2021 Lexus RX 450h
| MSRP | $58,530 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $53,713 |
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2021 Lexus RX 450h Review
- Impeccably crafted, attractively designed cabin
- Generous passenger room
- Supremely quiet interior
- Smooth power delivery
- Below-average cargo capacity
- Relatively slow acceleration
- Touchpad controller is distracting to use
- Subpar real-world fuel economy
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard
- A wireless charging pad is now available
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Toyota and Lexus are pioneers when it comes to the early adoption of hybrid technology. Back for the 2006 model year, Lexus debuted the first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h. Today, that lineage continues with the 2021 Lexus RX 450h. In those intervening years, the RX hybrid has steadily improved and proved itself both powerful and dependable. The competition has also caught on and developed their own fuel-sipping alternatives.
This year, the Lexus RX 450h receives just a few updates and remains an excellent choice among hybrid SUVs, but it's not the best. It's outshone by the larger Acura MDX Sport Hybrid as well as plug-in hybrids that include the BMW X3 xDrive30e and the Audi Q5. It's still a close battle among all of these hybrid SUVs, however, and we recommend checking all of them out to see which best suits your needs. And check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth evaluation on this year's RX 450h.
Our verdict | |
Lexus has been in the hybrid-making business for quite some time, so it's no surprise it makes some of the best. The RX 450h's bold styling could be a polarizing point for buyers, but its combination of impressive attention to detail, interior appointments and practicality makes it an undoubtedly attractive proposition in the luxury SUV scene. Our only real reservation: It underperformed its EPA fuel economy estimates in our testing. | |
How does the RX 450h drive? | |
The RX 450h feels good on the road, with easy effort steering and even quicker pickup than the non-hybrid models. And thanks to a well-tuned brake-by-wire system, the RX 450h is capable of surprisingly smooth stops, which can be a real weak point for hybrid vehicles. It's not only quicker than the non-hybrid RX 350, but it also delivers a smoother driving experience overall. That's a double win. Our instrumented test numbers confirm the 450h is sufficiently quick, clocking 60 mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds. But that does put it a few car lengths behind Volvo's potent hybrid SUVs. Suspension updates for the 2020 model year make the RX 450h feel a bit more agile and nicely counteract the added weight from the batteries and hybrid components. | |
How comfortable is the RX 450h? | |
Comfort has always been an RX hallmark, and the 450h largely continues to deliver on that promise. The front seats are wide and accommodating, but the cushions feel a bit flat. Our car also didn't have the nice four-way adjustable lumbar we experienced in other models. The second-row seats are pretty comfy too, and they have the ability to recline. The suspension does a good job of taking the edge off rougher road surfaces and bumps, but the hybrid's added weight produces more residual motion after the 450h hits a bump, making for a floaty ride. The cabin is well insulated from traffic and wind noise as well as tire drone, and the silence of the hybrid powertrain only adds to the serenity. You'll never have to raise your voice to have a conversation. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The interior feels luxurious and roomy and will accommodate the tallest of drivers. Visibility can be an issue in parking lot scenarios since the corners of the RX can be hard to judge if you don't have the optional 360-degree camera. It's not an issue if you do, though, and we'd recommend selecting that option. We appreciate that there are quite a few clearly labeled buttons around the cabin. We also appreciate the improvements Lexus has made to its infotainment system, replacing the joystick-style controller with a touchpad and adding a touchscreen interface. The location of the touchscreen makes it a bit of a reach for anyone, but it's better than not having that functionality. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Lexus' Mark Levinson stereos are always a high point, and the big infotainment screen is crisp and appealing. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration operates elegantly for the most part, though some of our Android users experienced issues with apps missing and sometimes had no functionality at all. Bluetooth works well, though, and charging options are available for the first two rows with a generous six USBs total. The adaptive cruise system works well even in stop-and-go traffic. It's a bit conservative about following distance, but it doesn't panic when cars change lanes ahead of you. Most other systems are similarly strong, but the lane keeping assist was a little hyperactive and sometimes would ping-pong back and forth within the lane. