The Lexus RX hybrid review has been around since the early 2000s, but it’s undergone a few changes over the years.
Currently, its biggest claim to fame is the fact that it’s the only vehicle of its kind available that doesn’t require you to plug it in or fill it up with gas in order to make it run – it runs purely on an electric motor with a battery system.
If you do want to drive it on pure fuel power, however, you can do so with either regular unleaded gasoline or premium-grade unleaded.
When Lexus first introduced the RX 400h back in 2004, it quickly became the luxury hybrid leader in its class.
In fact, it’s been listed on Car and Driver’s 10Best list every year since 2006, and Consumer Reports has rated it as one of the most reliable luxury cars of all time.
Lexus RX Hybrid has been discontinued this year and replaced with an all-new model, the Lexus RX 450h, which not only has more power but also comes standard with F Sport trim upgrades that make this car even more capable and fun to drive than before.
Overview
The Lexus RX is a sport utility vehicle that was originally produced by Toyota Motor Corporation and was sold under both Toyota and Lexus brand names from 1997 until 2014.
The nameplate is derived from crossover and X. With over 2 million units sold worldwide, it’s one of Toyota’s most successful models ever made.
It features a front-engine, all-wheel drive (AWD) layout with standard four-wheel independent suspension.
All trim levels have a five-seat configuration in both two-row or three-row seating configurations. A hybrid variant has been available since 2010.
New Features of Lexus RX Hybrid for 2022
New Lexus RX Hybrid Review has been in a bit of a rut lately, but it’s shaking things up with its upcoming hybrid SUV.
Lexus hasn’t released many details yet, but it did announce an increase in power and overall refinement that is rumored to make it more comfortable and luxurious than ever before.
The hybrid system will be connected to a brand-new dual-clutch transmission that provides drivers with an unbeatable combination of efficiency and performance.
If you’re looking for something fun, spacious, efficient, and family-friendly—but you don’t want to sacrifice luxury—the 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid may be just what you need.
Check out our review to learn more about what we expect from one of America’s favorite SUVs!
Read more: Top 10 Best Luxury SUV 2022 On The Markets US
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Lexus RX hybrid review has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 200 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The hybrid model, meanwhile, gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 222 horsepower and a two-motor system that generates 215 total horsepower, as well as all-wheel drive.
Both versions of the car are set to get better fuel economy than before (up from 21/25 mpg to 22/26 mpg for front-drive models).
2022 Lexus RX hybrid is also set to be available in more trims than before (five versus three), and every trim will come standard with leatherette upholstery and steering wheel controls for phone pairing and audio streaming.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While it may be too early to draw real-world conclusions about fuel economy (more on that in a minute), we’re pleased with what we’ve seen thus far.
The hybrid hasn’t been officially rated by the EPA yet, but estimates peg it at around 37 mpg combined; that’s based on how our long-term 2022 Lexus NX 300h AWD has fared so far.
We wouldn’t be surprised if they land closer to 40 mpg, though higher speeds and stop-and-go traffic can reduce those numbers significantly.
What’s more, real-world numbers are always going to be lower than those estimated by official tests.
Powertrain
The Lexus RX’s powertrain has been tweaked as well. The base engine remains a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it now produces 203 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque (up from 185 hp/156 lb-ft).
A 3.5-liter V6 remains an option and makes 301 hp and 267 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that allows for multiple driving modes.
In combination with the four-cylinder, those include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes. All of them are designed to promote greater efficiency, but only Sport+ can be used if all three seats are occupied.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis and suspension of a vehicle are very important in determining its safety, performance, handling, comfort, and design.
The 2022 Lexus RX hybrid chassis and suspension are comprised of front independent MacPherson struts with coil springs, a front stabilizer bar, rear semi-independent double-wishbone with coils springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and available Electronic Power Steering (EPS).
Exterior Design
The Lexus RX isn’t a compact crossover. It’s not midsize, either. Instead, it falls into that awkward zone between compact and midsize with a footprint slightly smaller than that of its corporate cousin, Toyota Highlander.
But despite being dwarfed by other members of its segment in size (and price), we can’t stop praising everything about its exterior design.
From its chiseled jawline to its long rear-end, every inch is proportionate—and for a family SUV, it looks pretty sporty.
It also has more gizmos than you could ever need in an SUV—laser headlights are just one feature that sets it apart from competitors—but somehow Lexus still manages to make them blend into the overall aesthetic gracefully.
Interior Design
The first thing you’ll notice is how quiet it is inside, thanks to Lexus’s noise-reducing technology.
Comfort levels are also high, thanks to generous amounts of soft-touch materials and a roomy cabin that feels like it was tailor-made for tall people.
And even though its cargo space might seem a little tight compared to other SUV competitors in its class, it can still haul more than enough gear for weekend getaways or family road trips.
Because with all these refinements, there’s nothing stopping you from doing whatever comes next in your life on your own terms. Which is exactly what we should be doing every day.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In my hybrid, the infotainment system has more options than I need, and navigating through them takes some getting used to.
You can tailor the menu so that you only have what you want on there. You can adjust everything through knobs, screens, and buttons, so any driver can customize the touchscreen for his or her driving style.
The sound quality is impressive, so I’m happy to play music from my phone over Bluetooth all day long!
That is one thing your car has, after all… Who doesn’t? The voice controls enable me to call someone or dictate a text without my hands being off the wheel and eyes not looking on the road.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Lexus RX 450h uses millimeter-wave radar and a camera-based lane-departure system to keep you on track.
Additionally, it includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and an auto high beam.
The Lexus also comes with standard Intuitive Park Assist and Automatic High Beams. These features add up to quite an expensive package as they raise base prices by $5,500-$7,600.
However, many shoppers will be able to find a way to fit these options into their budgets without having to take out too much extra debt.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Lexus RX 450h doesn’t come cheap. Prices start at $49,970, and you can expect to pay another $3,000 or so if you want an all-wheel drive.
But considering what you get for your money, an extremely quiet and comfortable ride with strong acceleration and excellent handling characteristics.
The Lexus is still a bargain compared with other high-end luxury crossovers like those from Mercedes-Benz or Audi.
Read more: Mercedes Benz E Class Review, Price, Specs, and Release Date
And even though it won’t win any races off the line against a BMW X5 xDrive35d, its fuel economy is not too shabby:
On our most recent test drive of an RX 450h F Sport, we averaged 22 mpg over 600 miles of city and highway driving.
Specifications
The Lexus RX is a mid-size crossover SUV introduced by Toyota in 1995 and now built by Lexus, a division of Toyota.
The first generation was available as two models: 200T and 300T, with two- or four-wheel drive; all were turbocharged versions of an existing straight-six engine.
For 2022, the Lexus RX hybrid review these models were replaced by second-generation models that shared architecture with other Lexus products. It was later split into separate lines for retail customers and businesses.
Third-generation cars are offered only as luxury SUVs to retail customers under their own brand name, while business users get a rebadged Subaru Outback sold as either an Isuzu Oasis or Holden Captiva depending on location.
Conclusions
The Lexus RX Hybrid is one of those rare vehicles that looks, feels, and performs better than you’d expect it to.
And, thanks to a new hybrid version and a suite of interior upgrades for 2018, it’s now better than ever.
With more power and style, a quieter ride, and plenty of space for five people (six in an emergency), there are few SUVs that can touch it.
And nothing else compares to price when you consider what you get for your money with each trim level.
