The 2021 Lexus RX 450h solves many of the luxury midsize SUV's problems while sidestepping the quirks that come with many hybrid cars: weird engine noise, modest driving power at highway speeds, woody-feeling brake batteries Damage to bulky floorboards or cargo area. No, you won't find any of these faults in the RX 450h.
After a recent test drive, we think the hybrid model is the best in the RX range. Priced just above the price of a gas-only RX 350 with all-wheel drive, the RX 450h offers the same levels of cabin comfort, trunk space and refined driving experience. Pros: It offers significantly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined in city and highway driving. Also important: Our primary control over the infotainment system in the RX is officially a thing of the past.
You can learn more about this in our full review of the 2021 RX 450h, which you can find via the related link above. For a quick recap and list of our favorite things, as well as some lingering annoyances, keep scrolling below.
Things We Like
1. Hybrid MPG
The main purpose of choosing a hybrid is to improve fuel economy. The RX 450h delivers an impressive 31 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. That's much better than the 19/26 mpg city/highway posted by the RX 350. What makes the RX Hybrid even more attractive is that it starts at just $1,250 more than the non-hybrid model. (Remember, the RX 450h requires premium gas.)
2. Elegant Cabin
Lexus knows how to make a cabin that is elegant and (mostly) user-friendly. The materials are high quality, with soft surfaces and moisture controls creating a truly premium look and feel. During our time behind the wheel, we noted how roomy the front and rear seats are and how generous the cargo space is.
3. No weird driving patterns
With 308 of total system power, the gas-electric powertrain won't run out of steam when you need to accelerate quickly. Even better is how the RX 450h doesn't work like a hybrid. Sure, there's engine drone here and there, but from behind the wheel, the RX 450h does its business without the weird hybrid buzz, buzz, and buzz that often eludes other hybrids. hit. The brake pedal also earned praise during our test drives. Its smooth and linear action is reassuring and much better than other hybrid Toyotas we've driven.
4. Winning infotainment system
This is big news for the 2020 model year, although it requires repeated celebrations. The RX received outdated touchscreen controls. Previously, all infotainment controls were done via a ridiculously imprecise touchpad on the console. The dreaded touchpad is still there, although the available touchscreens come in 8-inch or 12.3-inch sizes depending on the model, so you'll never need to use it.
5. Standard safety features, top marks in crash tests
The 2021 Lexus RX lineup products, including the hybrid (but not the three-row L model), scored top marks in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. New standard active safety features on the 2021 RX 450h include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. This is in addition to the already long list of standard safety features that are part of what Lexus calls "Safety System Plus 2.0."
6. Sporty F Sport
The available F Sport trim makes the RX 450h stand out even more, thanks to alloy wheels and aluminum trim pieces scattered around the exterior and interior. The available handling package retunes the suspension and steering, although the differences are minor. If you like the look of the F Sport, that's great; if you want to save money and can live with the standard 450h's design and slightly sportier power, that's fine too.
Things we didn’t like
1. The control panel was on
Forgotten but not gone – that’s the best way to sum up the touchpad controller lurking inside this Lexus. The touchscreen makes it redundant, thankfully. During our test drive, we only used the center console-mounted touchpad when using the Home button. Beyond that, it's best not to ignore this system.
2. Electric mode is bad
We're disappointed for those who equated the lowercase "h" at the end of the Lexus Hybrid's name with significant electric range, and we're sorry. No, not at all. Like many Toyota and Lexus hybrids, any pure electric driving is limited to very low speeds (think parking lots) and very short distances (again, limiting those EV aspirations to just crossing that parking lot you just imagined field).
