Overall Rating
Updated on: July 5, 2021
Content Writer
Lexus has tried to topple the German domination in the luxury mid-size SUV market with its RX range of SUVs. For the environmentally conscious, Lexus brought out the hybrid powertrains as well. Now, with batteries assisting the engine to power the wheels, you get lesser emissions and better fuel economy.
Unique and distinct Lexus design
Fuel Economy is good for its size
Composed ride quality
An impressive list of safety features
Good power from its naturally aspirated V6
Lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
F-Sport variant does not offer additional horsepower
The price rise in subsequent trims is very steep
Smartphone connectivity via Lexus Enform App
No mechanical changes
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
Final Verdict
7.7
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
For a long time now, the RX lineup from Lexus has been synonymous with luxury crossovers. A perfect balance of performance and luxury, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h makes its presence felt wherever it goes. The current generation is based on the 2016 generation when the entire RX lineup got a major facelift.
Razor-sharp angular lines and LED lamps along with the trademark grille lends it the unmistakable Lexus styling. Offering the best of all worlds, the 2020 RX Hybrid pairs a potent V6 engine with powerful electric motors producing an impressive 308 horsepower and a 30-MPG combined fuel efficiency. And add all-wheel drive and you have a top performer that is the 2020 RX 450.
To the inside, like all other Lexus cars, luxury awaits you. Leather-trimmed seats, intricate detailing and tasteful ambient lighting will engulf you in a blanket of comfort that will leave you wanting for more. The cargo space is reasonably large which further adds to the utility of the car.
7.0/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
9.0/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
9.0/10
Safety
7.0/10
Competition
8.2/10
Final Verdict
Hybrid and electric cars have been slowly creeping into the market, but are still a few years away from dominating the market. The added bulk, lack of power, higher purchasing cost, all add weight to the other end of the balance. Thankfully, advancements in technology have made hybrid and electric cars much more accessible to the general public.
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is a product of these times, and what a good product indeed! You don’t get a downsized engine as compared to the conventional gasoline-powered car on which the hybrid is based. Rather, you get the same engine, complemented by three electric motors that lend additional power and torque to the car.
There is just a single trim on offer, the base “RX 450h” variant with a lovely gas-electric hybrid motor combo.
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Trim |
RX 450h |
|---|---|
|
MSRP (AWD) |
$46,095 |
|
Key Features |
Lexus Enform Connectivity |
|
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Captain's Chairs In Second-row Seats |
|
|
Panoramic View Monitor |
|
|
Head-up Display |
|
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Three-row Seats |
|
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LED Cornering Foglamps |
|
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Rain-sensing Wipers |
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Stability Control |
|
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Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System |
We Recommend
There is just a single trim for the 5-seater hybrid RX, we recommend you buy it in the Red Matador Mica shade.
The RX 450h uses a similar V-6 and some batteries to provide hybrid fuel economy benefits, and two electric motors at the rear wheels give all hybrid RXs all-wheel drive capability. -The Car Connection
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h uses both, a conventional gas engine and electric motors, to power the car. Individually, the V6 engine churns out 295 horsepower, and when paired with the battery-powered motors, the power rating increases to 308 horsepower. Although the power output is plenty, the engine itself isn’t as exciting as you would expect. You get fine performance, but none of the drama associated with a V6. Put your foot hard down on the throttle, and the car quietly starts building speed.
|
Models |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Sport |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$46,095 |
$37,170 |
$59,550 |
$44,595 |
|
Engine |
3.5-L V6 |
3.5-L V6 |
3.0-L V6 |
3.5-L V6 |
|
Transmission |
e-CVT |
e-CVT |
7-speed auto-shift manual |
8 Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
259-hp @ 6,000 rpm |
231-hp @ 5,800 rpm |
257-hp @ 6,300 rpm |
295 hp@ 6300 rpm |
|
Torque |
247 lb/ft. @ 2900 rpm |
215 lb/ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
218 lb/ft. @ 5,000 rpm |
268 lb/ft. @ 4700 rpm |
The hybrid market has had a lot of entries in recent years. Still, finding direct competitors for a hybrid car is a difficult task. There are some upmarket hybrid SUVs too, like the lovely Jaguar I-pace, but those are quite a few dozen grand
While Lexus may look quite sporty, that isn’t really the case here. The car isn’t particularly fast but does well for itself. The 2020 Lexus RX 450h takes 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 and can complete a quarter-mile drag race in under 15 seconds. The naturally aspirated V6 though has quite a lot of power, which helps move the two-ton-plus SUV.
|
Models |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
6.6 |
6.6 |
6.1 |
5.9 |
|
Quarter mile (sec) |
14.8 |
14.9 |
14.7 |
14.3 |
|
Engine |
3.5 Liter V6 |
3.5-liter V6 |
3.0-liter V6 |
3.5L V6 |
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
5.9 |
6.0 |
6.6 |
8.0 |
Braking is quite nice as well, mainly due to the pair of 13.3-inch disc brakes in the front, and a pair of 12.9 in the rear. The curb weight of the car is quite generous in numbers, well over 2 tons, but it is well masked and does not hinder the braking at all.
|
Model |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake Front (in.) |
13.3 |
N/A |
N/A |
12.9 |
|
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.9 |
N/A |
N/A |
13.3 |
|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4,740 |
4,398 |
4,471 |
4222 |
|
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Lexus RX is laid back, luxurious car. Its primary job description is to ensure a smooth and comfy ride, and as such does not really pay much attention to the handling. The body roll isn’t well contained, and spirited cornering is sure to unsettle your nerves more than the car.
