Model Tested: 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 plus two electric motors, 308 horsepower combined, 247 lb-ft torque
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 31-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 30-mpg combined
Base Price: $50,550
As Tested: $60,025
Performance:
Console dial for Eco, Normal, and Sport
Separate button for EV mode
Sport mode makes noticeable performance improvement
Paddle shifters
20-inch F Sport alloy wheels
F Sport performance dampers
Our best fuel economy was 28.7-mpg highway
Comfort:
Bold red upholstery
Comfortable, supportive seats
Nice side bolsters
Power lumbar adjustment both front seats
Stretch-out driver legroom
Power tilt/telescopic steering column
Good auxiliary controls
Soft armrest cover over console bin
Ample headroom
Soft headliner
Excellent rear seat leg, knee, and shoe room even with front seats all back
Soft, wide center armrest with
concealed cup holders
Flat floor in second row
Utility:
Power liftgate with ample clearance for tall people
Flat cargo deck
No lift-over
Split, folding rear seats have noticeable slope
Medium size locking glovebox
Big sliding sun visors
Medium console bin
Large front door bins that hinge outward
Small open bin on passenger side of center console
Very bright rear courtesy lamp
Small rear door bins with bottle notches
Two seatback storage pockets, but hard plastic shells
WOW Factors:
Excellent optional head up display
Sleek styling
Smooth highway ride
Large, wide infotainment screen
Whines:
We didn’t see a big economy difference from non-hybrid RX models
No heated seats, but had optional $3,365 audio/navigation system
Expensive $1675 auto dimming headlights sometimes slow to react
Radical rear roofline impacts cargo capacity
Bottom Line:
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is a stylish, luxurious hybrid SUV that provides a very pleasant driving experience/environment. Fuel economy is fine, but we didn’t see significant gains over the also economical non-hybrid RX models.
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