Used 2018 Lexus RX 450h for sale 

The 2018 Lexus Rx 450h is available in a total of 3 trims. All the trims share the same standard engine configuration featuring a 3.5L V6 engine and 3 electric working in tandem paired to a CVT gearbox. The base RX 450h trims sports a long list of features including power-adjustable front seats, NuLuxe leather upholstery, and smart access including other things. For a price of $45,695, the car is now a much sweeter deal and even better value for money. 

The RX 450 hl is the elongated 7 seater version of the RX 450h, which is the same from the inside except for the extra seats. The range-topping RX 450 h Sport variant adds a host of sporty elements to the cars. The Sport variant features enhancement such as a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, paddle shifters, and special driving modes that make the car more exciting, However, its $51,055 price tag makes it an expensive proposition.

We Recommend

The base RX 450h variant easily makes for our choice because of its value for money appeal. The car has a big list of creature comforts, which will suffice most of the buyers. As the power stats remain the same throughout the trim line, the base variant makes a lot of sense at present. The Sport version might appear juicier but its price tag is sure to be a big let down.

The engine on duty on the Lexus RX 450h hybrid is a 3.5L V6 engine along with 3 electric motors that is good for 306 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable transmission does its job in a calm and peaceful manner prioritizing comfort over performance. Fortunately, you shall never feel too stressed out while cruising at highway speeds.

On paper with rivals, the RX 450h is certainly not the most powerful in the segment. The Acura MDX is actually the most powerful in the segment pushing out 321 hp but is also the dearest to buy at $52,100. However, the more expensive Lexus RX is almost identical to the Highlander on paper. 

Acceleration

Lexus RX 450h takes 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph while encounters 13.6 seconds to complete a quarter of a mile. It's certainly no road scorcher, but it's still decently fast for a 2-ton hybrid SUV. Acceleration from the inside actually makes the car feel more involved and scintillating from the inside.

In competition with rivals, the Acura MDX with its most powerful engine in the segment turns out to be the quickest at 0-60 mph sprint taking only 5.9 seconds. The RX450h is actually the slowest in the segment as far as a 0-60mph sprint is concerned. The clunky CVT transmission does showcase a considerable amount of lag between shifts, which makes it the slowest in in-gear acceleration. 

Braking

The Lexus RX 450h brakes consist of 12.9-inch rotors in the front and a 12.3-inch rotors in the back, which is actually the smallest in the segment. The brakes pedals offer fair travel before the brakes engage fully, but there is a slight hiccup when the brakes are applied in pulse.

The Lexus is able to stop from 60 mph in a segment-leading 123 ft. All the other rivals feature similar stopping distances that range upwards of 130 ft. However, the sophisticated electronics in the Lexus does offer tremendous stopping power, which adds to the confidence of driving.

Ride and Handling

It is clear that ride comfort and ease of driving have been given the top priority on the RX 450h. That being said, the car still does not leave any loose ends and provides a wholesome driving experience. The overall drive dynamics are not anywhere near sporty, but they're sprightly enough for sure.

However, light off-roading is all this SUV can take as even going over big potholes creates rattling and vibration in the chassis that spoils the experience to an extent. The anti-roll bars also work phenomenally to mask out most of the rolling feel over sharp curves.

Fuel economy is often the sole reason why most buyers opt for the hybrid trims of a car. The Lexus RX 450h is able to return a modest mileage of 30 mpg that is sure to keep the buyers happy. The hybrid tech also gets an extended warranty, which improves the ownership experience quite well. 

The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is almost identical to the 2018 Toyota Highlander in terms of hybrid technology. Both SUVs offer similar MPGe figures in both the city and on the highway. However, the RX450H is a touch lighter, which gives it a slight edge in combined fuel economy, which reflects in your combined daily driving basics.

The front seats on the RX 450h are signature Lexus, which means that they are plush and comfortable to sit on while offering enough padding and thigh support for the taller folks. The rear seats feel upmarket as well, but one could have easily used some extra legroom.

Due to the floating roofline, the rear headroom is likely to create an issue as well.

