2014 Lexus RX 450h Review
2014 Lexus RX 450h Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- smooth ride
- quiet and attractive cabin with high-quality materials
- comfortable rear seating
- generous standard features.
Cons
- Electronics interface can be distracting to use
- no third-row seat option.
What’s new
For 2014, the Lexus RX 450h sees just a few changes, such as a new rear 115-volt power outlet for the backseat, the addition of brake priming to the pre-collision warning system and, for newer iPhone owners, the integration of the Siri Eyes Free feature.
Edmunds says
The 2014 Lexus RX 450h delivers on its promise of impressive fuel economy, utility and luxury. For a hybrid luxury crossover SUV, it's a great choice.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$162/mo for RX 450h Base
RX 450h Base
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
When the first Lexus RX hybrid debuted nearly a decade ago, it represented something rather unusual: a premium-brand SUV that sipped rather than swilled fuel. Modern times have seen many more automakers bringing their own fuel-efficient crossover SUVs to market. Still, the 2014 Lexus RX 450h does its forebear proud, as it ranks at the top of this now populous vehicle class thanks to its outstanding fuel mileage, comfortable cabin and lengthy standard features list.
Sporting a full hybrid system much like its Toyota Prius cousin (albeit with a lot more power), the RX 450h delivers an impressive EPA combined rating of 30 mpg. By comparison, most regular luxury crossovers post combined averages in the 20-23-mpg range. Even rival hybrid and diesel-powered models can't quite match the 450h's figures.
For motive muscle, the RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V6 paired to electric motors that are powered by a battery pack. The combination provides both the aforementioned high fuel efficiency as well as respectable performance. Beyond that, the 450h is a lot like the regular RX 350, which means comfortable seating for five, a plush ride and a handsome cabin featuring top-notch materials and assembly quality and many available high-tech features. As for downsides, there aren't many: The RX 350's biggest demerits are the lack of a third-row seat and an electronics interface that takes more of your attention to use than we expect.
If the availability of a third-row seat really is important to you, we'd point you toward the new 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid. The QX's fuel economy isn't quite as good as the RX's, but otherwise it's a very family-friendly luxury crossover (and its third row easily accommodates adults). Beyond that, the RX 450h is more fuel-efficient and less expensive than rival hybrid-powered models, including the Audi Q5 Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. The same can be said if you put it up against the diesel-powered BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML350. Overall, we think the RX 450h is an ideal choice for a fuel-efficient, five-passenger luxury crossover.
Performance & mpg
Powering the Lexus RX 450h is a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine and electric motors. Front-wheel-drive models use two motors; one acts as a starter-generator and the other provides propulsion. The all-wheel-drive RX adds a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Total output amounts to 295 horsepower, and it's routed through a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
In Edmunds testing, the 450h went from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is a few tenths of a second slower than the conventionally powered RX 350 and other midsize crossovers.
The upside, though, is that EPA-estimated fuel economy is an impressive 30 mpg combined (32 mpg city/28 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version returns 29 mpg combined (30 mpg city/28 mpg highway). Equipped with all-wheel drive and the optional towing hitch, the RX 450h can tow 3,500 pounds.
Safety
Every 2014 Lexus RX 450h comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also included is the Safety Connect emergency communications system that includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button and stolen vehicle location services.
Optional are parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system, a rearview camera and an adaptive cruise control system that includes a pre-collision warning and brake-priming system.
In Edmunds brake testing, the RX 450h came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is longer than average for a midsize crossover.
In government crash tests, the RX 450h received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RX 450h the best possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. The RX's seat/head restraints also earned a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The 2014 Lexus RX 450h's compliant suspension and plentiful sound insulation ably isolate passengers from the outside world and provide excellent comfort on long drives. The hybrid powertrain is also pretty silent. Initial acceleration can seem a little slow unless you really get on the gas, but overall, the 450h feels a lot like its RX 350 sibling. Even when driven briskly through turns, this Lexus hybrid remains composed and secure, though it's not as sporty as many diesel-powered luxury crossover SUVs.
Interior
Upscale appointments, exceptional build quality and cutting-edge tech features make the 2014 Lexus RX 450h look and feel suitably expensive for its price. Authentic wood trim and high-quality leather lend an air of opulence, and the optional Mark Levinson sound system is one of the best on the market.
When you opt for the Display Audio or Navigation packages, you get the Lexus Remote Touch system, which is a mouselike device that allows the user to move among a variety of icons on a large centrally located screen. It's a nifty technological achievement, but in practice we've found that the cumbersome on-screen menus and the controller's imprecise nature draw too much of your attention away from the road.
The front seats could use some extra adjustment range, and both thigh and lateral support are somewhat lacking. However, rear passengers will find the seating roomy and comfortable thanks to reclining and sliding adjustments. There's also ample luggage space -- just as much as in the regular RX 350, in fact -- with 40 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats and 80 cubes when they're all lowered. There is no third-row seat available, though.
2014 Lexus RX 450h models
The 2014 Lexus RX 450h comes in just one trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, LED running lamps, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, a power liftgate and keyless ignition/entry. Inside you get automatic dual-zone climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power front seats with two-way power lumbar adjustment, reclining and sliding rear seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto-dimming mirrors.
Standard electronic features include the Safety Connect emergency communications system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Siri Eyes (enhanced hands-free iPhone functionality and integration) and a nine-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
There are many optional packages available, some of which require the purchase of one to obtain another. The Premium package adds a sunroof, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, roof rails, leather upholstery and driver memory settings. There's also a version of this package that also includes a blind spot monitoring system. The Comfort package adds automatic wipers, xenon headlamps, and heated and ventilated front seats (also available separately).
The Display Audio package gets you a rearview camera, a larger 7-inch central display screen, Bluetooth phonebook download capabilities, the Lexus Remote Touch electronics interface, the Enform suite of app-based features and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio. The Navigation package adds the Display Audio contents along with a navigation system (with 8-inch display) and voice controls.
Finally, the Luxury package adds 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps, 10-way power front seats, a heated wood and leather steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet for the rear seat area and smog-sensing, automatic climate control recirculation.
Other options include front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system and adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision warning system (requires all-wheel drive).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Lexus RX 450h.
5 star(61%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
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)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
The comfortable tireless driving experience
NateJG, 01/06/2017
2013 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
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).
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)
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.
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)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Lexus RX 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX 450h since its last redesign.
2014 RX 450h Highlights
Base MSRP | $46,410 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $162/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 40.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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