2019 Lexus RX 450hL Hybrid SUV in Focus

Vehicle

The RX 450hL combines hybrid technology with Lexus luxury, comfort, and quality control.

Photos by Chad Haire

Engine

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine hooked to a CVT transmission. The hybrid system has two electric generator/motor systems in front and one in the rear providing four-wheel traction. Total output is rated at 308 horsepower, but it is the low-end torque output that provides the driving pleasure. Fuel economy is claimed to be 20/27 mpg, with 23mpg average.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Emblem

A hybrid emblem is posted on the outside bodywork, so onlookers will know you are environmentally correct.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Control

Instead of a finger touch pad controlling the infotainment system, we get the superior control stick, which offers easier manipulation.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Operating Modes

A control knob allows ECO, NORMAL, or SPORT mode of operation.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Gauge #1

This is what the gauge cluster looks like in the normal mode.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Gauge #2

This is the gauge cluster in SPORT mode.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Screen

The information screen is large and offers plenty of options.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Navigation

The navigation view is large enough, and the system is easy to use.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

HVAC

The climate controls are simple and easy to operate.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Seating

The RX450hL has third-row seating, providing true 7 passenger capacity.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Seat Operation

To lower the third-row seats, you can press these buttons.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Cargo

With the third-row seats dropped, there is plenty of room to haul cargo.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Off Road

This RX has enough ground clearance and four-wheel traction to be taken off the pavement. It provides grip in sand, snow, and mud. However, this is still a car platform, so any adventures in the dirt should be light duty only.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Tire

The RX450hL is one of those rare hybrids that actually come with a full-size spare tire and tool kit. This is good news if a main tire goes flat.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

Price

The base price of $54,655 is reasonable, but most RX models on the dealer lot are loaded with options like this example, so the total fee of $63,765 is not a surprise. But at least you are getting Lexus reliability and quality.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RX 450hL right here in Club Lexus Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.