Used 2017 Lexus RX 450h Base for sale 

With a starting price of $53,035, the Japanese-American hybrid SUV is cheaper than the rivals, but could it possibly challenge the technological prowess of the Germans? If you're buying one of these, you certainly wouldn't spend a lot of time deciding the trim to be chosen as there are only two fairly distinct ones- the $53,035 base model and the $56,495 F-Sport.

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While the Base model is equipped with most of the features, we would recommend opting for the F-Sport model. The F-sport is a sportier variant of the RX 450h and has better driving dynamics than the Base variant. But the major reason we recommend this is because of the adaptive suspension dampers. This provides a smooth ride over undulations and makes the ride experience even better. Thus the extra $3,000 spent on the F-Sport variant would be worth it. 

What puts the RX450h into motion is a very complex hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5 liter V6 along with three electric motors.

The system pumps out a total of 308 horses and generates 247 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with continuously variable transmission, and the power is transferred to all four wheels as standard. 

In comparison to the 2017 BMW X5 xDrive 40e, that is a lot more oomph but the GLE 550e somehow makes a ridiculous 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque making it the undisputed leader in this department. The BMW generated 241 hp with its smaller 2.0-liter engine. But the BMW has an 8-speed automatic transmission as compared to the 7-speed automatic in the Mercedes. 

How quick is the 0-60 mph acceleration of the 2017 Lexus RX 450h?

The RX is less of a fatso than its rivals, meaning it weighs less so that's supposed to mean better acceleration, right? Well, wrong. The figures aren't terrible as such but the lesser weight definitely makes you question how it's less quick than its rivals. It may have something to do with the rivals having better-engineered transmissions as opposed to the lame CVT available in the RX450h. 0-60 MPH happens in 7.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile takes 15.1 seconds to be completed.

The quickest car here is the BMW X5 surprisingly because it is both underpowered and heavier compared to the RX. The BMW takes 6.2 sec to achieve the 60 mph mark and 14.7 sec to cover the quarter-mile distance. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e isn't so bad either and is the quickest in the quarter-mile run at 13.7 seconds. 

How is the Handling performance of the 2017 Lexus RX 450h?

The RX450h handles just like its non-hybrid sibling around corners, and we're specifically talking about the new AWD version. It is clear that the power going to all the wheels is the right direction to go for this new model because there is a great amount of stability and eagerness to get into tight corners, which becomes more appreciable as you get used to driving it.

There is a tiny bit of understeer at high speeds, but even that is eradicated in the sublime F-Sport package, which offers a sportier and refined ride. The suspension becomes stiffer in this high-end trim and makes you feel like you're driving a performance hatchback instead of a 4-tonne SUV.

How is the braking performance of the 2017 Lexus RX 450h?

Where the lesser weight really accounts for something is the 60-0 braking distance, which is nothing short of exceptional. The Hybrid SUV comes to a complete stop from 60 MPH in just 125 ft, making it better at braking than both the Germans here. The brakes in the front are 12.9 inches and the ones at the rear are 13.3 inches in diameter. Here is a detailed look into the braking figures of the SUV in comparison to its rivals.

The BMW X5 has the biggest brakes in comparison and yet takes 165 ft to come to a standstill from 70mph. This poor performance may be due to the extra weight. The GLE 550e is the closest rival to the RX450h here as it comes to a complete stop at 130 ft. 

The pains of combining that traditional V6 with three electric motors definitely paid off as the fuel economy figures are simply exceptional. Efficiency was obviously expected, but this takes the car to the top of the throne in the hybrid SUV market. In the city, you can expect to get 31 miles to the gallon, and on the highway, it goes up to 28 MPG, which means you get a combined MPG of 30, making it the most efficient car in its class.

No other vehicle in comparison comes close to the fuel efficiency provided by the Lexus. The BMW X5 hybrid provides us with 18 mpg in the city which improves to 24 mpg on the highway. Thus the BMW has a combined mileage of 20 mpg. The Mercedes does slightly better with a combined mileage of 21 mpg. 

Craftsmanship basically went into overdrive in the interior of the RX450h. Everything from the stitching to the way the door handles feel is premium and manages to distance itself away from minimalistic Toyota interiors.

Every detail of the car and the materials used are exquisite, and a few years ago, you could only expect such extravagance from a high-class machine like Maybach or Rolls-Royce.

The seats are beautifully crafted and provide exceptional thigh and back support to each of the five passengers riding inside the RX. There is also a 3-row model, which could be yours in order. There is tons of legroom and headroom guaranteeing reduced amounts of exhaustion during long drives.

How intuitive is the infotainment system in the 2017 Lexus RX 450h?

