As a traditionalist who loves standard gas engines, it’s difficult to believe I found the Lexus RX 450h more appealing than the RX 350, but it’s true.
Not long ago, I test-drove the RX 350 and commented that it was big, broad and without what seemed like ample power to boost it over hills or allow it to comfortably merge with highway traffic.
Well, the same certainly can’t be said of the RX 450h. Though the two models are basically the same size, the difference in power is easily felt — with the hybrid the clear winner.
As we’ve noted with other sport utility vehicles, the RX 450h isn’t for the mountaineering types. Likely the only mud most drivers will get on the tires is when they miss the driveway when turning into a winery for a special event.
This SUV is intended for the high-end driver who wants luxury, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Clear taillamp covers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a distinctive, sweeping grille are among the high-end exterior features. But what you can’t see is even more important to the experience of this car: Adaptive front lighting illuminates the road ahead of the curve, and intelligent-beam headlamps switch from high to low if an approaching car is detected; a power rear door can be raised or lowered with a touch; and water-repellant windows make visibility so clear during rain, you wonder how you lived without them.
Inside, there’s a world of tech options for audio, navigation and Bluetooth, including voice command casual-language voice recognition. There’s even intuitive parking assist, which guides you by sound and visual cues.
As you’d expect, the cabin is lush. The model I drove had heated and ventilated seats trimmed in leather, a one-touch power sunroof and even automatically dimming side mirrors that offered a sound alert when cars approached.
» Engine: 3.5-litre, Atkinson Cycle 60-degree V-6, aluminum block and heads; 295 horsepower
» Transmission: Electronically Controlled continuously Variable Transmission with manual shift and snow modes
» Fuel economy: 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway
» MSRP: Starting at $43,700
What really surprised me in the RX 450h, though, was the performance. This SUV is based on the GS platform, which means the engine operates much like a V-8. Lexus noted that the RX 450h was the first hybrid to enable the electric-drive motor to contribute to highway driving, not just slow-speed performance, and it shows. Collectively, the automaker notes the RX 450h produces 340 horsepower that can take the car from zero to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds while offering an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.
Perhaps, again, it’s no surprise that the vehicle offers a quiet, smooth ride with super braking and plenty of stability. After all, luxury and safety are both Lexus’ calling cards.
Again, it’s tough to believe that with all the performance, luxury and high-tech extras, this vehicle is a certified Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.
The bottom line: driving green never felt so good.
