by Anthony Fongaro - Photos Via Lexus - 10/25/2024
At the front, the RX450h retains Lexus’ oversized grille with adjacent fake grilles and LED lights. This RX450h was finished in Cloudburst Gray metallic paint and 21-inch wheels. There is a whiff of sportiness, but the Lexus has a traditional SUV design. I’m not a fan of the rear window tapering into the rear since it gives off a fake “coupe-SUV” line. The rear is dominated by a large LED lightbar, Lexus spelled out, and more fake vents. Lexus created a handsome exterior, and the interior is typical of Lexus luxury.
Inside, this RX450+ had lovely Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo trim throughout the cabin. Those NuLuxe-trimmed front seats are heated and ventilated, with heated rear seats. In front of the driver is a leather and wood heated steering wheel with paddle shifters utilizes controls for the media and safety systems. At first, the texture of the wood felt odd and I would recommend a full leather steering wheel. The digital instrument cluster had a simple yet useful display, and this Luxury model came with a crisp head-up display.
Next to the driver is a 14-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An optional Mark Levinson sound system is worth the $1,160 charge with plenty of treble and bass. Underneath are the climate controls, with a digital panel for most functions, apart from physical dials for the temperature. Dials are always welcome, and climate control is on the easier side to use. All seats are comfortable and there are USB-c ports at the front and rear. Cargo space is good, and the powered tailgate has a kick-operated function when you swipe your leg under the rear for it to open. A panoramic roof helps the cabin to feel more open and airy. This is a comfortable interior and the technology works well.
As the first RX with a plug-in hybrid option, the RX450+ has a 2.5-liter inline-four with three AC motors creating a combined 304 horsepower and over 300 pound feet of torque. Utilizing all-wheel-drive and a CVT, the RX450h+ accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6 seconds. There are three drive modes: EV, hybrid, and sport. Keep it in EV-only and you’ll return around 37 miles of range. If the range gets low, the engine can charge the batteries or the battery level can be held.
Hybrid and sport effectively blend the ICE and EV powertrains well. Combined, the RX450h+ returns 83 MPGe, or 35 MPG with just the gas engine. No matter the situation, the RX450+ has plenty of power, but it does have a little understeer. Safety comes in the form of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and all the systems work well. This comes with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and adaptive high beams.
Pricing for the 2024 Lexus RX450h+ starts at around $70,000. This vehicle had a few options including a Convenience Package with a 360-degree camera and Traffic Jam Assist for $1,420,
Navigation Package with Premium Triple-Beam LED Headlamps, Mark Levinson Premium Audio System, Advanced Park with Remote Park for $1,565, the Power Rear Door with Kick for $150, Panoramic Glass Roof with Roof Rails for $500, and Digital Rearview Mirror for $475. The total with other extras comes to $75,505. That’s a lot, and unless you can charge it, I would go towards the RX350h Luxury and save about $10,000 with similar options. With that, you get a luxurious and functional interior, good fuel economy, and a handsome exterior. Either way, the 2024 Lexus RX450h+ has a great EV range and is very comfortable.
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