The 2017 Lexus RX 450h has a big 8.0-inch touchscreen display that is responsive and quick. There is an option to opt for the 12.3-inch touchscreen display that gives you a better experience. Along with that, the 450h also has all the standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, navigation, USB, and many more. It also has a 12-speaker sound system, while the F-sport variant is equipped with the 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Here is a list of infotainment features:

• 8.0/12.3 inch touchscreen display
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Voice command system
• Heads-up display
• Siri Eyes Free for Apple iPhones
• Navigation
• Mark Levinson sound system
• Bluetooth technology
• Safety Connect emergency communications

How much cargo volume is available in the 2017 Lexus RX 450h?

Being an SUV we expect the Lexus RX 450H to provide better cargo space to carry luggage on long drives. we get a space of 18 cu.ft behind the rear seats, which is not up to the standard of what the rivals provide. It is almost half of what the BMW provides and keeps us asking for more. A similar situation is present with all the rear seats folded, we get an improved but not yet sufficient cargo volume of 55.9 cu.ft. 

The Mercedes ace this segment with the highest cargo volume of 38.2 cu.ft behind the second row, which improves to a massive 80-.3 cu.ft with rear seats folded. The BMW comes close to the Mercedes with a cargo volume of 34.2 cu.ft and 72.5 cu.ft with rear seats folded. 

Okay, you might have read earlier that we found the new Lexus RX to be a well-designed car even though it's not conventionally beautiful or elegant like a Beemer X5 or a Merc GLE.

Those cars are good looking, but let's face it, they're boring. They fail to capture your attention like the RX does with its ludicrous design with weird shapes, the spindle grille, and the helmet-shaped roof.

You can't deny that this car is infinitely more interesting to look at than the other two, and it's a bold step from Lexus to stand out from the crowd. Cars should be about individuality, and here is the RX taking it a step further. This is exactly why we feel obligated to appreciate the design due to the sheer creativity and fun of it.Some standard exterior features include -

• Automatic high beams
• Automatic wipers
• Rearview camera
• Sunroof
• LED exterior lighting (headlights, fog lights, taillights, and running lights)

The NHTSA has given a rating of 4-stars to the 2017 Lexus RX 450h in its crash test, while the IIHS has provided a ‘Good’ rating for almost all of its segment. Along with that, the IIHS has awarded the Lexus with the Top Safety Pick award in the midsize luxury category for the year 2017. Thus the Lexus possess enough strength to safeguard the passengers in case of an accident. The Lexus RX 450h also has multiple safety and driver-assistive features that further improve the safety factor of the vehicle. Here is a list of all those features:

• Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 10-Airbag system
• Lexus Enform safety assistance
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Vehicle Proximity Notification System
• Rigid Body structure with crumple zones
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management 
• Direct tire pressure monitoring
• Rain sensing wipers
• Windshield wiper De-icer

Lexus RX450h vs BMW X5 xDrive 40e

Before the introduction of the X6, the X5 was the one German SUV everybody took seriously, and it even paved the way for brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz to come in with more competitive sub-compact luxury SUVs. From the numerous available trims in the X5 line-up, the X5 xDrive 40e is the efficiency-centered hybrid variant.

It looks macho and aggressive on the outside, but on the inside, the technological sophistication completely contradicts the vibe from this large SUV. If the RX is too wild for your taste, this stays right below that and has a more appealing design with similar benefits although at a much higher rate. At the end of the day, the RX triumphs over it in terms of value for money.

Lexus RX450h vs Mercedes GLE 550e 4Matic

If the new GLE reminds you of the ML, you're not wrong as it is basically the same car with revised mechanicals and now a hybrid powertrain. It got AWD (Merc calls it 4MATIC) and is a better off-roader compared to the RX450h and the X5. This is the most expensive car in its class and starts off at an eye-watering $66,300 for relatively the same features and tech as the Beemer and the Lexus.

It is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 and an electric motor, which together makes 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The interior has been hugely improved and has tough guy characteristics reminiscent of a G-Class SUV. If greater off-road performance and road presence are on your list of priorities while buying an SUV, then this will suit you better than the RX450h.

The older RX models were good sellers and had managed to bring in a lot of revenue for Lexus, but for enthusiasts and SUV buyers, it was easily replaceable or was usually a stepping stone for more exciting things. This one, however, is a proper luxury SUV inside and out, and the German alternatives are gonna have a hard time convincing to-be customers to move away from the Lexus. The interior is gorgeous, the ride is blissful, the performance is sufficient, and it looks like nothing else out on the road. Plus, it obviously has a better resale value than the X5 and the GLE. In conclusion, the RX450h is an all-rounder and a force to be reckoned with in this segment.