The steering feel is quite vague, and even in Sport and Sport+ modes, things don’t get much better. Still, due to the light steering, leisure driving is this car’s forte. The electric motors aid with instant torque whenever called upon and the All-wheel drive system provides a good amount of traction.
Even though the engine is a big V6, the RX 450h turns out to be quite an efficient car. Its hybrid motor pulls in power from the battery, shutting the engine off when it isn’t required. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces emissions.
|
Model |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
28 |
28 |
26 |
20 |
|
MPG (highway) |
31 |
30 |
27 |
27 |
|
MPG (combined) |
30 |
29 |
27 |
23 |
|
Range (miles) (city/highway) |
482/533 |
481/516 |
504/524 |
384/518 |
|
Tank Capacity (gal) |
17.2 |
17.2 |
19.4 |
19.2 |
Inside, it looks great, feels upscale, and provides plenty of standard features and passenger space. However, some rivals are more fun to drive, and many have more cargo space. -Cars.usnews
Lexus used to be the most conservative styled, and if you are a Jeremy Clarkson fan, utterly boring cars as well. Gone are those days, and now Lexus cars have more shapes and curves than a children’s coloring book. The design philosophy is extremely daring and, sadly, polarizing. The hourglass front grill and sharp side profile is an eyeball magnet, and if you love attention, this one will bring you a lot. There isn’t much to distinguish the hybrid from the regular car, except for the “hybrid” badging on the tail.
The Lexus RX has a brilliantly insulated cabin, which shields out the road and wind noise. The hybrid variant is even quieter and feels extremely well built, with great fit and finish as well. Seats are well cushioned and comfy, both in the front and rear, and the space inside is extremely generous as well. Coupled with easy ingress and egress, the RX SUV races ahead in terms of seating and comfort.
The F Sport variant has a synthetic engine sound pumped into the cabin, which tries to elevate the sporty feel, but doesn’t fit in well with the lethargic handling. It ends up feeling like an afterthought. The standard car comes with faux leather interiors, but you can get real leather as an option.
|
Model |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.4/57.8/44.1 |
40.7/59.3/44.2 |
38.1/61.1/41.4 |
39.4/57.8/44.1 |
|
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.2/57.8/38.0 |
39.9/59.6/38.4 |
38.3/61.1/38.5 |
39.1/57.6/38.0 |
|
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
- |
35.9/55.0/38.4 |
35.6/54.7/28.1 |
- |
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h offers a slightly-difficult-to-learn infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display as standard. You have the option to upgrade to a better, wider 12.3-inch display too, which is much easier on the eyes as well. You also get:
Cargo capacity is pretty decent, with 18 cubic feet at your disposal in the trunk. The battery pack usually takes up a lot of space in a hybrid vehicle, but here, it is very well masked. Fold the seats down and you get a smidge more than 56.3 cubic feet, which is simply amazing. You can carry pretty much everything in the trunk, and if your family loves weekend excursions, you can also pack enough luggage for everyone.
|
Model |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
18.0 |
13.8 |
15.8 |
18.4 |
There's a sweeping view to the front and sides, with slender pillars and peekaboo windows ahead of the nice-size mirrors. The rear three-quarter blind spot is not terribly large. -Edmunds
The 2020 model carries the same dimensions as the 2018 Lexus RX and is a mid-size SUV. It is well under 200 inches in length, and almost 75 inches wide. The wheelbase is also quite compact, just under 110 inches. The weight, however, is a bit too much. The hybrid car is especially heavy at 4,464 pounds, which makes it a little difficult to muscle around.
|
Model |
Lexus RX 450h |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4,740 |
4,398 |
4,471 |
4,222 |
|
Length(in) |
192.5 |
192.5 |
196.2 |
192.5 |
|
Width(in) |
74.6 |
75.8 |
77.7 |
74.6 |
|
Height(in) |
67.7 |
68.1 |
67.4 |
67.7 |
|
Ground clearance (in) |
8.2 |
8.0 |
5.6 |
8.2 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
109.8 |
109.8 |
111.0 |
109.8 |
|
Track width (in) F/R |
64.4/64.0 |
64.4/64.2 |
66.3/66.3 |
64.4/64 |
2020 Lexus RX also gets a slew of safety features in its arsenal. Standard features include the following:
Lexus RX is nothing more than a fancier Toyota Highlander, and it shows. The spec sheet is full of identical data for both these cars. Still, the Lexus is a lot more luxury-oriented (hence the high price tag) and a little more powerful as well. If money is an issue, but you would still prefer a hybrid people carrier, then get the Highlander instead.
Acura MDX is a great car. So shouldn’t the Acura MDX Sport be an even better car (or possibly the sporty version), right? Wrong! The “Sport” badge isn’t for a performance model, but the hybrid model. It gets an additional electric motor to aid driving, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions. Sadly though, it isn't a very exciting car. As a driver, you might feel that the RX is a little better to respond to steering inputs, but in the real world, the difference is overshadowed by the softness of its suspension, which improves the ride but dulls the cornering ability. Overall, no clear winner here. Except if you want additional seating capacity, but then again, there is the RX 450hL.
The 2020 Lexus RX 450 Hybrid is packed with all the Lexus staples, aggressive angular design language, spacious and upscale cabin covered with premium materials, a smooth drive and extremely comfortable seats. However, the infotainment system, especially the joystick used for input is very difficult to use. You will have to develop ambidextrous abilities to use it efficiently. Sans this, everything about this car is on point. Therefore, if you want people to notice you and a car that reflects your love for refinement and luxury, the all-new Lexus RX 450 Hybrid is the car for you.
