As a cornerstone of the Lexus lineup, the RX has long been respected for its trifecta of comfort, style, and reliability. Being no stranger to hybrid technology with the RX350h and the performance-oriented RX500h showcasing the brand’s commitment to electrification, Lexus however has taken a bigger leap forward with a plug-in hybrid variant, the RX450h+. A variant that promises to bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.  

Borrowed Electrification 

Lexus’s plug-in hybrid technology is well-established, having first debuted in the smaller NX450h+ and subsequently in the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The RX450h features the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, including one at the rear for all-wheel drive, and is supported by an 18.1-kWh battery pack that delivers an impressive 304 horsepower.

  

While plug-in hybrids typically offer quicker acceleration, Lexus made a strategic choice to moderate the RX450h’s performance to avoid overshadowing the more powerful RX500h, which boasts a hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged engine generating 366 horsepower. Nevertheless, the RX450h still demonstrates commendable speed, reaching 60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds—ample performance for most drivers. 

In full electric mode, the RX450h offers a quiet and refined driving experience. While it may not deliver neck-snapping acceleration, it provides adequate power to maneuver confidently in traffic. The EPA estimates that the RX450h can achieve 37 miles of electric range on a full charge; however, during our testing, the onboard computer indicated a range of only 33 miles. That said, the computer can sometimes be misleading. During our 35-mile commute to the office, the RX450h utilized just 27 miles of its indicated 33-mile range, showcasing its efficiency in real-world driving conditions. 

LIKES: Quick charging, useable EV miles, extortionary beautiful interior  

When it comes to recharging, the onboard 6.6-kW charger efficiently draws power. It is claimed that the RX450h can fully recharge in just 2.5 hours using a level 2 charging station. However, without access to a level 2 charger, we had to rely on a standard 110v outlet, which resulted in a recharge time of just over 10 hours. 

When the electric range is depleted, the RX450h seamlessly transitions to the hybrid electric performance for which Lexus is renowned for. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine collaborates effectively with the electric motors, delivering power through an e-CVT transmission. However, in a departure from Lexus’s usual refinement, the CVT can become noticeably loud at high RPMs under heavy acceleration. Despite this, the RX450h performs well in hybrid mode, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 30.7 mpg. 

In true Lexus fashion, the RX450h excels in ride comfort, even with its passive damping suspension—unlike the adaptive dampers found in the F SPORT and RX500h models. Navigating the rough streets of Phoenix and numerous construction zones, we noticed minimal road imperfections, despite being equipped with 21-inch wheels. 

Stepping up its Luxury Appeal 

Inside, the RX450h indulges with luxurious trim throughout. The cabin is adorned with semi-aniline leather and microsuede inserts in the seats and headliner, complemented by an exquisite embroidered microfiber suede design on the door panels. The bamboo wood trim enhances the interior, creating a stunning display of premium quality and elevating the overall finish. The seats provide urbane comfort in both front and rear zones both offering heated and cooled seats with the rear having a third-zone climate control system and even a power adjustable reclining seat.  

While Lexus has replaced the mouse-like trackpad for the infotainment system, they have inadvertently introduced a new frustration: the cumbersome four-way buttons on the steering wheel, which can be quite annoying to use. On a positive note, the 14-inch infotainment system features a responsive touchscreen, accompanied by physical knobs for easy volume and climate control adjustments. 

DISLIKES: CVT gets buzzy under hard acceleration, options inflate the price, quirky touch-sensitive steering wheel controls 

The RX450h is offered exclusively in its Luxury trim, starting at $68,730. However, not all premium options are included, meaning you’ll need to pay extra for features such as the triple beam LED headlights, Mark Levinson audio system, and the 360-degree camera, among others. These added options can quickly elevate the price of our example to over $76,490. 

Plug-in hybrids occupy a valuable niche in the market, providing consumers with the benefits of electrification while retaining the confidence and convenience of a gasoline engine. The 2024 Lexus RX450h+ presents a strong case with over 35 miles of electric range. However, with a price that is $13,000 higher than the RX350h Luxury, whether this is a compelling choice is ultimately up to you to decide. 

2024 LEXUS RX450h+ LUXURY

• STARTING PRICE: $68,730
• AS-TESTED: $76,490

PERFORMANCE: 

• ENGINE: 2.5-LITER FOUR-CYLINDER PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC  
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 304-COMBINED HP 
• TRANSMISSION: ELECTRONIC CONTINOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
• DRIVETRAIN: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
• EPA MPG: 35-gasoline / 83-combined (gas/electric) 
• AS-TESTED MPG: 67.8-MPG Combined (265-mile test) 

FEATURED OPTIONS: 

• $85 – WHEEL LOCKS
• $150 – POWER REAR DOOR WITH KICK SENSOR
• $150 – CARPET CARGO MAT
• $165 – MUDGUARDS
• $475 – TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE _{(Digital Key & Digital Rearview Mirror)}
• $480 – ADVANCED PARK WITH REMOTE PARK
• $760 – ILLUMINATED CARGO & DOOR SILLS
• $1,160 – MARK LEVINSON PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM
• $1,420 – CONVENIENCE PACKAGE _{(Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, 4G Network Dependent)}
• $1,565 – PREMIUM TRIPLE BEAM LED HEADLIGHTS