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The RX 450h's trunk offers a good amount of storage — 18 cubic feet — even if it's not nearly as roomy as some other midsize SUV trunks by the numbers. And with 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, this luxury SUV has the flexibility to carry an assortment of goods. It's even rated to tow 3,500 pounds, which, though far from class-leading, is enough for a small trailer with a motorcycle or two. Passengers get a fair amount of well-thought-out storage for personal items, even including a cupholder whose depth can be adjusted for taller mugs. There's also ample room for installing a car seat thanks to the large door openings and plenty of rear legroom. | |
How economical is the RX 450h? | |
The RX 450h gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined (31 city/28 highway), which is pretty stellar. Our best tank in mixed driving came in at 25.7 mpg, while the run on our 115-mile evaluation loop yielded 25.1 mpg. That's better than most non-hybrid SUVs and about where the Volvo hybrids are rated. But it's pretty disappointing compared to expectations. | |
Is the RX 450h a good value? | |
Fit and finish on the RX 450h leaves very little to be desired, both inside and out. It's unlikely you'll come in contact with something other than leather or soft-touch plastics, demonstrating a level of attention to detail that many manufacturers lack. Our well-equipped test car came in just over $60K (MSRP starts around $47K), which is still a good value considering other luxury hybrid SUVs begin in the mid-$50Ks. As with other RX models we tested, we weren't overly impressed by the fuel economy we observed in the 450h. But Lexus' warranties are good for the class, and roadside assistance is offered for four years with unlimited miles. | |
Wildcard | |
The RX has visual personality with its swoopy bold styling and oversized grille. But like a kitty cat in a tiger suit, the Lexus oversells its ferocity a bit. It's a competent and comfortable vehicle to be sure, but it's not one we'd seek out for thrills behind the wheel. Others in this segment are simply better dynamically on road or more capable off-road, which just leaves the RX sitting pretty in the middle of the road. | |
Which RX 450h does Edmunds recommend?
The base RX 450h gets our recommendation since the F Sport's performance gains are minimal and many of the interior features are available in other packages or as stand-alone options.
Of those options, the navigation system with its larger screen and apps is a worthy add-on.
Of those options, the navigation system with its larger screen and apps is a worthy add-on.
Lexus RX 450h models
The 2021 Lexus RX 450h is available in base and F Sport trims (technically, the F Sport is an option package). Both are powered by a 308-horsepower hybrid powertrain that uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. All-wheel drive is standard. Feature highlights include:
Save as much as $5,005 with Edmunds
2021 Lexus RX 450h pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$53,713
1 for sale in 20147
F SPORT Handling
3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$58,095
1 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Lexus RX 450h.
Trending topics in reviews
- comfort
- infotainment system
- lights
- ride quality
- handling & steering
- wheels & tires
- steering wheel
- maintenance & parts
- doors
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- value
- visibility
- brakes
- climate control
- fuel efficiency
- appearance
- road noise
Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, smooth to speed
ron wood,
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
traded in my cadillac 2017 escalade..different class of car. Yet it was a good move..its smooth..fast but takes a little time to get there..good looking...interior is classy. normal mode is good yet if you want to play...go into sport m,ode...jumping on the highway from a street standstill you want to start in sport mode and after your are getting up to speed go back into normal mode. From that point on you got a comfortable ride. auto lights are cool also, breaking is good. im satisified..just need more speed and better gas mileage. also its a littlre pricey. good luck
1/5 stars, Brake Squawk
Mikko,
F SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
drove it for 2.5 months brand new 450h, and going into 3rd month heard brakes squawking noise and or thump associated. Brought to dealer 1st time they found nothing, 2nd time--pending to hear back as currently in shop..disappointed.
