Lexus RX 450h
Lexus RX 450h
MSRP: $43,235
Estimated MPG: 32 city / 28 highway
Class: Mid-size SUV
The Lexus RX 450h represents the introduction and evolution of the very first hybrid to move beyond economy and add a flavor of luxury to the mix. The RX helped set the stage for Lexus’ further forays into the world of gasoline / electric vehicles and proved that there was a market for premium hybrids.
The new Lexus RX 450h improves many things about the original Lexus 400h that it replaced for the 2010 model year – its drag coefficient, suspension setup, interior design and overall look – and also sees a more modern hybrid system installed. Displacement for its V6 is bumped up to 3.5 liters, and using the same style of single or dual electric motor attack the vehicle now produces 295 horsepower. Despite this increase in output, fuel mileage has actually improved to 32 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 miles per gallon on the highway (front-wheel drive edition).
The vehicle is afforded with a continuously-variable automatic transmission, and can even be ordered with a special sport suspension in order to help it stay surefooted when put through its paces. Lexus also includes its ECO mode hybrid system management software that can juggle the power demands imposed by the driver and whenever possible revert entirely to battery power to propel the vehicle at lower speeds.
Inside, the RX 450h could best be described as cavernous, with passenger space for 5 and just over 80 cubic feet of total cargo space available. The crossover SUV can be filled to the brim with comfort options, including leather seats, a DVD entertainment system with not one, but two rear-facing screens, a heads-up display that projects vital vehicle information onto the windshield and even parking assist and a navigation system.