Used 2018 Lexus RX 450hL Base for sale 

The 2018 Lexus RX 450hL is available as part of the 3 trims of the hybrid series. It is RX 450h except for a further elongated seating capacity for 7 passengers. It comes featuring a 3.5L V6 engine and 3 electric workings, paired to a CVT gearbox. The lone trim sports a long list of features, including power-adjustable front seats, NuLuxe leather upholstery, and smart access including other features.

A Luxury configuration is available at $54,555 and can be considered a package. It further adds 20-inch wheels, rear side sunshades, illuminated door sills, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, LED ambient lighting, heated wood steering wheel, perforated leather seating surfaces, and front-seat power lumbar and thigh-extension adjustments.

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The RX 450hL is a single variant and is a great buy and is a value-for-money SUV with sufficient features and safety parameters. A Luxury configuration is available but the base variant has everything you would be looking for the price and segment.

The powertrain responsible for propelling all the wheels of the Lexus RX 450hL is a 3.5L V6 engine mated to 3 electric motors and a CVT transmission. Put all together and that churns out 306 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The performance is unchanged compared to the shorter variant. The CVT still does a commendable job and shifts with smoothness. Of course, as its nature, the transmission is designed with comfort and frugality over performance.

The RX 450hL's front wheels are powered by the gasoline engine, while the rear drives with the electric motors, zipping on battery power. Anyhow, the power spurted from under the hood feels sporty and balances serene driving pleasure. There exists little difference between the non-hybrid variants and the hybrid, something not every car can boast about.

On paper with rivals, the Lexus RX 450hL is certainly not the most powerful in the segment but is one most expensive as well as offers a third row. The Acura MDX is the most powerful in the segment pushing out 321 hp but is also the dearest to buy at $52,100, a few thousands more than the RX 450hL.

Acceleration

The Lexus RX 450hL zips down the tarmac in 8.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The time certainly puts the almost-5000-lbs.-weighing-SUV over the edge of being a decent performer in itself, nonetheless, it is among the slowest of the lot. 

However, in the competition, the Acura MDX with its most powerful engine translates that exact statement on track, bringing its SUV home from 0-60 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds, followed by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that takes 6.9 seconds and then the Lexus and the Pacifica comes in, reaching 60mph in an identical time of 7.4 seconds. 

How well does the Lexus RX 450hL AWD Hybrid handle and ride?

Ease of driving and comfort are top priorities of the Lexus RX 450hL. Albeit not providing a sporty ride quality or an experience, the overall drivability is spirited despite a few concerns regarding a mild discomfort when driven over potholes or uneven tarmac. However, it is worthy to note that the ride is quite comfortable when driven on a straight path or even when maneuvering corners. Handling the Lexus SUV is commendable with good feedback from the road.

How impressive are the brakes on the Lexus RX 450hL AWD Hybrid?

As for the braking in the SUV, the 2018 Lexus 450hL consists of a 12.9-inch rotors and a 12.3-inch rotors in the front and back, respectively, which is the smallest in the segment. The brakes pedals offer decent travel of the foot, however, there exists a slight hiccup when suddenly jabbed. It can come to a panic stop from 60 mph in 123 ft, which is quite a commendable feat for the 4,905 lbs. heavy SUV. 

The Lexus has the best stopping distance in the segment. All the other rivals feature similar stopping distances that range upwards of 130 ft. The Pacifica takes 131 ft, the Toyota stops in 133 ft, whereas the Acura takes 134ft to come to a stop from 60mph.

Hybrid trims are solely bought for better frugality of the powertrain. Not compromising on that notion, the Lexus RX 450hL delivers a combined mileage of 28.5 mpg. The Lexus has a fuel capacity of 17.2 gallons and a range of 498 miles in the city, 481 on the highway, and a combined range of 490 miles.

