2020 Lexus RX 450h AWD Review: Hybrid is the Smart Buy
Quiet, comfortable and clever, the Lexus RX SUV is an obvious choice for many luxury consumers.
The Lexus RX has a staying power that few of its rivals can claim to match. Since Lexus introduced this midsize SUV in 1998, it has continually proven to be a best seller. However, in 2020, as more consumers shift from away sedans and towards SUVs, the competition has stepped up to challenge the throne. Does the RX still have what it takes to stay at the top?
As that competition has diversified, so, too, has the RX, with Lexus offering a huge variety in available models and trims with different personalities, from the performance-inspired RX F Sport to the new, three-row RX-L. However, the model Lexus left at DBFR HQ is the best of the bunch, the RX 450h hybrid.
With a base price of $47,775, including the $1,025 destination charge, the RX450h is packing a lot punch for the price point, undercutting the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid by nearly $7,000 due to differences in packaging.
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That money equips the RX with AWD and a 3.5-liter 308-horsepower V6 engine which is paired with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive system. This hybrid system, as well as the continuously variable automatic transmission are smooth operators, with the V6 engine coming in effortlessly when requested and offering a rather hearty V6-powered soundtrack for a hybrid family SUV.
The EPA rates the RX 450h at 31 MPG city, 28 MPG freeway and 30 MPG combined. After one week, and 375 miles of driving, the RX returned a real world fuel economy figure of 29.9, which is excellent, and class-leading.
Another era where RX stands above much of the competition is with its cabin. Though, many of the standout niceties are optional extras. The cabin materials and layout are excellent, with soft touch plastics, padded and leather-bound surfaces and contrast-colored stitching as far as the eye can see.
An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard equipment, though this test vehicle had the upgraded 12.3” unit, part of the a$3,365 option pack, which also cludes the available 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The bigger screen is easy on the eyes, and very resolute. Unfortunately, regardless of screen size, Lexus’ Enform infotainment system is controlled via the remote touch interface trackpad, located in the center console. This setup proved to be a bit darty with the onscreen cursor being tricky to land on the right prompt, and made even harder when driving. Fortunately, the Mark Levinson audio is crystal clear and packs a big punch.
With the air-tight cabin, RX 450h is one quiet and supple ride, with the ability to effortlessly whisk four grown adults down the interstate in comfort. Standard safety tech from Lexus Safety System + 2.0, like radar-guided cruise control, lane tracing assist and an available color head-up display, further sedate the driving experience by taking a bit of pressure off the driver and offering relief from Los Angeles’ battered roadways.
The Lexus RX 450h will be an obvious choice for many luxury SUV buyers. In addition to being one of the few hybridized options available, its best in class fuel economy and refined ride make it very competitive in the blossoming midsize SUV segment. This $60,550 example left everyone who interacted with it satisfied, and unable to ask anything more of it. Smart shoppers who exercise some restraint with the options boxes will be very happy for around $58,000.
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