4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
You might know that an extended version of the popular Lexus RX 350 was launched with three rows and is called the RX 350L. Lexus then planned out the same treatment to the already available RX450h hybrid vehicles, thus rolling out the RX450hL.
Powered by a powerful 308 hp gas electric V6 enginethe Lexus RX450hL marks Zero to 60 in 8.1 Seconds with an all-wheel drive system. This might look discomforting to many of you for being an average performance from an SUV, however you wont challenge the same if you know that it's a three-row SUV with a size that fits 7 people and rivals the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, and the Acura MDX SUV.
The 2019 Lexus RX450 is surprisingly not bringing any notable changes that were expected to the existing vehicle. The Lexus RX450hL always remains a talk of the town for a few worst things that also includes its polarized design and outdated infotainment system. It's not the best riding three row SUV in the town, however its low ownership cost and excellent fuel economy in its class makes it remain popular.
The Lexus offers just a single trim which is the "RX 450hL" variant with a lovely gas-electric hybrid motor combination.
Trim |
RX 450h |
---|---|
MSRP |
$50,820 |
Key Features |
Lexus Enform Connectivity |
Captain's Chairs In Second-row Seats |
|
Panoramic View Monitor |
|
Head-up Display |
|
Three-row Seats |
|
LED Cornering Foglamps |
|
Rain-sensing Wipers |
|
Stability Control |
|
Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System |
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As there is just one trim to choose, that one trim is the only one recommended.
The 2019 Lexus RX 450hL uses both, a conventional gas engine and electric motors, to power the car. Individually, the V6 engine churns out 295 horsepower, and when paired with the battery powered motors, the power rating increases to 308 horsepower. Although the power output is plenty, the engine itself isn't as exciting. You get fine performance, but none of the drama associated with a V6. The hybrid system does help out, supplying instant torque at the drop of a dime. Still, this almost-2-and-a-half ton beast takes time to build speed.
The F Sport trim offers a bit more flair, with synthesized engine noise playing in the cabin via the speakers, BMW style. Horsepower figures remain the same, which is quite disappointing. Transmission duties are handled by an electronically controlled CVT automatic. The hybrid car is only available in an All-wheel-drive format.
Models |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Sport |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$50,820 |
$37,170 |
$59,550 |
$54,285 |
Engine |
3.5 Liter V6 |
3.5-liter V6 |
3.0-liter V6 |
3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded |
Transmission |
e-CVT |
e-CVT |
7-speed auto-shift manual |
8 Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
259-hp @ 6,000 rpm |
231-hp @ 5,800 rpm |
257-hp @ 6,300 rpm |
295 hp@ 6300 rpm |
Torque |
247 ft-lbs.@ 2900rpm |
215 lbs.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
218 lbs.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm |
268 ft-lbs@ 4700 rpm |
While Lexus may look quite sporty, that isn't really the case here. The car isn't particularly fast but does well for itself, the exact figures haven't been tested yet, so the final comments will rest until then. The 2018 Lexus RX 450hL took under 7 seconds to go from 0-60 and considering that this model uses the same engine, drivetrain, and has had minimal changes done, the figures will probably remain the same. The naturally aspirated V6 though has quite a lot of power, which helps move the two-ton-plus SUV.
Models |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.1 sec |
6.6 sec |
6.5 sec |
6.8 sec |
Quarter mile |
15.3 sec |
14. 9 sec |
14.7 sec |
15.1 sec |
Engine |
3.5-liter premium V6 engine with an electric motor |
Even with the added bulk and the big V6, the RX 450hL turns out to be quite an efficient car. That's primarily because of its hybrid motor, which helps ease the burden off the engine. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces emissions.
Model |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
29 |
30 |
26 |
19 |
MPG (highway) |
28 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
MPG (combined) |
29 |
29 |
27 |
21 |
Range (miles) (city/highway) |
516/481 |
516/481 |
504/524 |
365/499 |
Tank Capacity (gal) |
17.2 |
17.2 |
19.4 |
19.2 |
The Lexus RX has a brilliantly insulated cabin, which shields out the road and wind noise. The hybrid variant is even quieter and feels extremely well built, with great fit and finish as well. Seats are well cushioned and comfy, both in the front and rear, and the space inside is extremely generous as well. Coupled with easy ingress and egress, the RX SUV races ahead in terms of seating and comfort.