The Chrysler Pacifica hybrid with the least powerful engine in the segment, is also the SUV with the best fuel economy in the lot, with 33 mpg in the city, highway, and the combined rating. It also has the smallest fuel tank of 14 gallons, while the Toyota and the Acura get a fuel capacity of more than 19 gallons, whereas the Lexus stands in the middle with a 17.2-gallon tank.

Inside the RX 450hL, the front seats are praise-worthy; plush and comfortable describe them perfectly. The seats also come with incredible padding and thigh support for the taller folks while the rear seats also feel as affluent but we could wish for some more legroom.

Due to the floating roofline, the rear headroom will most probably create trouble for the taller folks. 

In terms of noise isolation, this is one aspect that the Japanese manufacturer scores mediocre points, even though there is sufficient muting but some noise does seep in. The third row is not suitable for adults as there is limited space. All Lexus is known to be tech loaded to the brim, and the RX 450hL is no exception. Some of its key features are

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

Infotainment System

The RX 450hL features a 12.3-inch dash-top display that is controlled by a mouse type joystick mounted on the center console. The audio system is a nine speaker unit which can be further upgraded to a 15-Speaker Mark Levinso unit that outputs 835 watts. The infotainment system faces outdated controls and a few occasional lags. 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. Few key features include-

• 12.3-inch dashtop display
• Touchpad with swipe and zoom gesture support
• Nine speaker audio system
• Optional 835 watts, 15 speaker Mark Levinson audio system
• USB Ports
• Bluetooth Connectivity with audio streaming

Cargo Capacity

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

In comparison, the rivals are way far ahead in terms of boot space. The Chrysler Pacifica sits comfortably at the top of the table with a huge 87.5 ft. cube boot. While both the MDX and Highlander feature a similar-ish boot capacity of around 43.0 ft. cube.

The Lexus Rx 450hL 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 with an extra space at the back allows the SUV to ensure enough room for the passengers.

However, space in the 3rd row is barely fit for kids to sit comfortably, let alone adults.

The Lexus RX 450hL weighs in at a beefy 4,905 lbs, bringing it second only to the Chrysler Pacifica, which weighs around 4,943 lbs. The 2018 Acura weighs at 4,471 lbs and the Toyota surprisingly is the lightest weighing 4905 lbs. The list of exterior features on the Lexus RX 450hL includes.

• HID projector headlamps
• Sunroof
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Signature spindle grille

Lexus has loaded the RX450hL 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 plenty of it. Some of the standard safety features incorporated in this Lexus include a comprehensive set of airbags consisting of Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags, Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags, Driver And Passenger Knee Airbags, and Rear Side-Impact Airbags along with an Airbag occupancy Sensor. The safety tech further includes ABS and Driveline Traction Control couples with Electronic Stability Control. The detailed list of safety features is as follows :

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Lexus Safety System+ Forward Collision
• Lane Keep Assist Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

Lexus RX 450hL AWD hybrid vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Just like the RX 450hL, the Highlander Hybrid is a slick-looking SUV with sharp body lines and an imposing road presence. The interior is of superior quality as well with well-appointed seats with space for up to 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 450hL AWD hybrid 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 interiors. 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 450hL 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.

Lexus RX 450hL AWD hybrid vs Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler can never run away from the fact that it is more of a minivan than a crossover. Its body style might be boring to look at but it gives the car a lot of utility advantage, Both passenger space and boot space on the Chrysler is adequately big for any long journeys. But where it lacks is the interior quality. Neither the seats nor the overall materials feel quite as plush as the Lexus RX 450hL.

The cheaper price tag does some justice to the Pacifica. So, if you want a budget people mover, the Pacifica will do, otherwise, Lexus is a better car.

Presently, the 2018 Lexus RX 450hL is one of the finest SUVs you'd find in the market. Opulent interior with rich-feel despite legroom and headspace issues make up the cabin and would be a cause of concern. However, there are plenty of features and safety equipment with a decent and comfortable driving performance and experience. Even in terms of its fuel economy, the SUV passes with a commendable score. With the price tag it comes with, the SUV is a great buy.