2021 Lexus RX 450h Review

Name: 2021 Lexus RX 450h Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 33987 USD

Lexus RX 450h F SPORT 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2021 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT 4dr SUV Exterior

+159

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.

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2021 Lexus RX 450h Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Impeccably crafted, attractively designed cabin
Generous passenger room
Supremely quiet interior
Smooth power delivery

Cons

Below-average cargo capacity
Relatively slow acceleration
Touchpad controller is distracting to use
Subpar real-world fuel economy

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$182/mo

$196/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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.

Comfort

8.0/10

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.

Interior

8.0/10

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.

Technology

7.5/10

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.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The RX 450h's trunk offers a decent amount of storage — 16 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.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

Value

7.5/10

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

7.5/10

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.

2021 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:

Base RX 450h
Comes standard with the typical features expected from a luxury SUV, such as:

Keyless entry and ignition
Power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Simulated leather upholstery
8-inch touchscreen
Nine-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Amazon Alexa integration
Six USB ports
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite of advanced safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the RX 450h and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high beams

F Sport
Sharpens handling and adds sporty-looking touches that include:

Larger wheels
Sport-tuned suspension dampers
Unique exterior and interior trim elements

The F Sport Handling package further improves handling and comfort with:

Adaptive suspension
Heated and ventilated front sport seats
Heated steering wheel

Other bundled options include:
Premium package

Driver-seat memory functions
Wood interior trim

Luxury package

Larger wheels
Leather upholstery
Wood and aluminum interior trim
Wood-trimmed heated steering wheel
Rear window sunshades
Interior ambient lighting

Several stand-alone options are also available:

Navigation system with:

12.3-inch touchscreen
12 speakers
Streaming internet radio and convenience apps
Touchpad controller
Satellite radio

Auto-leveling headlights
Panoramic sunroof
Hands-free liftgate
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Wireless charging pad
15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Front and rear parking sensors with rear automatic braking

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus RX 450h from 2008-2022.}

$401/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.78x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.2%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Lexus RX 450h.

5 (66%)

4 (19%)

3 (9%)

2 (0%)

1 (6%)

4.4

32 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

My Atomic Silver Ride!

markh, 11/25/2019

2020 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I graduated from a 2017 RX 350 to the 2020 RX 450h Performance F Sport and love it! I love the feel and sound when I put it in Sport mode, but most of the time I keep it in Eco Mode for improved mileage. In Sport mode the gas pedal is soft, whereas in Eco mode it seems as the pedal is harder to push, saving fuel? The car is very similar to my 2017 inside, except the speedometer …

Great Value and very comfortable!

Ian F, 01/15/2020

2020 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is an incredibly well constructed and well composed SUV. It is exactly what you think it should be. There are no surprises. The CVT coupled with the Hybrid System provides adequate and smooth power. The ride is very comfortable. It’s heavy and well made yet fairly agile for a car this size. Lexus has done a very good job with this car. You would be hard pressed to find anything …

Get f sport version if possible

Aries, 01/02/2020

2020 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I did very intensive test drive comparing the non f sport and f sport. If possible, please get f sport. The f sport suspension turned grandma's 450h into a car like SUV. The eco and normal mode completely isolate you from the northcal crappy road condition. On the other hand, sport+ mode controls body roll really well, and the performance is very similar as my 2016 IS f sport. Overall, …

The perfect auto.

Neups, 07/31/2019

2019 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Beauty, quiet, great handling, beautifully displayed controls with an impeccable interior quality and design. Add a MPG with constant in city driving of 29 and all around luxury-- you have a auto beyond compare to anything on the road. Nothing comes close. I drove them all--- this Lexus RX450h pulls away as the total champ.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX 450h since its last redesign.

See all 32 reviews of the Lexus RX 450h

Write a vehicle review

2021 RX 450h Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$47,920
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$182/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RX 450h models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver3 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

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2021 Lexus RX 450h Review

2021 Lexus RX 450h Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RX 450h does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Lexus RX 450h models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

My Atomic Silver Ride!

Great Value and very comfortable!

Get f sport version if possible

The perfect auto.

2021 RX 450h Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}