2022 Lexus RX 450h AWD: The Brand’s Luxurious Midsize Hybrid Crossover

 

Highlight: The hybrid is available with third-row seating.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $60,175 (Base Model: $49,095)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; lane tracing assist system; lane departure with steering assist; intelligent high beam headlamps; a front collision warning system; an automatic braking system; blind spot electronic monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a daytime cyclist detection system;  rain-sensing windshield wipers; rear back up camera; side mirrors with integrated turn lamps; and a first aid kit

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; LED exterior lights; rear privacy glass; a leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob; pseudo leather seats; power front seats; automatic driver’s seat entry/exit; rear seat one touch fold levers; partial reclining second-row seats; tonneau cover for cargo area; foldable heated outside mirrors; a power tailgate; a keyless entry system; an automatic dual zone climate control system with a pollen filter; an automatic rearview mirror with a compass; rear a/c vents; steering wheel audio controls; and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Options: a HUD (heads up display) system; heated and ventilated front seats; triple beam auto headlight leveling system; a navigation system; a 12-speaker audio system; power rear door with kick sensors; premium exterior paint; a 360-degree camera; 20-inch wheels with Black Line edition; a power moonroof; and a wood and leather heated steering wheel

Other Trim Levels:

F Sport

RX 450hL (three rows)

RX (non hybrid)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard IS350 Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/308-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 31-city/28-hwy

Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with tow package)

What’s New: With the exception of a few new colors and optional fog lights, the luxury brand’s midsize fuel-efficient hybrid is relatively a carryover for the 2022 model year.

Why: 

A futuristic exterior design

A 10 year or 150,000 hybrid battery warranty

A soft chip primer was applied to hood to improve anti-chipping

All-wheel drive is standard on every trim

One of the last brands to offer a single disc CD player

A variety of driving modes

Driving dynamics make the vehicle great for road trips

Supportive, sumptuous seats

A hybrid with a powerful 6-cylinder engine

A sportier package available with the F Sport trim

A three-row hybrid version available

Compatible with both android and Apple smartphones

Alexa

Panoramic option available – in addition to a standard size moonroof

20-inch wheels available

A number of premium exterior paint options

A radar-activated cruise control system

Tonneau cover for cargo area

But: 

The wide-mouth spindle grille is polarizing

Sharp edge side profile exterior styling

The mouse-like touchpad is not as intuitive as we would like.. as an alternative, we recommend using the duplicate steering wheel controls and the radio knobs

A navigation system should be standard on all trims

No plug-in

Verdict:  For the 2021 calendar year, the Lexus RX was the best-selling vehicle in the luxury brand’s line up. The well-built, roomy five passenger crossover is available in both a gasoline and hybrid configuration with its standard 6-cylinder engine. Moreover, the RX is available in a short-wheel base or a new extended version, which provides additional seating. 

And this year's model year is available with such optional features as 20-inch wheels to a panoramic power sunroof to a more performance-like F-trim.

The folks at Lexus have made every attempt to offer more features in the RX series than all of its luxury midsize competitors. In fact, being that the vehicle is available as a hybrid, there isn’t another vehicle in its class that offers such a fuel-efficient alternative, unless one opts for a plug-in or an electric vehicle. 

The RX hybrid AWD in our review is about $1,300 more than a non hybrid RX. And the hybrid offers a combined mileage of 30 mpg, as opposed to 22 mpg for the non hybrid model. The hybrid model requires premium fuel, while the non hybrid model runs off of regular gasoline. In our opinion, its worth spending the extra money to increase the mpg by stepping up to the hybrid. Furthermore, the hybrid's battery is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Hybrid Competition: None