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Used 2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
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4.75 out of 5 stars

2013 RX 450h vs 2006 RX400h

pcwlexus, Springfield, VA, 05/15/2013
Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
66 of 66 people found this review helpful

I purchased a new 2013 RX450h after having the original RX400h since April 2005. Since it's been 7 model years of advancements I expected the new 450h to be more technically advanced then my 400h (it truly is), but I am amazed how much better it is overall. The 2013 handles much better, is quieter, and the transitions from no engine to having the engine cut on are not noticeable like they were on the 400h; especially at traffic lights. The 2013 feels much more substantial and you really don't hear the road noise or the loud engine go-cart like sounds that I could hear when I accelerated with the 400h.

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5 out of 5 stars

The comfortable tireless driving experience

NateJG, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 01/06/2017
updated 07/12/2021
Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
43 of 43 people found this review helpful

Let's get to the elephant in the room first: I logged 27.4 MPG for my first 50,000 miles of driving. That's not even close to the EPA's estimate (and my first car in which I couldn't best the EPA's estimates). Add that to the requirement of Premium grade fuel, and the expected savings (based upon fuel cost savings) for me, won't happen. That off the table, I find that 10-hour-per-day 2-days back-to-back leave me rested and ready to go! The car is pleasingly quick and reasonably quiet; and, at least within the RX line at the time of purchase, the best safety features were reserved for the Hybrid. Stop and go traffic snarls are almost entertaining, in that the MPG goes UP while inching along; and the engine being stopped means lower heat cooking under-hood parts. The electric air conditioning is always perfect. My AWD's snow prowess is stellar and just short of unbelievable. Solicited update from Edmunds on 1/7/2020: I now have 96K miles on it — and nothing above needs any amplification or deletion. It’s a supremely satisfying car. I usually drive it in Normal mode - but when using “Economy” mode - and can reach 29+ MPG (air conditioning off) IF road and traffic permits keeping speeds under 55 MPH. I reset the MPG once per month, and I’ve found that the onboard MPG report is spot-on. One significant complaint: I'm on my third OEM 12 V battery - and I cannot count on the car starting after 2~3 weeks of non-use (as in parked while on a cruise) because the 12 Volt battery dies. The most recent occurrence caused the key fob(s) to become “unregistered” and required the magic touch of an informed tow truck driver (hint: on my 2013 model, one must push the Start button USING THE KEY FOB to “re-register” the fob to the vehicle. Try finding THAT tidbit in the user manual when you’re fuming over the fact that your Lexus is dead - Again!) 7/7/2020 - Edmunds asked for an update - I’ve re-read the above, and I still agree with it. I love this car - however it is the last car that I will intentionally buy that requires Premium Fuel. 1/9/2021 - another Edmunds-requested update: 101K miles - the above is still valid. Brake pads were reported to be more than 2/3 life remaining at last oil change (I change oil at 5K intervals, and front/rear motor/transmission fluid at 35K intervals — will change again at 105K). I have no plans to offload the car. 7/11/21 Another Edmunds requested review: My local dealership sent an unsolicited offer to buy my car for only $15K - and I plan to use/enjoy it for at least another two to four years (it's that loved).

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

A Joy Every Day

John Urice, Chippewa Falls, WI, 04/18/2016
updated 04/19/2017
Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful

My biggest gripe about this car is that when Lexus redesign this year it omitted the sunglasses holder. That's about it for complaints. I have just under 40K on it and it NEVER been to the dealer for any kind of repair or warranty work. I have only had routine 5K and 10K maintenance. The OEM tires are NOT great in snow and ice, but I bought a set of modestly priced winter tires on rims so once in "Hybrid Snow" mode, it drives great in all kinds of weather. It is about as comfortable as one can get under $100K. I love it. Update, October, 2016: For a variety of reasons, I sold my Lexus privately. My primary reason was my age. I recognize, which some of my peers do not, that my vision and reflexes are slowly declining. I have driven 54 years without a chargeable accident, and wanted to keep it that way. So I sold my Lexus to a friend at the top end of the "private sale" range to buy a car with auto-stop and other safety features. I still loved the Lexus and happily recommend to others. I considered a new one, but was simply put off by the new "aggressive" styling on the exterior and the lack of a harmonious design in the cockpit.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Hybrid models not producing higher MPGs

LG-Maine, Oakland, ME, 12/02/2021
Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

My understanding is most of these batteries are warrantied for about 8 years/ 96 mo or 100k miles (whichever comes first). If the warranty 'expires' at that point, you can pretty much imagine, the battery components (things that 'hybridize' the vehicle) are going to begin to lose their charging/recharging capacity - and the car is going to operate more like the traditional RX model (without the hybrid feature); thereby, dropping back down in mileage from around 30mpg to closer to 20 maybe 22. What to do? My understanding is there may be a way where they can 'recharge' the cells of the battery (whereby you would not have to replace a battery - big bucks - my understanding $6-$8k for a battery replacement). If they can recharge the cells, costs would be closer to $1,500-$2,000. Is it worth it? I guess that depends how much you drive. Good article here: https://exclusivelyhybrid.com/lexus-hybrid-battery-warranty/ Lexus Hybrid Battery Replacement Costs Most people assume that replacing Lexus hybrid batteries will give them sticker shock. This isn’t always true if you consider reliable options other than the Lexus dealership. If you want Lexus to handle everything, they charge $5,000 – $7,000 for a drive motor battery pack depending on the model. Read more: How Much Does a Lexus Hybrid Battery Cost to Replace? The good news is, reputable manufacturers sell their own replacement products. Exclusively Hybrid manufactures and sells highly respected Lexus batteries at a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Reconditioned hybrid batteries are also available for those who want a cheaper product. Reconditioned batteries for Lexus models like the CT200H start at just $990 from Exclusively Hybrid. A reconditioned GS450H hybrid battery from Exclusively Hybrid ranges in price from just $1,500 to $2,000. Reconditioned battery packs include refurbished hybrid batteries. This includes machine testing each cell to distinguish the usable from the unusable. Weak cells are discarded and replaced with new cells. Anyway, hope this helps. :) LG - Maine

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2.88 out of 5 stars

gives only 22 MPG vs 30 - 32 as stated on sticker

neelimag, San Diego, CA, 01/06/2013
Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
73 of 82 people found this review helpful

I traded in my Lexus GX470 after 6 years for the 2013 450h. The estimated mileage on the sticker is NO WHERE close to what the vehicle actually gets. I am getting 22-23 average miles per gallon! I called the sales man and he asked us to bring it in. Service dept told us there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The dealer told us to call Lexus corporate office. We are very disappoitned with the way the sales maanger treated us. He was insensative and blew us off. My family has been buying cars from LONGO Lexus (El Monte, CA) for 30 years. We will nto buy from LONGO again. I sincerely hope that taking the time to post this review will sufficiently warn others fo the this disparity in mileage

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