A passenger volume of 121.7 cu-ft on the RX 450h puts it on the bottom amongst its rivals. However, the Lexus does fall short on headroom at the rear, which makes it almost even with the 2018 Acura MDX. Even after being on the same platform, the posh upholstery, sophisticated interiors, and luxurious cabin make the Lexus RX 450h much more upscale than the 2018 Highlander.The biggest letdown is the seating capacity of 5 people, whereas the rivals provide a seating capacity of 7 and more people. All Lexus are known to be tech loaded to the brim, and the RX 450h is no exception. Some of its key features are-

• Dual-zone climate control
• Power adjusted front seats
• Optional paddle shifters
• Leather upholstery

Infotainment

Instead of modern touch screens, the RX 450h features a 12.3-inch dashtop display that is controlled by a mouse type joystick mounted on the center console. Even though there is very little lag in inputs but the whole knob configuration makes the vehicle feel outdated. Another major issue is the MMI, which requires complete attention to be operated properly, which can become a potential hazard while driving.

There is huge room for improvement in this sector. The system also lacks the modern connectivity features, which include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Important infotainment features include-

• 12.3-inch dashtop display
• Steering mounted controls
• Touch-Pad controller
• Navigation
• Bluetooth

Cargo Capacity

All hybrid vehicles face problems due to the batteries that occupy a lot of space in the boot. The Lexus RX 450h is no exclusion from the list with a tiny 18.0 cu-ft of boot behind the 2nd row. The utility aspect takes a huge impact as the boot is barely adequate for 2 moderate-sized duffel bags.

Essentially being the same platform, the slanted roofline of the RX450H does affect the maximum cargo-hauling capacity of the SUV. This makes it fall slightly shorter than the equivalent Toyota Highlander Hybrid. With all seats folded, the Highlander can carry upto 83.7cu.ft of luggage. However, the true winner is the MDX which can carry up to 90.9 cu.ft of cargo with all seats folded. 

The Lexus Rx 450 hybrid is surely a striking vehicle from the outside. Its sharp and long body lines make it a lengthy vehicle at 192.5 inches. The bigger length allows the vehicle to ensure enough room for the passengers inside. 

The 2018 Acura MDX is the longest SUV in the comparison. It also has the longest wheelbase, which translates into better cargo and passenger volume in the cabin. The larger 20-inch wheels do give the RX450h a more premium look than the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The typical Lexus spindle grille in the Lexus gives it a unique presence on the road, which the rivals fail to offer. The list of exterior features on the 2018 Lexus RX 450h include-

• HID projector headlamps
• Sunroof
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Signature hexagonal grille
• Optional black outside mirrors
• Optional sport exterior package.

Lexus has loaded the RX450h with a lot of life-saving safety tech. Although there are no official test ratings available yet, they are most likely to be in favor of the SUV. Be it active safety tech or passive safety tech, the Lexus has it all. Few major safety features available with the SUV are-

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Lexus Safety System+ Forward Collision
• Emergency Sos
• Lane Keep Assist Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

Lexus RX 450h vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Just like the RX450h, the Highlander is a slick-looking SUV with sharp body lines and an imposing road presence. The interior is of superior quality along with well-appointed and space for upto 8 occupants. Although the power figures are a little lower than the Lexus, it undercuts it by more than $10,000.

All in all, the Highlander gives tough competition to the Lexus at the price point. But, if money's not an issue, the Lexus does feel more premium and justifies that steeper price tag.

Lexus RX 450h vs Acura MDX Hybrid

The Acura MDX is another striking SUV with funky exteriors. Step inside the cabin, and you'll be greeted by what is possibly the best in class interior. The innards are plush with ample soft-touch materials spread generously throughout the cabin. Even on the utility front, the MDX is miles ahead of the RX 450h hybrid.

But, one key thing that buyers will notice while comparing the Acura with the Lexus is the eye-watering price difference of over $7,000, The Lexus is already one of the most expensive in the segment, and the even dearer price tag on the MDX is likely to scare away potential buyers.

The RX 450h is one the finest hybrid SUVs you'd find in the market presently. The engine is punchy and economic. The interior feels opulent with a lot of good elements, but the weak legroom in the rear will definitely be a problem. As with all Lexus cars, the standard feature list is long even after the recent price reduction. On the safety front as well, there is no shortage of features at all. With the current price tag, it's one of the better luxury crossovers you'd find in the segment.