2016 Lexus RX 450h
05/08/2016
Shahed Hussain
Introduced in 1998 in the US, the Lexus RX 300 defined the crossover luxury SUV. After becoming one of the most popular models in the Lexus lineup, other manufacturers began to enter this popular segment. Despite rising competition, the RX has maintained its sales lead over its rivals. Lexus knows how crucial this midsize SUV is to the lineup, so the new 2016 RX improves every aspect of its predecessor.
Lexus sells the RX in two variants: RX 350 and RX 450h. Both models are available in front-drive or all-wheel drive. Our test vehicle was the hybrid RX 450h AWD F Sport. Pricing starts at $52,235 for the FWD RX 450h, and ranges up to $58,045 for the AWD model. Lexus has increased prices since we tested a RX 450h AWD which had an MSRP of $60,215 including the $950 delivery fee. Options included Blind Spot Monitor ($800), Color Head-up Display ($600), Lexus Safety System + and Adaptive Front Lighting ($1,050), Power Rear Door ($200), Panoramic Moonroof ($500), Navigation ($430) and F Sport steering wheel ($50).
Notable standard or optional equipment include LED headlamps and fog lamps, 10-way driver and passenger seat, 8-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment screen, heated steering wheel, and 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A full complement of active safety technology such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available. The F Sport package add 20-inch diameter alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, F Sport virtual gauges, heated and cooled leather seats, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and F Sport-specific front and rear bumper fascias.
Lexus has a deserved reputation for superb build quality, and the new RX continues this tradition. Most padded surfaces are French-stitched in contrasting colors. Matte aluminum accents line the entire cabin, along with aluminum pedals. Opting for the F Sport package adds upgraded perforated leather seats front seats that are both supportive and enveloping. Front headroom and legroom is ample for most occupants. Rear seat comfort is acceptable with adequate legroom, if the front seat passengers are not over 6 ft. tall. The split rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity from 18.0 cu. ft. to 55.9 cu. ft.
Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple screens and virtual configurable gauges that display vehicle and hybrid powertrain status. The navigation system maps are less detailed than the Google maps available on smartphones. Instead of a touchscreen, Lexus uses a pressure-sensitive pad on the center console to control the infotainment system. This unusual interface will require some acclimating compared to the touchscreens commonly used by other luxury brands. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes audio, phone and vehicle system status controls. Below the analog clock on the center stack are the audio and climate controls. The gated transmission lever includes a manual shift mode. A rotary knob on the center console adjusts between Eco and Sport powertrain modes. Within the center armrest bin is a 12V power outlet, along with an analog audio and a USB port.
Although both RX 350 and RX 450h are equipped with an all-aluminum 3.5L V-6, the powerplants are different. The 2GR-FKS V-6 in the RX 350 is rated for 295-bhp @ 6,300 RPM, and 267 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 RPM. Marginally less powerful, the RX450h gets the 2GR-FXS V-6 with 259-bhp @ 6,000 RPM and 247 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 RPM. Total hybrid system power is 308-bhp, boosted by dual 650V AC traction motor generators driving each axle: 123 kW (front) and 50 kW (rear). A third motor generator functions as a starter and transmission controller. An electronically-controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) combined with a planetary gear drive splits power from the hybrid powertrain among all four wheels. A rear transaxle connects the electric motor generator and reduction gear to drive the rear wheels. A 288V Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack powers the electric motors.
The hybrid RX 450h achieves a city/hwy. fuel consumption of 31/30 MPG (FWD) and 30/28 (AWD). In our tested AWD RX 450h we averaged around 22 MPG in urban driving near Detroit in December. During the press preview in Raleigh-Durham, warmer temperatures enabled the hybrid system to achieve 29 MPG, essentially matching the EPA estimates.
Lexus uses the typical front suspension layout of MacPherson struts, coil springs, and a tubular stabilizer bar. At the rear is a double wishbone setup with coil springs, and dampers. Vented disc brakes are at all four wheels. A regenerative brake system recharges the battery pack during braking. The F Sport is shod with 20-inch diameter alloy wheels mounted with 235/55R20 tires. Steering is via an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion system with 2.7 turns lock-to-lock. ABS and stability control (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system) are standard.
Even though the F Sport adaptive suspension is biased toward comfort, the damper settings maintain ride control. Around some of the wet winding roads near Raleigh-Durham, the F Sport suspension tuning reduced the typical understeer that plagues most SUVs, although significant body roll reminded us that the RX is no sport sedan. The electrically-assisted steering is tuned for low effort and quick turn-in response. The Sport and Sport+ settings reduces steering assist closer to our preference. Selecting the Eco mode reduces throttle response significantly, so the RX just feels sluggish. Unless maximum fuel efficiency is the target and traffic is sparse, the Eco mode is unsuited for most urban driving conditions. We think that most owners will keep the powertrain in the default Normal mode. Over the mostly smooth roads in North Carolina, the RX demonstrated its strength as the perfect SUV for long interstate trips.
After driving both hybrid and non-hybrid RX models, we noted that the V-6 in the RX 450h is audibly louder than the RX 350, both during idle and normal driving. However, the RX 450h powertrain is certainly not objectionably louder than comparable SUVs. The V-6 is just audible enough at full throttle to remind the driver that it is working to accelerate this 4,740 lbs. SUV. The Sport and Sport+ modes also enhance powertrain responsiveness; most of our driving was in one of the two modes. The EV powertrain mode automatically engages in coast and light throttle conditions, depending on the battery charge state. Manually selecting EV mode allows speeds up to 20 MPH, accompanied by the faint whine of the electric motors. Lexus claims the RX 450h AWD can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 MPH.
Most luxury vehicles have adopted active safety technologies and the Lexus Safety System + includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Assist, All Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beam and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist. We used the Lane Departure Alert and found it to be intrusive as it automatically applies steering correction. For inattentive drivers, this safety technology is certainly welcome, especially so by other motorists. The Lane Departure Alert can be disabled by the driver, which we preferred.
Current Lexus RX hybrid owners will be impressed with the all the interior upgrades and new safety technology added to the new RX. As with all luxury hybrids, opting for the RX 450h is not about just the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain, as the payback is nearly impossible to justify vs. the higher vehicle cost. Lexus has plans to expand the sales for its best-selling vehicle, so it expects the aggressive exterior styling and sharper handling to attract men who might consider SUVs from Audi and BMW. Most RX customers will probably skip the expensive F Sport package, but driving enthusiasts should consider it mandatory.
