Flash Drive

2020 Lexus RX 450h

January 29, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is big on style and comfort with the added benefit of hybrid power.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 plus two electric motors, 308 horsepower combined, 247 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 31-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 30-mpg combined

Base Price: $50,550

As Tested: $60,025

Performance:

Console dial for Eco, Normal, and Sport

Separate button for EV mode

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h gets good highway economy, but is rated even higher in the city.

Sport mode makes noticeable performance improvement

Paddle shifters

20-inch F Sport alloy wheels

F Sport performance dampers

Our best fuel economy was 28.7-mpg highway

Comfort:

Bold red upholstery

Comfortable, supportive seats

Nice side bolsters

The rear 3/4 view is handsome, but the radical roofline impacts cargo capacity.

Power lumbar adjustment both front seats

Stretch-out driver legroom

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Good auxiliary controls

Soft armrest cover over console bin

Ample headroom

Soft headliner

Excellent rear seat leg, knee, and shoe room even with front seats all back

Soft, wide center armrest with

Interior comfort, space, and materials quality are all great.

concealed cup holders

Flat floor in second row

Utility:

Power liftgate with ample clearance for tall people

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over

Split, folding rear seats have noticeable slope

Medium size locking glovebox

Big sliding sun visors

Medium console bin

The power lift gate on the various RX models can be motion activated.

Large front door bins that hinge outward

Small open bin on passenger side of center console

Very bright rear courtesy lamp

Small rear door bins with bottle notches

Two seatback storage pockets, but hard plastic shells

WOW Factors:

Excellent optional head up display

Sleek styling

Smooth highway ride

Large, wide infotainment screen

The Lexus RX infotainment screen is big, wide, and easy to access.

Whines:

We didn’t see a big economy difference from non-hybrid RX models

No heated seats, but had optional $3,365 audio/navigation system

Expensive $1675 auto dimming headlights sometimes slow to react

Radical rear roofline impacts cargo capacity

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is a stylish, luxurious hybrid SUV that provides a very pleasant driving experience/environment. Fuel economy is fine, but we didn’t see significant gains over the also economical non-hybrid RX models.