The RX midsize crossover SUV isn’t quite like the model that established the legitimacy of the Lexus brand, namely the Mercedes S-Class luxury sedan LS400, but the RX quickly became the lineup’s sales hero upon its introduction. It is a position maintained to this day. Although the current generation RX is only in its second year, the big news for 2024 is the arrival of his RX450h + (hereinafter abbreviated as RX450h, since the arithmetic symbol does not belong to the car model), a plug-in hybrid version . name). Regular hybrids have been part of the RX lineup for a long time and currently he has two of his, the RX350h and RX500h, but this is his first RX plug-in.
However, this plug-in hybrid powertrain has been seen before. It was installed on the small Lexus NX SUV starting with the 2022 model year, and the year before that on the Toyota RAV4 Prime. It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. All-wheel drive is standard, with the rear wheels powered exclusively by electricity.
The same 18.1 kWh battery pack as the NX powers the electric motor, and the EPA estimates the EV’s range at 37 miles, the same as the NX but less than the RAV4’s 42 miles. The RX weighs 379 pounds more than its smaller sibling. It weighs 466 pounds more than the Toyota. Still, a range of 57 miles should cover most people’s daily driving needs, comparable to a Volvo XC60 Recharge (36 miles), a Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring (44 miles) or an Audi Q5 55 ( 19 miles).
And thanks to the 6.6 kW on-board charger, charging is quick. The diagram shows that using a 240-volt power source, it takes two and a half hours for the battery to go from 10 percent to 80 percent.
In the RAV4, this powertrain knocked us out with its performance. With NX, this was less true, but it was still the fastest version. That is not the case with RX, where he is performance-oriented and the RX500h is the top dog. The RX500h is a traditional hybrid, but it uses a more powerful gasoline engine, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four, rather than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter of the RX450h. So in 500 hours you can collect 366 horses and in 450 hours you can collect 304 ponies.
As expected, the RX450h isn’t as quick as its bigger sibling, reaching 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, half a second slower than the RX500h. At the quarter-mile mark, the difference is about the same: the plug-in hybrid reaches 95 mph in 14.6 seconds, while the hybrid reaches 97 mph in 14.2 seconds. The RX PHEV’s superior performance also puts it a step behind his NX and RAV4 plug-in hybrids. What’s more, the RX450h doesn’t lag behind plug-in hybrid SUVs from Audi and Volvo. The 362 horsepower Q5 55 accelerates him to 100 mph in 4.5 seconds, and the 455 horsepower XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered does it in 4.2 seconds. .
A button on the RX’s console allows the driver to choose between hybrid, EV (if the battery is fully charged), or automatic mode. When EV mode is selected, there is no need to press the accelerator to turn off the engine, and the engine does not start when the pedal is depressed. The same is true for other modes, of course, and the handoff between the gasoline engine and electric motor is smooth. But when the engine is at full power, it sounds like a true four-banger. The 72 decibels at wide open throttle is at least lower than the RX500h’s 75 decibels.
If the RX450h’s acceleration isn’t too racy, that’s consistent with the chassis tuning. The creamy, light steering has quiet feedback and plenty of body roll in corners. However, the lateral grip of 0.83 g isn’t too bad, and stopping from 110 mph in 178 feet is a notable improvement over the RX500h’s 195 feet.
The RX450h suspension has passive damping rather than the adaptive dampers of the RX350 F Sport and RX500h, but where the chassis really shines is in ride quality. While we were riding his RX450h, the potholes were in full bloom due to the mid-winter thaw, but this Lexus stoically withstood the potholes, and despite the RX’s standard 21-inch wheels, the cabin was shocked. It didn’t give me the harshness of it.
The RX450h is also offered only in full luxury trim. Therefore, the interior is covered in semi-aniline leather, with microsuede inserts on the seats, door panels, dashboard and headliner. Trim is available in bamboo or open-pore wood, and the cabin is finished to a high standard.
The RX450h also has a larger 14.0-inch infotainment system, as opposed to the base car’s smaller 9.8-inch unit. And yes, it’s a touchscreen. Lexus’ much-maligned remote touchpad interface is being quickly eliminated from the lineup. Aside from the two temperature dials, most of the climate controls are within the screen, including a touch slider for fan speed (ugh). We also don’t like the overly cumbersome D-pad on the steering wheel.
However, not everything is included in the luxury trim levels. Additional charges apply for hands-free power liftgate, smartphone-as-key, surround-view camera, Mark Levinson premium audio, and triple-beam LED headlights. These options and more brought the RX450h’s as-tested tab to $77,005. Wow. Even at its starting price of $70,580, it’s $11,500 more expensive than the RX350 Luxury and more than $11,000 more expensive than the XC60 Recharge’s base price.
Plug-in hybrids at one time seemed like a pretty pointless, no-chicken solution, but they’re also appealing to buyers who are interested in EVs but aren’t quite ready for an all-electric vehicle. is starting to show its true value. . Certainly, some current owners and renters of his RX may fit into this category. For those people, the RX450h may be worth it. Most other shoppers attracted to the RX’s distinctive virtues will be better served by either of the two conventional RX hybrids.
specification
specification
2024 Lexus RX450h+ Luxury AWD
Vehicle type: Front engine, front and rear motors, all-wheel drive, 5-seater, 4-door wagon
price
Basic/Tested: $70,580/$77,005
Options: Premium LED headlights, $1565. Convenience Package (Panorama View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist), $1420. Mark Levinson Premium Stereo, $1,160. illuminated cargo and door sills, $760; Advanced Park with Remote Park, $480. Technology Package (Digital Key, Digital Rearview Mirror), $475. Mudguard, $165. Power rear door with kick sensor, $150. Carpeted Cargo Mat, $150. Cold region package (wiper deicer), $100
Power train
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4, 180 hp, 168 lb-ft + 3 AC motor, front: 179 hp, 199 lb-ft. Rear: 53 hp, 89 lb-ft (total output: 304 hp, 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 6.6 kW onboard charger)
Transmission: Continuously automatic
chassis
Suspension, F/R: Strut/Multi-link
Brakes, F/R: 13.4 inch vented disc/13.4 inch vented disc
Tire: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
235/50R-21 101V M+S
size
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 192.5 inches
Width: 75.6 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Passenger Capacity, F/R: 52/45 feet3
Cargo volume, F/R rear: 46/30 feet3
Vehicle weight: 4866 lbs.
CD Test results
60 mph: 6.0 seconds
1/4 mile: 14.6 seconds @ 95 mph
160 mph: 16.3 seconds
190mph: 29.1 seconds
The results above omit the 0.3 second 1 foot rollout.
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.1 seconds
Maximum speed (manufacturer’s claim): 194 miles per hour
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 feet
Road holding, 300 ft skidpad: 0.83 g
CD Fuel efficiency
Observed: 27 MPGe
EPA fuel economy
Combined/City/Highway: 35/36/33 mpg
Gasoline + Electricity Total: 83 MPGe
EV range: 59 miles
CD Test description
Joe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days and got his first Car and Driver subscription when he was 11 years old. Joe began his career at Automobile His Magazine under David E. Davis Jr. and his work is also featured on his website below. Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, TrueCar.