You get a third row of seats as well, although it seats only children. You might not think much of it, but if you ever want to meet your parents, take your kids along, and then go for a short drive to some tourist spot, you'd find the inclusion of these extra seats a life saver. You get the option of real leather on the seats as well, in case you want complete luxury to surround you.
Model |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
7 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.4/57.8/44.1 |
40.7/59.3/44.2 |
38.1/61.1/41.4 |
39.4/57.8/44.1 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.2/57.8/38.0 |
39.9/59.6/38.4 |
38.3/61.1/38.5 |
39.1/57.6/38.0 |
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
N/A |
35.9/55.0/38.4 |
35.6/54.7/28.1 |
N/A |
The 2019 Lexus RX 450hL offers a slightly-difficult-to-learn infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display as standard.
You have the option to upgrade to a better, wider 12.3-inch display too, which is much easier on the eyes as well. You also get:
2019 Lexus RX 450hL hybrid Optional equipment includes:
Sadly, the RX 450hL gives a miss to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Cargo capacity is pretty decent with the second and third row up, but fold them down and it becomes amazing. In hybrid vehicles, usually, the battery pack takes up a lot of space. In here though, the extra stuff is very well hidden. Fold the seats down and you get a smidge more than 56.3 cubic feet, which is simply amazing. You can carry pretty much everything in the trunk, and if your family loves weekend excursions, you can also pack enough luggage for everyone.
Model |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
18.0 |
13.8 |
15.8 |
18.4 |
The RX450hL model carries larger dimensions than the regular RX450h, but the same as the 2019 Lexus RX 350L, and is a mid-size SUV. Even though the length is longer, wheelbase remains the same at a rather compact length of almost 110 inches.
The weight, however, is a bit too much. This extended hybrid version weighs in at 4,905 pounds, which makes it a little difficult to muscle around.
Model |
Lexus RX 450hL |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
Acura MDX Hybrid |
Lexus RX 350L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4,740 |
4,398 |
4,471 |
4,222 |
Length(in) |
192.5 |
192.5 |
196.2 |
192.5 |
Width(in) |
74.6 |
75.8 |
77.7 |
74.6 |
Height(in) |
67.7 |
68.1 |
67.4 |
67.7 |
Ground clearance (in) |
8.2 |
8.0 |
5.6 |
8.2 |
Wheelbase (in) |
109.8 |
109.8 |
111.0 |
109.8 |
Track width (in) F/R |
64.4/64.0 |
64.4/64.2 |
66.3/66.3 |
64.4/64 |
Lexus used to be the most conservative styled, and if you are a Jeremy Clarkson fan, utterly boring cars as well. Gone are those days, and now Lexus cars have more shapes and curves than a children's coloring book. The design philosophy is extremely daring and, sadly, polarizing. The hourglass front grill and sharp side profile is an eyeball magnet, and if you love attention, this one will bring you a lot. There isn't much to distinguish the hybrid from the regular car, except for the "hybrid" badging on the tail.
2019 Lexus RX also gets a slew of safety features in its arsenal. Standard features include the following:
Apart from all these, you get optional safety tech as well
Is the extended hybrid Lexus any better than the regular sized hybrid? Well, apart from the third row, you don't really have anything more in the 450hL.
The interiors are the same, the equipment is the same, and even the driving experience isn't too different. What you get is the ability to seat 2 more children which, to be honest, is all you need sometimes. If you don't, then there is absolutely no need to fork out the extra cash.
Lexus RX is nothing more than a fancier Toyota Highlander, and it shows.
The spec sheet is full of identical data for both these cars. Still, the Lexus is a lot more luxury-oriented (hence the high price tag) and a little more powerful as well. If money is an issue, but you would still prefer a hybrid people carrier, then get the Highlander instead.
Acura MDX is a great car. So shouldn't the Acura MDX Sport be an even better car (or possibly the sporty version), right? Wrong! The "Sport" badge isn't for a performance model, but the hybrid model. It gets an additional electric motor to aid driving, improve economy, and lower emissions.
Sadly though, it isn't a very exciting car. As a driver, you might feel that the RX is a little better to respond to steering inputs, but in the real world, the difference is overshadowed by the softness of its suspension, which improves the ride but dulls the cornering ability. Both have the same seating capacity as well. Overall, no clear winner here.
It's 2019, and eco-friendly technology is gaining pace, trying to break into the mainstream. Lexus RX 450hL SUV is a simple yet practical car. The hybrid powertrain may be complicated, but the styling is more so. If you love attention, and also care about the environment, and want to ferry your parents and kids together in the same car, well, how many options do you really have?