4 Banger in RX450?
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
4 Banger in RX450?
The new 2020 Highlander hybrid has 4 cylinder engine making 240hp with 33mpg combined. Since they share the same platform, wonder if the RX will follow suite...
#2
Lead Lap
In recent years, it has not been uncommon for various Lexus models to have different power train options than their Toyota cousins.
When the ES was based on the Camry platform, the Camry non-hybrid was available with a 4 cylinder engine, but the ES non-hybrid wasn't. Over the course of various generations, the Highlander has been available with a 4 cylinder engine, but the RX hasn't. The 4Runner has been available with a V6, but the GX has only been available with a V8. The RAV4 has come with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, but the NX has had a more powerful 2 liter turbo charged engine. In general, when there have been different engine choices, the Toyota models have had the engines with lower horsepower and higher fuel economy.
In this case, I would be surprised if the RX hybrid got a 4 cylinder engine with only 240 hp. I suspect that Lexus knows that that engine would not be where its market for the RX hybrid is.
When the ES was based on the Camry platform, the Camry non-hybrid was available with a 4 cylinder engine, but the ES non-hybrid wasn't. Over the course of various generations, the Highlander has been available with a 4 cylinder engine, but the RX hasn't. The 4Runner has been available with a V6, but the GX has only been available with a V8. The RAV4 has come with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, but the NX has had a more powerful 2 liter turbo charged engine. In general, when there have been different engine choices, the Toyota models have had the engines with lower horsepower and higher fuel economy.
In this case, I would be surprised if the RX hybrid got a 4 cylinder engine with only 240 hp. I suspect that Lexus knows that that engine would not be where its market for the RX hybrid is.
Last edited by lesz; 04-24-19 at 12:01 PM.
#3
If the RX gets any weaker, I'm moving to a different brand. I hope they can realize that Lexus is a luxury brand, RX is their flagship product, and fuel costs are not greatest concern for luxury purchasers.
#6
Racer
There are lots of vehicles I would have never expected to have 4 cylinder engines but they do, so anything is possible.
#7
Lexus Champion
I see the move to the 4 cylinder hybrid drive in the Highlander as a big disappointment. Makes me happy that we got ours when we did. I asked this same question - if this means a 4 cylinder hybrid in the RX's future - in the new Highlander forum. No real answers, but I do think that's what it means. The Highlander Hybrid and the RX hybrid have always used the same powertrain.
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#8
Pole Position
I see the 4cylinder hybrid in the new highlander as a differentiator for the RX. I can see the next RX, in another 6 years going by the recent Lexus trend, with the V6 hybrid to justify its premium.
#10
Isn't the new Highlander's hybrid drivetain based on the same 2.5L NA 4-cyl as the RAV4 and NX? I'm not sure if we'll ever see a force-fed 4 banger + electric motors. Sounds like a logistics nightmare since the turbo typically needs to be kept warm to be efficient.
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I wonder if this is Toyota's way of separating the current RX and Highlander for now; since the RX hasn't even had the refresh yet, so the new TNGA-K platform won't make its way to the RX (or NX for that matter) for another 2-3 years at least. Basically, it means the new Highlander with the new platform, but a 4-banger hybrid, vs the older RX platform, but with a V6 hybrid. When the next-gen RX finally lands, who knows if there's even going to be a V6 available anymore. Maybe PHEV, or Lexus might go fully electric at that point.
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I wonder if this is Toyota's way of separating the current RX and Highlander for now; since the RX hasn't even had the refresh yet, so the new TNGA-K platform won't make its way to the RX (or NX for that matter) for another 2-3 years at least. Basically, it means the new Highlander with the new platform, but a 4-banger hybrid, vs the older RX platform, but with a V6 hybrid. When the next-gen RX finally lands, who knows if there's even going to be a V6 available anymore. Maybe PHEV, or Lexus might go fully electric at that point.
#11
Lead Lap
I doubt that we will care about how many engine cylinders our next purchased vehicle will have since it will likely have none and be an EV.
#12
I don't see 4 cylinder being a problem, the much larger xc90 has a (boosted) 4 cylinder as its only option. What I do see is a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder being potentially a problem. Toyota and Lexus has been late and weak on their boost technology, the NX drivetrain to mpg is a joke. Hopefully they have brought it up to where the power , smoothness and efficiency is there. If they get the 4 cylinder right, the mpg gains could be impressive.
Last edited by Nauticalx; 04-26-19 at 08:36 AM.
#13
Racer
I don't see 4 cylinder being a problem, the much larger xc90 has a (boosted) 4 cylinder as its only option. What I do see is a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder being potentially a problem. Toyota and Lexus has been late and weak on their boost technology, the NX drivetrain to mpg is a joke. Hopefully they have brought it up to where the power , smoothness and efficiency is there. If they get the 4 cylinder right, the mpg gains could be impressive.
A 4 cyl like the Volvo is under a lot of stress in the turbocharged version and they've added also a supercharger, great performance, but for how long?
In my experience the moment the turbo comes into play the difference between 4cyl & 6cyl isn't very much.
#14
And the reliability/longevity will take a dive and with it the resale value. Lexus is so popular not only for its luxury, but above all fro its reliability/longevity and resale value.
A 4 cyl like the Volvo is under a lot of stress in the turbocharged version and they've added also a supercharger, great performance, but for how long?
In my experience the moment the turbo comes into play the difference between 4cyl & 6cyl isn't very much.
A 4 cyl like the Volvo is under a lot of stress in the turbocharged version and they've added also a supercharger, great performance, but for how long?
In my experience the moment the turbo comes into play the difference between 4cyl & 6cyl isn't very much.
#15
Instructor
Don’t panic! The 2020 GLE 350 has a 2.0 L. 4 cyl. engine making 255 hp. According to various reviews, its acceleration is more than adequate. Remember that engine size is not the whole story. I’m sure Lexus will make sure its offerings are somewhat competitive with the other players.