM

#16

JeffKeryk

Pole Position

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 2,082

Likes: 633

From: CA

It is a lot easier to get a good discount on a non hybrid vs hybrid. MSRP is just a number.

Sep 29, 2020 | 04:29 AM

#17

Freds430

Pole Position

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 3,147

Likes: 1,705

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexnewbi

I have a 2017 RX450h and love it. In the past 4 years, I have used regular gas and get 28-32 MPG.

I have found many advantages over the RX350 that go beyond the MPG. The engine is more powerful, CVT transmission is very smooth, the car is quieter, particularly on battery, the breaks last longer, the AC cools faster, there are fewer belts, etc. I have had several RX350 loaners to compare and the difference is significant and obvious. One time, due to waiting on a part, I had the RX350 loaner for a week and really missed not having the RX450h.

Agree 100%. My wife (ES300 h) and myself (RX450 h) both agree would never go back to an ICE. Always find it interesting when someone will post "don't like the CVT my ICE transmission shifts smoother. So shifting through 6, 8 or 10 speeds is smoother then not shifting at all. Lexus owners better start getting use to the hybrid models. Lexus is planning in the next few years to have over 50% models hybrids. The Toyota Venza just out has only one option hybrid.

Sep 29, 2020 | 05:51 AM

#18

bamalam

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2020

Posts: 747

Likes: 459

From: WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freds430

My wife (ES300 h) and myself (RX450 h) both agree would never go back to an ICE.

Ah, the 450h has an engine with six cylinders in which fuel and air are mixed before going bang. It's an ICE.

Sep 29, 2020 | 10:42 AM

#19

coolbrazz

Advanced

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 632

Likes: 226

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexnewbi

I agree about the transmission & probably holds its value better, but for me my dealer gave me a better deal with the non-hybrid model both times. Running med grade (89) gas on the hwy I get 27mpg, and 13 more HP added to the v6 engine just wasn't worth it to me. Also it is recommended to run premium in the RX450h. It would have been around a $3k difference with my deal. Either way glad you're happy with your 450h.

Sep 30, 2020 | 11:44 AM

#20

lexnewbi

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 442

Likes: 129

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolbrazz

Also it is recommended to run premium in the RX450h. It would have been around a $3k difference with my deal. Either way glad you're happy with your 450h.

Yes, I know premium gas is recommended, but when I asked the dealer if they fill the gas tank with premium gas when delivered, they indicated they only have regular. So I figured if the dealer does it, it must be fine. Then I tested premium and regular for a couple of weeks found no discernible difference in performance. Gas mileage was a tad better with 1-2MPG more, but not worth it. So I stuck with premium and no problems. From my college organic chemistry courses, so long as the car does not knock, (which is difficult with the computer controls these days) you can use any gas octane rating...

When I bought the car, the difference was only $1.5k for identically optioned out cars. I have saved more than that in gas in the past four years..

Anyway, enjoy the RX350, both are very good cars...