We loved driving the Lexus RX 450h+, but we think the $70k price tag is hard to swallow.

Electrical autos preserve bettering with every passing yr, including longer vary and sooner charging instances. Regardless of this, we incessantly hear from customers who imagine they are not prepared for the transition to full EVs, and as an alternative need one thing environment friendly that also makes use of gasoline. Hybrid autos fill this hole completely. And for many who need one thing elegant and comfy, Lexus provides an answer: Enter the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, in any other case referred to as the 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid.

The 450h+ may be probably the most intriguing model of Lexus’ widespread RX crossover. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electrical motors, producing a complete of 304 horsepower, making it the second strongest RX variant behind the 366-hp RX 500h F Sport Efficiency.

Regardless of being down on energy in comparison with the RX 500h, the RX 450h+ is the most costly model, beginning at $70,580. That substantial value is justified partially as a result of the 450h+ comes with extra customary options than some other RX, and it ought to lease properly because of the $7,500 federal tax credit score. That will help you determine if the 450h+ is the suitable RX for you, we spent per week driving one.

Exterior: No Electrical Weirdness

Recognizing an RX 450h+ from a distance may be a problem as a result of, visually, it appears just like the 350h. Except for the plain 450h+ badge on the again and two “ports” on both facet – one for gasoline and one for charging – there aren’t any telltale indicators that it is a completely different RX. It additionally will get an influence moonroof as customary.

Each RX PHEV is predicated on the loaded Luxurious grade, which means it rides on 21-inch wheels with a darkish premium metallic end. Eight colours can be found, together with Eminent White Pearl, Cloudburst Grey, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Pink Mica (pictured), Copper Crest, Nori Inexperienced Pearl and Dusk Mica. We’re keen on Copper Crest, however the Matador Pink Mica on our tester does properly to create a chic but sporty look.

Inside: Every part Included

In contrast to different RX variants that supply an in depth menu of choices and packages, the 450h+ comes principally absolutely loaded from the phrase go. Semi-aniline leather-based seats come customary with heating and air flow up entrance and for the again seats. The one obtainable choices are comparatively cheap, including options akin to a 360-degree digicam, visitors jam help, digital key, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield de-icer throughout a couple of packages.

Consumers get a selection of three inside colours: Black with black black open-pore wooden, Peppercorn with the identical wooden accents, and Macadamia with Ash Bamboo trim as pictured beneath, which we expect is a relatively opulent mixture.

A 14-inch touchscreen comes customary with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; it’s straightforward to make use of and the shortage of bodily buttons is mitigated by devoted house on the display screen, which means features like adjusting the fan velocity don’t require a number of menus.

Our lone criticism in regards to the expertise is levied in the direction of the steering wheel controls, which function touch-sensitive sensors that present every button’s features on the head-up show. Typical buttons are far much less distracting to make use of, however the RX’s distinctive setup is much from a dealbreaker.

Practicality: Huge And Cozy

With solely 37.4 inches of rear legroom, the RX is on the decrease finish of the midsize luxurious crossover phase. That being stated, the again seat doesn’t really feel cramped, and it’s filled with helpful options like heated and cooled perches, USB-C ports, and rear sunshades. The RX 450h+ even will get power-folding rear seats that increase or decrease with the press of a button, making it straightforward to flip the backrest or fold down the seats for extra trunk house.

Just like the rear seats, the trunk house is on the small facet of this phase, with simply 29.6 cubic ft behind the second row and 46.2 cubes with the seats folded. By comparability, the smaller Lexus NX Hybrid provides more room to pack individuals within the entrance row, and a smidge extra cargo house with the seats folded:

Efficiency: Greatest Of All Worlds

Working on premium gasoline, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine contributes 180 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. Mixed with the electrical motors, the whole output is rated at 304 hp (no mixed torque determine is printed). This is similar setup discovered within the smaller NX 450h+ and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. An eCVT sends energy out to straightforward all-wheel-drive, serving to the 450h+ hit 60 mph in an affordable 6.2 seconds.

An 18.1 kWh battery pack permits a 37-mile driving vary on electrical energy, excellent for many each day work commutes. We noticed 2.5 miles per kWh whereas driving in EV mode, which means the electrical vary needs to be correct primarily based on the usable battery capability.

Lexus quotes a two-and-a-half-hour cost time with the 6.6 kW onboard charger. Utilizing our Lectron L2 residence charger, we crammed the battery from empty in two hours and 50 minutes, almost matching the quoted time. Even when the battery runs out, the RX manages to be fairly environment friendly.

Gasoline economic system is meant to be good, and our noticed 33.1 mpg on the freeway confirms that the Lexus-estimated numbers are correct in the true world.

Driving Impressions: EV Antidote

After we first sampled this powertrain within the RAV4 Prime, we famous its smoothness and easy energy, however complained about an unrefined engine sound throughout acceleration. For the RX 450h+, Lexus took this PHEV setup and perfected it. Additional sound deadening assures quiet and peaceable acceleration, even with a heavy throttle. In EV mode, the 450h+ is eerily quiet.

Driving on solely electrical energy, the RX has sufficient energy to maintain up with visitors, however freeway passing maneuvers will take longer than normal. When the gasoline engine kicks on, there’s prodigious passing energy that matches the V6 and V8 engines of yesteryear.

Trip consolation is a bit more agency than we anticipated, however that’s a part of the trade-off for an RX that now not feels overly lackadaisical just like the earlier technology. The RX 500h delivers a sportier drive because of its stronger turbocharged engine and six-speed computerized transmission, however the 450h+ might maintain the sting on smoothness.

Pricing & Verdict: A Expensive Stopgap

As talked about earlier, the 2024 RX 450h+ is the most costly model of the RX, although choices could make the 500h F Sport Efficiency fairly related. Though the 450h+ comes almost absolutely loaded for $69,230 (excluding $1,350 vacation spot), our tester had a couple of non-obligatory extras, bringing the value to $76,665, all in.

In the event you can reap the benefits of charging at residence, the 450h+ is sensible as a cushty luxurious commuter. Nonetheless, in the event you solely drive quick distances more often than not, there are many nice EVs obtainable at this value level. Alternatively, patrons who can’t cost at residence or journey on the freeway incessantly could also be higher off with the inexpensive RX 350h that does not require charging. The extra highly effective RX 500h F Sport Efficiency will swimsuit those that need greater than only a snug cruiser. In the event you plan to lease, the 450h+ ought to get a $7,500 credit score to carry down your month-to-month funds.

The RX 450h+ makes an ideal case for PHEVs, with a clean powertrain, aggressive electrical vary, and stellar consolation; we simply want it was rather less costly.