An Inside Look at the RX 450h Hybrid
Daily Slideshow: Let's see how hybrid technology is improving the performance of large SUVs.
RX 450h Hybrid
The popular Lexus RX is also available in a hybrid version called the RX 450h. The newest iteration of the SUV shows that drivers can have practicality without sacrificing performance.
High horsepower with excellent fuel economy
The base RX 350 has a 3.5 liter V-6 capable of producing 295 horsepower, and the fuel economy is rated at 19/26 MPG. This 450h hybrid version uses the same basic engine, but when mated with two electric motors, produces 308 horsepower. Fuel economy is claimed to be 31 in the city and 28 on the highway. It's hooked to a CVT transmission instead of the conventional 8-speed used in the RX 350.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
Driver has choice of driving modes
The 450h has a knob located on the console that offers various modes of driving selections. Aside from Normal, we are offered Eco, Sport, Sport+, and Custom.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
Information is displayed on a large screen
There is a toggle switch that controls navigation as well as audio, phone, media, and computer information. There is also a fuel economy mode that shows all of the MPG figures this vehicle generated for the past year!
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
Plenty of room for hauling people and gear
The cabin is a world of luxury with excellent materials and workmanship. The glove box is huge and holds plenty of gear, but only if the large owner books and manuals are taken out. The second-row seats fold for cargo room as expected.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
LED headlights provide powerful illumination
As with previous RX 450h models, the new RX comes with LED headlights as standard.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
Ride quality of this Lexus hybrid is extremely comfortable
Since the 450h has more horsepower than the RX 350, you might expect it to be quicker, but it isn't. The hybrid motors and battery adds about 400 pounds to the tab. Still, a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds is quick enough for a vehicle that weighs over two tons. As a bonus, the hybrid ride quality is far smoother than the RX 350. In fact, it is one of the most comfortable on the market.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
The hybrid option is reasonably priced
The RX 350 has a base price of $43K, while the RX 450h is about $45K. So in city driving, you could pay for the hybrid system in fuel savings at about 37,000 miles of commuting. Overall, the RX 450h is a very pleasant experience, so the driver is sure to rack up those miles in a hurry.
>>Join the conversation about the RX 450h Hybrid right here in Club Lexus.
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