2021 Lexus RX 450hL
| MSRP | $60,500 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $59,857 |
2021 Lexus RX 450hL Review
- Impeccable cabin finished with top-quality materials
- Advanced safety features come standard
- High fuel economy for a luxury crossover SUV
- Third-row space is tight for anyone other than small kids
- Less overall cargo capacity than competitors
- Touchpad controller is distracting to use
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Wireless device charging pad is now available
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Seating for seven people? High fuel economy? These are normally two qualities that are hard to find in one vehicle and yet the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL (mostly) pulls it off. The 450h designation means this is the hybrid version of Lexus' midsize SUV. It gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is well above average for this class of vehicle. Then there's the L designation at the end, indicating this is the longer, three-row RX version.
Unfortunately, that third row is quite cramped and best left for occasional use by small children. The RX 450hL also suffers from a lack of cargo space and a suboptimal infotainment interface that's distracting to use while driving. Still, it will be hard to find a similar mix of luxury, fuel economy and passenger capacity elsewhere. Plug-in hybrid versions of the Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 will be your best bet for a roomier SUV, but know that they're considerably more expensive.
Which RX 450hL does Edmunds recommend?
Lexus RX 450hL models
The Lexus RX 450hL is a three-row luxury hybrid SUV with seating for six or seven passengers. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a hybrid powertrain to produce a total of 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
2021 Lexus RX 450hL pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Lexus RX 450hL video
2020 Lexus RX First Look
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL, but since the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $51,310
- 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 with Mirrors: N/A
- 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 assist.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a crash or distress. Also includes a stolen vehicle locator.
- Panoramic Rearview Camera
- 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
2021 Lexus RX 450hL
2021 Lincoln Aviator
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is one of just a handful of luxury SUVs with three rows of seating 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 is also quicker to accelerate than the Lexus RX 450hL and has a roomier third-row seat. Unfortunately, Lincoln only offers the plug-in powertrain on the Aviator's top — and expensive — trim levels.
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander is well worth a look. It's not as luxurious inside as the Lexus but that's pretty much where the negatives end. It has higher fuel economy than the RX 450hL and a roomier third-row seat. And for what you pay for the Lexus you can get a loaded-up Highlander with all the features.
Lexus RX 450hL vs. Lexus RX 450h
This is the shorter, two-row version of the Lexus RX hybrid. It's slightly less expensive and offers the same features and driving experience. Basically, 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?
What's new in the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL:
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Wireless device charging pad is now available
- Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016
Is the Lexus RX 450hL reliable?
Is the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus RX 450hL?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus RX 450hL is the 2021 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 $51,310.
Other versions include:
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $57,310
- 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $51,310