5/5 stars, 2021 RX 450h
Bunni,
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Great SUV!! I traded my 2017 Acura RDX and never looked back!! I feel like I’m riding cloud!! It’s super comfortable and quiet! All tech is intuitive!! The touch pad was a bit intimidating at first but no worries it’s super easy to use!! It is a beautiful car! I have no complaints!! Love Love Love It!!! Worth every dollar!!
3/5 stars, Buyer beware of little things that are annoying
Sam,
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Recently bought a 2021 RX450H and below are few comments:
1) Why is it marketed as "Heated steering wheel" when it is only partial area that is heated compared to competition where entire steering wheel is heated. Everyone hold steering wheel differently and it is false advertisement
2) The person who made the decision for having garage opener button on rear view mirror should be fired as that is the most poor design without any customer feedback. Every time the garage button is pushed the rear view mirror goes out of adjustment
3) Interior panels are made of cheap plastic when I compare with 2008 ES 350. One can tell the quality is greatly degraded
4) Touch lock button on door handles is in awkward location, Not where your fingers would normally fall like on the back side which they used to have before
2021 Lexus RX 450h video
2020 Lexus RX First Look
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lexus RX 450h, but since the 2021 Lexus RX 450h is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Halfway through its current life cycle, the Lexus RX is getting a mild refresh in the form of some styling, tech and equipment updates. The 2020 Lexus RX acquires new headlights, a new front and rear fascia, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. The standard RX 350 model all the way up to the Lexus RX 450h hybrid and its three-row variant, the RX 450hL, also receive suspension and chassis updates to improve ride quality and steering responsiveness. The optional 12.3-inch infotainment screen has also been moved closer to the driver and given touchscreen capability, a change that should make the system much easier to use.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RX 450h safety features:
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
- Includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Alerts emergency services automatically in the event of a crash or distress. Also includes a stolen vehicle locator.
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Provides a 360-degree view of the area around the RX 450h to aid in parking situations.
Lexus RX 450h vs. the competition
2021 Lexus RX 450h
2020 Acura MDX
Lexus RX 450h vs. Acura MDX
The midsize Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is a little bigger than the RX 450h and costs several thousand more, but it's good enough to warrant the extra money. Both earn strong scores for comfort and refinement but also get points deducted for their awkward infotainment interfaces. The Acura is more powerful, but that also results in lower fuel economy estimates. Then again, the RX 450h struggles to achieve its EPA estimates for fuel consumption.
Lexus RX 450h vs. BMW X3
The BMW X3 xDrive30e is a plug-in hybrid that's estimated to return up to 18 miles in electric-only range. Past that, it functions like a conventional hybrid, though the EPA estimates fuel consumption at 24 mpg combined, compared to the Lexus' 30 mpg. Depending on your commute and access to charging stations, it's possible to meet or beat the RX's efficiency. The BMW is more powerful and engaging to drive, but the price can also climb quickly as you add options.
Lexus RX 450h vs. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid costs more than the RX 450h and is estimated to provide 19 miles of electric-only range. After the battery is depleted, fuel economy is estimated at 27 mpg combined. Under the right conditions, the extra expense could be recovered in gas savings in a year or two. Both the RX hybrid and Audi plug-in have their own style, but we're partial to the Q5's infotainment interface and it pulls further ahead with its larger cargo capacity.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RX 450h a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 RX 450h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus RX 450h fuel economy, so it's important to know that the RX 450h gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RX 450h has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus RX 450h. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h:
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard
- A wireless charging pad is now available
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Is the Lexus RX 450h reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus RX 450h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RX 450h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RX 450h's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus RX 450h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus RX 450h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 RX 450h and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 RX 450h is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus RX 450h?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus RX 450h is the 2021 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $47,920.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $47,920
- F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $51,400
- F SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $53,720
What are the different models of Lexus RX 450h?
If you're interested in the Lexus RX 450h, the next question is, which RX 450h model is right for you? RX 450h variants include 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and F SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of RX 450h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more