Lexus RX 450H Hybrid SUV Review

The Lexus RX 450h is SUV, a big luxury sedan, or a full-size pickup truck, respect their wishes, but make sure those vehicles become far more efficient than they have been in the past. It first luxury crossover powered by a hybrid drive system from Lexus.

As a full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric only, gas engine only, or combine the power of both. The RX 400h is powered by a muscular version of the gas-electric hybrid powertrain introduced in North America by the Toyota Prius in 2001. It was built around a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine that could develop 270 horsepower. The hybrid drivetrain is said to offer V8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy. All that power is fed through a six-speed Multi-mode automatic transmission with sequential shift control. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations are available.

 

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is a midsize luxury SUV available in front- or all-wheel-drive versions. It comes in one trim level, with standard and optional equipment levels similar to those of the RX 350. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, 10-way power front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, wood interior trim, sliding and reclining second-row seats and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.

The RX 350 comes standard with front- and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and dual front knee bags. Standard stability- and traction-control systems as well as antilock brakes with brake assist are on hand to help you avoid an accident in the first place.