The 2018 Lexus RX 450hL manages to combine luxury and efficiency in an eminently practical SUV, creating a true luxury crossover hybrid. Being a Lexus, the midsize RX 450hL has plenty of luxurious trappings. Materials quality and workmanship are as top-notch as you'd expect from Lexus. There's also plenty of technology, including new safety items such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control.
Then there's the additional utility you expect with a crossover. The RX 450hL features third-row seats, and the RX's traditional sloping rear roofline was flattened in the 450hL to accommodate the heads of third-row passengers. As a result, the RX 450hL has increased ability to carry especially large or bulky objects. And with the rear seats up, it offers more capacity than any large sedan on the market, and lowering the second- and third-row seats allows for up to 58.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Finally, there's the hybrid powertrain. The 308-horsepower combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with two electric motors up front and a third motor powering the rear wheels provides adequate performance and admirable fuel economy. The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive RX 450hL at 29 mpg combined (29 city/28 highway). To put those numbers in perspective, the non-hybrid RX 350 all-wheel-drive model comes in at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).
The 2018 Lexus RX 450hL comes well-equipped and can be upgraded with assorted option packages, though not all of them are offered in every part of the country. Extras, such as a color head-up display, hands-free liftgate operation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, will appeal to buyers looking for more tech. The standard second-row captain's chairs can be replaced with a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat, but you'll have to get the Luxury package first.
If the RX 450hL has its flaws, they're largely limited to the details. The Remote Touch system to access choices on the menu-based central display takes some getting used to. And most adults won't be able to sit in the third row. All that said, the RX 450hL manages to excel at being both a practical luxury crossover and a respectable fuel-sipping hybrid. If that sounds like the vehicle you're looking for, Edmunds can help you decide which options to get and find the best deal in your area.
2018 Lexus RX 450hL Overview
The 2018 Lexus RX 450hL is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). RX 450hL models are available with a 0-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 RX 450hL comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The 2018 RX 450hL comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2018 Lexus RX 450hL a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus RX 450hL and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 RX 450hL featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
