Bearcat

I've heard recently that the 350 is much more fun to drive than the 450h. Can anyone tell me why this might be the case? Thanks!

dchar

Maybe due to the transmission? CVT in 450h and 8-speed auto in 350. Also, the 350 is much lighter than the 450h.

RXOwner

I had a 450h and never could get used to the CVT. Like real gears much better and the RX350 seems a bit more nimble.

Talys1767

It depends on what you want. Personally, I *love* the ride on the 450H, but I agree: CVT is not for everyone. The 0-60 is the same, I think, in both cars -- more horsepower on the 450H is offset by its greater weight.

I like the novelty, and I think I've had my fill of sports cars and big engine SUVs for a lifetime. I think the Hybrid engine is just way too cool, and wouldn't trade it for anything, except maybe an all-electric (eg Tesla).

If you want a "fun" car to drive in that sense, go with a rear wheel drive vehicle like the Infiniti QX70 rather than a FWD vehicle.

rayaans

Ive always felt the 450h is more fun to drive - feels more sturdy on the road IMO

And the instant torque is addictive. Although not shown in the numbers, the 450h is somewhat faster in reality. The reason behind this is that the 450h isn't brake torqued when getting official numbers and therefore loses out due to the lag from smashing the throttle down to the floor and till both electric motors and engine simultaneously come on.

The 450h does have excellent in-gear acceleration, pulls very well.

Peterun

Deciding between 450h & 350 was easy for me. I felt I'd need to go elsewhere for "fun." Went back & forth between both configurations. The differences were vast. My answer resided in aircraft experience: Always loved the sheer heft & smoothness of a Boeing 747, especially on take off. Were there ever noticible shift points (CVT); Was the unleashing of power seemless, unwavering? Finally, did the tire contact with the runway feel distant and insulated? Yes to these questions, both for the 747 & the 450h. The added weight of almost 400 lbs of the hybrid version, coupled with suspension modifications....plus the non shift points of the CVT transmission is what sold me. It's a truly unique feeling, being at the helm of the 450h. Unlike any other vehicle I've driven. Could not achieve this with the 350.

RXOwner

Each are looking for something different. For some the CVT is just fine, for others . . . Not so.

hhss

iTrader: (1)

450h if the new one is anything like the previous gens. I can only imagine it being a better experience

Lubber

I test drove both and liked the drive of the 450 a little better. I also liked how you heard less engine noise on the 450, but couldn't stomach the difference in price compared to amount of difference I found.

Talys1767

Some of the price difference will be recovered over time in gas prices, especially in Canada where the price of gas is quite a bit higher than the USA.

Lubber

The difference in price between premium and regular would negate any price difference recovered here in the US especially with gas prices a good bit under $2/gal as they are right now. Prices may go up in the future but it wouldn't make a difference since I will probably change cars in 4 or 5 years anyway.

jsix2

The 350 is more "fun" probably because as others have said, CVTs are not known to improve driving dynamics. Also, despite being more powerful, the 450 is no faster than the 350 but weighs considerably more which also impacts driving dynamics.

Peterun

Fun factor in the 350? Maybe, in a generic way. The 450h captures a hint of "The Orient Express gone SUV." Not about cornering. It's earily quiet, vibration free, delivering seemless power. The added weight adds to the experience. The slight added economy, for fuel and brake part replacement is a perk. It's not the primary reason here.

RXOwner

I will go for the brakes but not the fuel savings unless you do nothing but drive in town. If you are burning premium it makes it worst. Hard for me to justify and I owned a 450h for couple of years.

Choice is good and I have no regrets with the 450h, guess everyone should experience it if possible.

AL13NV8D3R

With the 450h, not having to pump gas every week and possible range till empty surpassing 400+ miles per tank is enough for me to choose the 450h over the 350. But only because its a CUV Crossover thats why I would get the 450h because the 350 does not hide the fact it is a heavy CUV. If it were a GS then I would definatly get the 350 version.