2017 Lexus RX 450h Review

A sport-tuned hybrid SUV may seem like a bit of a contradiction, but the RX 450h F Sport is, in fact, the model to get — just not for the reason you might suspect. Sure, it comes with sportier styling and sharper handling, but its adaptive suspension actually produces a better ride quality tha...

The strong V6 engine rarely has to rev high enough to make the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission obvious — annoying droning is rare. The brakes avoid the typical hybrid weirdness, as does the rest of the RX 450h in general.

The hybrid powertrain includes a stout 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the system delivers seamless acceleration in all conditions. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds is a bit slow for the segment but actually a couple tenths quicker than the RX 350.

The brakes feel consistent and reassuring in routine use, but they can feel grabby if you have to dab them quickly (say, when you're cut off). In our 60-to-0 mph panic-stop tests, the RX 450h posted distances ranging from 121 to 130 feet. Those are merely acceptable distances.

Response is smooth, and steering effort is just about right (it can also be altered by switching between driving modes in the F Sport). Isolation from road vibrations is excellent, but it almost feels as if it's too good at this because it's sometimes hard to judge just how much to turn the wheel.

It feels coordinated and secure in most situations at civilian speeds, with moderate body roll. The extra hybrid system weight is apparent if you hustle it on winding roads, though. The F Sport suspension has a selectable Sport mode.

The strong V6 engine rarely has to rev high enough to make the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission obvious — annoying droning is rare. The brakes avoid the typical hybrid weirdness, as does the rest of the RX 450h in general.

The rear-drive portion of the AWD system is just an electric motor that engages for a number of seconds when slip is detected, such as during ice and snow launches. It's just a traction aid, not a true AWD system that can deliver sustained propulsion. The RX 450h has decent ground clearance.

Like the RX 350, the 2017 RX 450h is a comfortable place to spend time — even more so with F Sport. The seats are handsome and comfortable, and the ride is smooth and composed without being overly buoyant. The hybrid drivetrain makes a few extra noises, but they're sufficiently muted.

We like the thoroughly comfortable front seats, and the F Sport's more supportive seats are still sufficiently wide set that they do their job without being confining. The heating and cooling feature for the front seats works great, too.

Contrary to expectations, the F Sport suspension feels less busy and soaks up bumps better than the regular RX suspension. It's neither too stiff nor too soft, which is to say the 450h is smooth-riding but with enough control to prevent it from being floaty.

There is very little wind or road noise, and the hybrid powertrain is oftentimes quite silent. Other times the hybrid CVT holds engine revs higher, but the sound is muted. The regenerative braking system tends to emit muted whining noise.

The 2017 Lexus RX 450h's cabin is great to look at and beautifully made. It's a real standout in the segment. However, some controls are difficult to use and the backseat isn't as generous as those of some rivals.

The cabin controls are logically laid out, and there's a good mix of knobs and buttons. But we're unconvinced by the joystick-like Remote Touch system needed to control many vehicle functions. It can be distracting to use.

The RX 450h is easy to get into because the doorsills are narrow and the seat height is about perfect. Doors open wide, too, with nicely squared-off upper openings, even in back.

The current RX features a lower, more carlike driving position than some SUV rivals. We like this because it makes you feel more in control, yet it still provides a sufficiently commanding view out.

There's more than enough head- and legroom up front, and there's a good amount of elbow room. Lots of rear headroom and elbow room, too, but knee clearance and toe space can be tight if the backseat passenger and the driver are both taller than 6 feet. Some rivals also offer three rows.

Sweeping view to the front and sides, with slender pillars and peek-a-boo windows ahead of the nice-sized mirrors. The rear three-quarter blind spot is not terribly large. The decent direct rearward view is enhanced by the standard backup camera.

The RX 450h boasts tremendous build quality. The materials look and feel rich, and they've been put together meticulously. Lexus really knows what it's doing. One of the key reasons to consider the RX.

The 2017 Lexus RX 450h is far from what we'd consider utilitarian. Its cargo area's versatility is limited by its slanted roofline, and the center console lacks storage.

The center console is really big, but most of it is taken up with the shifter, Remote Touch and drive settings controllers, and admittedly pretty wood trim. Cupholders are of an OK size, but there aren't many places to store odds and ends.

The slanted roofline reduces cargo space for bulky items. It's really just a big trunk with an easy access height. Most similarly priced rivals are better. The 40/20/40-split backrest can be folded for long items while keeping two seats in place.

Towing isn't the RX's primary mission, but it can pull a decent 3,500 pounds if equipped with the towing prep package (it upgrades the cooling system). Hitch is not included, but one can be added as a dealer-installed accessory if needed.

The RX 450h comes standard with driving aids that are optional on its rivals and that can give you added peace of mind. We also like its enormous optional display screen. But the Remote Touch interface that controls it is a constant distraction and potential deal-breaker.

The Remote Touch interface (a joystick used to highlight icons on the 8- or 12.3-inch dashtop display) requires too much dexterity and concentration while driving. It's a distraction. We'd prefer almost any other tech interface.

Bluetooth and two USB ports are standard, as are the Lexus Enform and Enform Destinations trip planning and live assistance apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

The RX 450h comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking (it can detect other cars and pedestrians), and lane keeping assist. These are optional on all rivals. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional.