The 2024 Lexus RX 450h AWD Luxury PHEV Plug in Hybrid SUV
What is a RX 450h? The RX is a midsize luxury SUV built in the Miyawaka, Japan, assembly plant and sold worldwide by Lexus. The 450h designation means that the SUV has a combined total system of 304 hp horsepower from a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder gas engine with a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) drive. This driveline gets 35 MPG in gas only driving and is rated at 83 MPGe in gas and electric driving range. As this is a plug-in hybrid electric model, this 450h edition qualifies it as an electrified vehicle.
This week, Lexus sent me a 2024 Lexus RX 450h AWD Luxury Plug in Hybrid (PHEV) SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this PHEV model is $68,730. The options on the test SUV are: the convenience package for $1,420, the power tailgate with a kick open sensor for $150, the advance remote parking system for $480, the premium triple beam LED headlights for $1,565, the digital key technology package for $475, the Mark Levinson premium audio system for $1,160, the mudguards for $165, the side puddle door lamps for $175, and a set of wheel locks for $85. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,350 delivery fee, is: $75,755.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $85,224. At just over $85 Grand this midsize SUV falls right in the middle of the luxury vehicle price class of $75,000 to $100,000. As Lexus is the poster child for luxury vehicles, this RX 450h model has all the right stuff, from comfort, technology, style, safety, electrification, and prestige.
Under the hood sits a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder PHEV gas engine with 304 total system horsepower (HP), bolted to a continuous variable transmission (CVT), and then routed into an all wheel drive (AWD) traction control system. The battery pack can drive the 450h for 37 miles on a full charge, the total gas and electric driving range on a full tank of gas, and a full battery charge, is an impressive 540 miles combined. As a PHEV model, the greenhouse gas rating is an 8, and the smog rating is a 7, both out of 10; which are Great numbers.
This Lexus model comes with all the options you would expect in an $85,000 luxury SUV. Starting with a full leather interior, a real wood leather trimmed and heated steering wheel with memory, a Lexus interface 14″ center stack touch screen display, power, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, drivers seat memory, a wireless phone charging pad, thematic ambient lighting, heads up display, multi zone climate control, and a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system with 21 speakers tuned specifically for the RX 450h’s cabin that delivers high quality audio.
The system includes a Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround (QLS) sound technology system that provides an on-stage like, full-bodied, and perfectly balanced sound to all passengers, regardless of their seating position. Mark Levinson is one of the very best names in vehicle premium audio sound systems, regardless of price, make or model.
Lexus prides itself in knowing that you know you’re looking at a Lexus with the unique front end spindle grille that only Lexus has. With instant recognition and premium style, the RX 450h features 21″ alloy wheels, a panorama glass moon roof, roof rails, power folding and heated outside mirrors with memory, Lexus Safety 3.0, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, pre collision assist with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, curved road speed management, intelligent high beam headlamps, blind spot monitors, cross traffic alert, digital door latches with safe exit assist, and intuitive parking assist with automatic braking. Everything to keep you safe.
Buyers are now asking how long will a hybrid battery last? Generally, a hybrid battery can be expected to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. The good news is, the Lexus hybrid comes with a hybrid battery warranty that is good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Depending on your preference to drive a new vehicle every 3 years, leasing a Lexus hybrid takes that problem out of the equation entirely. Buy or lease, that’s up to you.
Call, click or visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 Lexus RX 450h AWD Luxury PHEV Plug in Hybrid SUV. And remember that the base price for a new RX starts at only $52,100. Lexus – Experience Amazing.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net