Lexus has been in the hybrid-making business for quite some time, so it's no surprise it makes some of the best. The 2022 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.
Hybrid luxury SUVs seem to come and go, but the Lexus RX hybrid has been going strong for 15 years. Today's RX 450h is a descendant of the original RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid vehicle when it debuted for the 2006 model year. The 2022 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful, refined and efficient than that original, and it's popular enough with Lexus customers to have outlasted several competitors that have vanished from the market.
Given the RX hybrid's steadfast availability over the years, perhaps it comes as no surprise that few changes accompany the five-passenger midsize crossover SUV for the 2022 model year. Fresh exterior paint colors and a new interior hue make news, and foglights are now available as a stand-alone option for 2022. The limited-production RX 450h Black Line returns, but Lexus plans to build only 400.
If you like the idea of getting high fuel economy for a luxury SUV and want to learn more about the 2022 RX 450h, be sure to consult our test team's full Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2022 Lexus RX 450h on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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
8/10
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
8/10
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 ping-ponged 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
6/10
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.
2022 Lexus RX 450h trim level differences
The 2022 Lexus RX 450h is available in base, F Sport and Black Line Special Edition trims. All three have a 308-horsepower hybrid powertrain based on a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and all-wheel drive is standard. An extended-length version called the RX 450hL has three rows of seats and is reviewed separately.
Which RX 450h trim does Edmunds recommend?
Unless you can't live without the sportier look and feel of the F Sport trim, we recommend the base RX 450h. It offers more variety in terms of wheel, paint and interior colors. Plus, you can upgrade this model with several option packages and individual extras to make it your own.
The 2022 Lexus RX 450h has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #2 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#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.
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 … area. There is no space under the back seats to stick my car wash rags or umbrella since the battery is in that area. (not a problem). The RX 450h has a smaller fuel tank then the RX 350 but I am getting around a 100 miles more between fill ups with the RX 450h. The only drawback is the RX 450h does require 93 octane which compared to an RX 350 that burns 87 octane there is only a slight cost savings on fuel. Currently I am getting exactly what the estimated mileage on the sticker says....
Great Value and very comfortable!
5 out of 5 stars
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 … negative about the vehicle. There are obviously certain aspects of the car that might not be ‘as nice’ as other competitors in the segment but on average this Car does everything very well. Highly recommend.
Get f sport version if possible
5 out of 5 stars
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, … I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase!
3/25/2024 Update: Still love it! We especially love the safety features when it stops automatically when there is the possibility of an accident. It has saved my husband multiple times when he didn't see a vehicle which pulled in behind him as he backed out of a parking spot. It runs like a dream!
9/23/2023 Update: We still love it! My husband says it is the favorite car he has ever … had! We have had no problems, it runs beautifully. Great car! First review: We traded our 2017 RX350 for the 2022 RX450h. This car is so much better, though we really liked the 2017. Apple Car Play is a big help. The ride of the 2022 is much smoother, and the hybrid is so quiet! Very happy we made the switch and got excellent care at the Lexus dealer in Houston!
UPDATE: We traded in an older Rx350. It was okay, but I didn't love it as it wasn't as smooth riding as most Lexus sedans. The newer hybrid rides much, much better. And there are better safety features on the 2022. It also has excellent pick up, being a hybrid. We really like the car and would highly recommend it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Lexus RX 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX 450h since its last redesign.
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