Review: Lexus RX 450h

Santa Clarita, California—The 2021 Lexus RX 450h AWD is the ideal premium SUV for families – especially those who love to travel on the open road. It not only seats 7 people but its fuel-efficient hybrid motor means you’ll rarely have to stop for gas on your road trips. Despite having a powerful 308 total system horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 450h manages to achieve 12 combined (city/highway) kilometers per liter. It’s electronic all-wheel drive system also means that it can be driven safely on your expeditions that require a little more traction or safety, especially in rainy conditions. Not-so-large families can fold the last row of seats down as well, so there is more room for cargo. 

Advertisement

The Lexus RX 450h was immediately easy on the eyes upon delivery, with glimmering shades of olive and dark green interspersed throughout the body. Officially titled “Nori Green Pearl,’ the RX 450h’s lush exterior and its outdoor-readiness made me want to take it into the woodlands pronto, and I did just that on a road trip to Big Bear, California. 

The Lexus RX 450h’s cabin was equally as exquisite as the exterior. Inspired by Japanese ‘takumi’ styling, minimalist yet modern LED illuminated lines run across the interior while Yamaha Gray Sapele wood accents add a naturalist contrast to the interior. One potential gripe with the interior space however is its rearmost row. Although this row increases the maximum number of seats to seven, in reality the legroom and size of the seats means they are really only suitable for smaller adults or children. I ended up utilizing this unused row for extra storage space and it easily accommodated all my hiking gear and groceries. Folding down these seats is simple as well due to the RX 450h’s power-folding and reclining technology, which can even collapse the second row. So while the RX 450h is very much tailored for families, it can easily find use with a couple or small family who enjoy regular long drives. 

As I embarked on my road trip, I quickly noticed the Lexus RX 450h’s drive was thoroughly smooth not just in terms of its acceleration but in its hybrid transitioning. For instance, shifting out of an EV/hybrid mode because the vehicle is reaching a speed that must use gas is quite seamless, and it doesn’t physically feel like you or the vehicle is exerting effort to do so. In addition, regenerative braking to bring more energy to the hybrid motor is equally seamless and doesn’t “stutter” as is common with hybrid vehicles. To add to this, Dynamic Torque Control and Electronic All Wheel-Drive automatically shift engine power across the front and rear axles, ensuring the RX 450h adapts to road conditions as they change. This was especially useful driving up the winding mountainous terrain of Big Bear. The car felt quite gripped to the terrain as I maneuvered its steering wheel, and it handled the demands of ascending a mountain well even on rocky terrain, never feeling the need to push strongly on the gas pedal. 

Navigating to Big Bear was a simple and convenient experience due to Voice Command capability, which made finding my remote cabin in the woods straightforward and a breeze. Both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility made the ride diversified, entertainment-wise. I could easily shift between my Apple podcasts and Amazon Music with the proper vocal command. If you prefer more of a tactile experience, the Lexus RX 450h’s 12.3-inch touchscreen display lets you control the vehicle’s numerous functions like a smartphone. Pinch-and-zoom capability lets you easily navigate between the audio, climate and GPS. If you are driving solo, the ergonomic steering wheel buttons and Remote Touchpad let you navigate the aforementioned controls so that you never lose focus. 

Further safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts. The former will automatically detect and warn the driver of vehicle’s either approaching you or hidden within your blind spot, while the latter alerts you of pedestrians or other cars going past your rear as you back out of a parking space. This feature was particularly useful when parked in the unmarked woods, as fellow hikers, bikers and even straying animals could be picked up and spotted by the detection system.  

The Lexus RX 450h is a hybrid in every sense of the word. It not only has a luxurious feel and drive for a “family car,” but it is also well-equipped to accommodate your family’s needs on the road. Even if you don’t have a family, the vehicle’s versatility allows it to transform the middle and back rows into a more significant amount of space for whatever you need to transport, making it ideal for road trippers. No matter your situation or composition, you can be sure the Lexus RX 450h will be ready and able to take you on your next adventure.