Bigger is always better, haven’t we all heard that before? Well, so did Lexus when they were out taking customer feedback. As a direct result, the extended version of the RX 350 was launched and they called it the RX 350L. Lexus then dished out the same treatment to the RX450h hybrid vehicles, thus rolling out the RX450hL.
The ‘h’ portion of the name denotes the hybrid powertrain, while the ‘L’ portion denotes the longer length, and the RX 450hL has both in its name. The hybrid car is more powerful than the regular gas-powered car, but is heavier too. Handling has never been the strength of Lexus SUVs, but comfort certainly is. Even though the third row isn’t adequate for adults, the first and seconds rows are.
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Expert Review
7.6
Overall Rating
Ever since it’s inception, the RX series by Lexus has been the first choice luxury crossover for many folks in the US. As a quintessential Lexus car, the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL pushes the boundaries of automotive luxury and comfort and raises the bar for its competitors.
What’s the difference between the 450h and 450hL you ask? Well, with the same aggressive angular design and the same potent V6 engine with powerful electric motors that produce an impressive 308 horsepower under the hood, the only difference between both of the cars is their seating capacities. While the 450h can accommodate 5 passengers, the 450hL can accommodate 6 or 7 passengers depending on the configuration of the 2nd row of seats.
There is just a single trim on offer, the base "RX 450hL" variant with a lovely gas-electric hybrid motor combo.
Trim
RX 450h
MSRP
$50,820
Key Features
Lexus Enform Connectivity
Captain's Chairs In Second-row Seats
Panoramic View Monitor
Head-up Display
Three-row Seats
LED Cornering Foglamps
Rain-sensing Wipers
Stability Control
Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
We Recommend
As there is just one trim to choose, we recommend that you buy it in Atomic Silver shade.
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Engine and Performance
The 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid boasts class-leading fuel efficiency and provides a cushioned ride over any road surface.-Cars.usnews
Engine and Transmission
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL 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. You get fine performance, but none of the drama associated with a V6. The hybrid system does help out, supplying instant torque at the drop of a dime. Still, this almost-2-and-a-half ton beast takes time to build speed.
The F Sport trim offers a bit more flair, with synthesized engine noise playing in the cabin via the speakers, BMW style. Horsepower figures remain the same, which is quite disappointing. Transmission duties are handled by an electronically controlled CVT automatic. The hybrid car is only available in an All-wheel-drive format.
Models
Lexus RX 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Sport
Lexus RX 350L
MSRP
$50,820
$37,170
$59,550
$54,285
Engine
3.5 Liter V6
3.5-liter V6
3.0-liter V6
3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded
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.@ 2900rpm
215 lb/ft.@ 4,800 rpm
218 lb/ft.@ 5,000 rpm
268 lb/ft.@ 4700 rpm
Acceleration
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 450hL 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 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
0-60 MPH
6.6
6.6
6.1
6.8 sec
Quarter mile
14.8
14.9
14.7
15.1 sec
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)
6.0
6.0
6.6
8.0
Braking
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 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
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
4,464
60-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ride and Handling
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.
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Fuel Economy
Even with the added bulk and the big V6, the RX 450hL turns out to be quite an efficient car. That's primarily because of its hybrid motor, which helps ease the burden off the engine. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces emissions.
Model
Lexus RX 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
MPG (city)
29
30
26
19
MPG (highway)
28
28
27
26
MPG (combined)
29
29
27
21
Range (miles) (city/highway)
516/481
516/481
504/524
365/499
Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2
17.2
19.4
19.2
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Interior
6.0/10
The 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid uses high-quality materials throughout its stylish cabin, and few rivals can match its upscale feel. -Cars.usnews
Seating and Comfort
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.
You get a third row of seats as well, although it seats only children. You might not think much of it, but if you ever want to meet your parents, take your kids along, and then go for a short drive to some tourist spot, you'd find the inclusion of these extra seats a lifesaver. You get the option of real leather on the seats as well, in case you want complete luxury to surround you.
Model
Lexus RX 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
Passenger capacity
7
8
7
7
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.)
N/A
35.9/55.0/38.4
35.6/54.7/28.1
N/A
Infotainment
The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL 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:
Voice Command
Lexus Enform Remote Smartphone integration
Traffic and weather service via HD Radio
Siri Eyes free system
Scout GPS link navigation
SiriusXM satellite radio
HomeLink System
SmartAccess key
Bluetooth Technology
Optional equipment includes:
Full-color heads-up display
Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System
Remote touch
Lexus Enform location assist
Sadly, the RX 450hL gives a miss to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Cargo
Cargo capacity is pretty decent with the second and third-row up, but fold them down and it becomes amazing. In hybrid vehicles, usually, the battery pack takes up a lot of space. Here though, the extra stuff is very well hidden. 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 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
18.0
13.8
15.8
18.4
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Exterior
Sharp angles, a floating roof effect, and nearly constant design flourishes adorn the exterior from tip to tail.-The Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
The RX450hL model carries larger dimensions than the regular RX450h, but the same as the 2020 Lexus RX 350L, and is a mid-size SUV. Even though the length is longer, the wheelbase remains the same at a rather compact length of almost 110 inches. The weight, however, is a bit too much. This extended hybrid version weighs in at 4,905 pounds, which makes it a little difficult to muscle around.
Model
Lexus RX 450hL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus RX 350L
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
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.
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Safety
9.5/10
2020 Lexus RX also gets a slew of safety features in its arsenal. Standard features include the following:
Lexus Enform Safety Connect
10 Airbags
Smart/Stop Technology
Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
Vehicle Stability Control
Rigid Body with crumple zones
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Tire pressure monitoring system
Brake assist and electronic brake force distribution
Rain sensing wipers
Apart from all these, you get optional safety tech as well
Windshield wiper de-icer (optional)
Premium triple-beam headlamps (optional)
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (optional)
LED cornering Foglamps
Panoramic View Monitor
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Competition
Lexus RX 450hL vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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.
Lexus RX 450hL vs Acura MDX Hybrid
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, improve the 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. Both have the same seating capacity as well. Overall, no clear winner here.
2020 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Final Verdict
It's 2020, and eco-friendly technology is gaining pace, trying to break into the mainstream. Lexus RX 450hL SUV is a simple yet practical car. The hybrid powertrain may be complicated, but the styling is more so. If you love attention, and also care about the environment, and want to ferry your parents and kids together in the same car, well, how many options do you really have?
