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Used 2014 Lexus RX 450h Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
27 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 RX 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX 450h since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

2013 RX 450h vs 2006 RX400h

pcwlexus, 05/15/2013
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
71 of 71 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, 01/06/2017
updated 07/12/2021
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
53 of 53 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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4.25 out of 5 stars

All around outstanding mid size SUV

sgull, 02/17/2013
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
40 of 40 people found this review helpful

Had a Highlander, drove that and the rx350 and Rx450, the rx 450 beat the others. It's extremely quiet, powerful, luxurious, outstanding build quality and we think very nice looking. It takes getting used to a hybrid in day to day driving, as it doesn't jump off the line unless you want it to. It's almost a game seeing how good of mileage you can get. We are getting at least 28 mph in city driving. We intend to keep this vehicle at least 8 years, and gas is not going to get cheaper so it will pay for us in the long run. The ride on the 450 is smoother than the 350 due to the extra weight of the batteries. We have had zero problems or defects in the 7k plus miles we have driven.

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5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME Lexus 450h

VKey, 11/02/2017
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
41 of 42 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2013 Lexus RX 450h used. We purchased it in September of 2017 with only 26,000 miles on it. I average 28-30 mpg in City and about 27-29 HWY. We live on a very busy highway and there are times you have to really 'gun" it it get in the road because of all the traffic. This was my concern that there wouldn't be enough power on demand when I needed it. NO PROBLEM ... squealed tires not thinking it would get down. Even though I have only owned this SUV for about 6 weeks, I am not disappointed in performance, looks or comfort. I feel that we got our money's worth and would most definitely purchase again.

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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4 out of 5 stars

Hybrid models not producing higher MPGs

LG-Maine, 12/02/2021
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
19 of 19 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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5 out of 5 stars

A Joy Every Day

John Urice, 04/18/2016
updated 04/19/2017
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
37 of 39 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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5 out of 5 stars

Hybrids Rock

SG, 11/10/2016
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

This is one of the most quiet vehicles I have ever driven and it is fun to drive since I try to have it run on battery as much as possible to get the best MPG. The MPG is excellent (34 MPG) when in the city and okay when on the highway (30 MPG) and the gas engine kicks in. We bought this vehicle used, but it was low mileage (26,000) for a 2013 vehicle and we anticipate having many years of use from this vehicle. This is our 4th Lexus and we LOVE the brand even though we know it will be a little pricey for long-term maintenance.

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
4 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

It's a super-solid vehicle, but fuel economy meh

Rick, 01/22/2019
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought this with just over 30K 30 months ago as a Certified Pre Owned. I chose the RX450, but also looked at the regular 350. This one was being sold at a great price and was only in-service for 2 years (dealer must have used it as demo or such), so I got 4 years of CPO coverage as part of the basic deal (and then added 5 more years on top of it). As many have written, you'll be fortunate if you get around 26 MPG in combined driving, and that's driving as a normal person, but a hybrid obsessive trying to get the last mile per gallon out. On the other hand, you will never feel you're driving an anemic hybrid. This thing can move out as quickly as you need to. I have NO idea how a few of the disgruntled folks doing these reviews are only getting around 22 MPG, have NEVER been anywhere near that low in my 30K miles of ownership. This model has a lot of premium features packaged with it, which adds to the value. I'm not looking forward to replacing the hybrid batteries (probably $3 or $4K when it happens). If you want REALLY spiffy winter performance, and you live in a snow and ice area (I'm in New England) put on WINTER tires for winter driving. So-called "all season" tires are pretty poor compromises at best for real winter conditions. The only thing to do is seriously consider buying it as a certified pre-owned from a Lexus dealer. Do your research on one of the auto sites and - with a bit of work - you'll be able to find CPOs at about the same price as Plain Old Used. The Lexus CPO warranty is crazy good, and you can buy a lot of extra, bumper-to-bumper coverage, with NO mileage limit for not bad money on top of what it comes with. So...Go for it. We have 2 other Lexus GX models (from 2006, almost 150K miles on each). They are very different kinds of models (derived from the 4Runner, body-on-frame), but their reliability and quality has been outstanding.

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

5 years and 75000 miles

Clint, 12/17/2015
updated 12/17/2018
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

MPG 25-26 (mostly freeway traffic). Not enough room for car seats if you are a driver with long legs. Super reliable with virtually no issues. Quiet and problem free. Held is value when i traded it in. Overall no complaints

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

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

neelimag, 01/06/2013
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
74 of 84 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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