2022 Lexus RX 450hL
MSRP range: $52,110 - $58,110 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2022 Lexus RX 450hL Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).Pros
- Impeccable cabin finished with top-quality materials
- Advanced safety features come standard
- High fuel economy for a luxury crossover SUV
Cons
- Third-row space is tight for anyone other than small kids
- Less overall cargo capacity than competitors
- Standard touchpad controller is distracting to use
What's new
- Foglights available as a stand-alone option
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Combining fuel efficiency with seven-passenger seating is a tall order for a luxury SUV, but the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL mostly pulls it off. A V6 engine paired with dual electric motors helps this RX hybrid return 29 mpg combined, well above average for its type, while three rows of seats offer flexibility for ferrying a small family or friends out for the night.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL 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 $4.09 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$179/mo
RX 450hL Base
vs
$223/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
The RX 450hL may sound like something from a lab manual, but it's really just the elongated hybrid version of Lexus' best-selling RX 350. Docile handling and a cushy ride make the 450hL more of a cruiser than its twitchier RX F Sport counterpart, a feeling enhanced by its hushed interior and soft leather. Unfortunately, that serenity doesn't extend to the cramped third row, which is useful in a pinch for adults but best suited to small kids. And with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, there's not even abundant cargo space to justify the tight quarters. By comparison, the rival Lincoln Aviator offers 18 cubic feet. Lexus also persists with its clumsy touchpad infotainment interface (perhaps for not much longer, as newer Lexus models suggest), but touchscreen control has thankfully been added for both the standard 8-inch display and the optional 12.3-inch screen.
Despite its flaws, it's hard to find the 450hL's mix of luxury, fuel economy and passenger capacity elsewhere. The Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 are roomier plug-in hybrid SUVs, but they also cost considerably more. For its price and performance, the RX 450hL hits a sweet spot.
Which RX 450hL does Edmunds recommend?
The RX 450hL offers just a single trim level. It's well stocked, but we'd suggest adding the Navigation package for a larger touchscreen, upgraded infotainment and the 12-speaker sound system. We'd probably also spring for the heated seats à la carte.
Lexus RX 450hL models
The Lexus RX 450hL is a three-row luxury hybrid SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a hybrid powertrain (308 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque) and comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Save as much as $1,441 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2022 Lexus RX 450hL pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay$52,191
Luxury
3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay$57,744
Helpful shopping links
2022 Lexus RX 450hL video
2020 Lexus RX First Look
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL, but since the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Halfway through its current life cycle, the Lexus RX is getting a mild refresh in the form of some styling, tech and equipment updates. The 2020 Lexus RX acquires new headlights, a new front and rear fascia, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. The… standard RX 350 model all the way up to the Lexus RX 450h hybrid and its three-row variant, the RX 450hL, also receive suspension and chassis updates to improve ride quality and steering responsiveness. The optional 12.3-inch infotainment screen has also been moved closer to the driver and given touchscreen capability, a change that should make the system much easier to use.
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $53,185
- MPG & Fuel
- 29 City / 28 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 6 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 308 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 196.9 in. / Height: 67.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 4905 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 7.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RX 450hL safety features:
- Lexus Safety System+
- Includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a crash or distress. Also includes a stolen vehicle locator.
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Gives a broad look at what's behind you before you back up, taking advantage of the 12.3-inch widescreen display.
Lexus RX 450hL vs. the competition
2022 Lexus RX 450hL
2022 Lincoln Aviator
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is one of the few luxury SUVs offering three rows and an available hybrid powertrain. It's a plug-in hybrid at that, offering 21 miles of electric-only driving on a full battery. The Aviator accelerates faster than the Lexus RX 450hL and has a roomier third row. The catch? Lincoln only offers the plug-in powertrain on the Aviator's priciest trim levels.
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
A distant mechanical cousin to the RX 450hL, the Highlander Hybrid isn't as luxurious, but it gets better fuel economy than the RX, has a roomier third row and provides double the cargo space. And for the price of the Lexus, you can get a fully loaded Highlander. It's not the whole luxury experience of the RX, but it's a solid, fuel-efficient value.
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Lexus RX 450h
This is the shorter two-row version of the Lexus RX hybrid. It's less expensive and offers the same features and driving experience. Do you need seating for up to seven people? If not, get the regular RX 450h.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RX 450hL a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 RX 450hL both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RX 450hL has 7.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus RX 450hL. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL:
- Foglights available as a stand-alone option
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Is the Lexus RX 450hL reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus RX 450hL is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RX 450hL. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RX 450hL's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 RX 450hL is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Lexus RX 450hL?
The least-expensive 2022 Lexus RX 450hL is the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $52,110.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $52,110
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $58,110
What are the different models of Lexus RX 450hL?
If you're interested in the Lexus RX 450hL, the next question is, which RX 450hL model is right for you? RX 450hL variants include 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of RX 450hL models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
