The Lexus RX 450h+ is widely regarded as one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, offering a refined driving experience, luxurious features, and impressive efficiency. Here’s a closer look at what makes it stand out, its pricing, and some opinions on why it’s considered top-tier in its segment.
Key Features and Specifications
Powertrain:
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
Electric Motors: Dual electric motors, one on each axle
Combined Power Output: Approximately 302 horsepower
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT)
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard
Battery and Electric Range:
Battery Capacity: 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery
Electric Range: Up to 37 miles on electric-only power, ideal for daily commutes and short trips
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): About 12 hours for a full charge
Level 2 (240V): Around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge
Fuel Economy:
Combined (Hybrid mode): Around 35-37 MPG
MPGe (when using electric power): Approximately 79 MPGe
Interior and Technology:
Seating: High-quality materials with seating for five; available leather upholstery and heated/ventilated seats
Cargo Space: Around 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to about 65 cubic feet with the seats folded
Infotainment: 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and available premium Mark Levinson sound system
Driver Assistance: Includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more
Pricing:
Base Price: Starts around $65,000
Fully Loaded: Can reach up to $75,000 or more with additional packages and options
Why It’s Considered the Best
Refinement and Luxury:
Build Quality: Lexus is known for its attention to detail and high-quality materials, and the RX 450h+ exemplifies this with a luxurious cabin that’s both comfortable and sophisticated.
Quiet Ride: The combination of electric power and Lexus’s focus on noise insulation results in an exceptionally quiet cabin, enhancing the sense of luxury.
Smooth and Efficient Powertrain:
Seamless Transitions: The RX 450h+ offers smooth transitions between electric and hybrid modes, making for a refined driving experience that doesn’t compromise on power or efficiency.
Electric Range: The 37-mile electric-only range is one of the best in its class, allowing for significant fuel savings during short trips.
Advanced Technology and Features:
Infotainment System: The large 14-inch touchscreen is easy to use, responsive, and integrates well with smartphones, offering one of the best in-car tech experiences in its class.
Driver Assistance: The extensive suite of safety features and driver aids enhances both convenience and safety, making it a well-rounded choice for families and professionals alike.
Resale Value and Reliability:
Lexus Reputation: Known for reliability, the RX 450h+ is expected to maintain strong resale value, making it a smart investment in the long term.
Opinions and Reviews
Driving Experience: Many reviewers praise the RX 450h+ for its comfortable and composed driving experience. The combination of electric power for city driving and hybrid efficiency for longer trips is seen as the perfect balance.
Interior Quality: The cabin is often highlighted as one of the best in its class, with premium materials and a layout that’s both elegant and functional.
Value for Money: While the price is on the higher side, the RX 450h+ is considered a good value given the level of luxury, technology, and efficiency it offers.
Conclusion
The Lexus RX 450h+ stands out as a top choice in the plug-in hybrid SUV market due to its refined driving experience, luxurious interior, and impressive electric range. It's particularly well-suited for those who want the benefits of electric driving without the range anxiety of a full EV, all wrapped in a package that exudes Lexus’s trademark quality and reliability.
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Key Features and Specifications
Powertrain:
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
Electric Motors: Dual electric motors, one on each axle
Combined Power Output: Approximately 302 horsepower
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT)
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard
Battery and Electric Range:
Battery Capacity: 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery
Electric Range: Up to 37 miles on electric-only power, ideal for daily commutes and short trips
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): About 12 hours for a full charge
Level 2 (240V): Around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge
Fuel Economy:
Combined (Hybrid mode): Around 35-37 MPG
MPGe (when using electric power): Approximately 79 MPGe
Interior and Technology:
Seating: High-quality materials with seating for five; available leather upholstery and heated/ventilated seats
Cargo Space: Around 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to about 65 cubic feet with the seats folded
Infotainment: 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and available premium Mark Levinson sound system
Driver Assistance: Includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more
Pricing:
Base Price: Starts around $65,000
Fully Loaded: Can reach up to $75,000 or more with additional packages and options
Why It’s Considered the Best
Refinement and Luxury:
Build Quality: Lexus is known for its attention to detail and high-quality materials, and the RX 450h+ exemplifies this with a luxurious cabin that’s both comfortable and sophisticated.
Quiet Ride: The combination of electric power and Lexus’s focus on noise insulation results in an exceptionally quiet cabin, enhancing the sense of luxury.
Smooth and Efficient Powertrain:
Seamless Transitions: The RX 450h+ offers smooth transitions between electric and hybrid modes, making for a refined driving experience that doesn’t compromise on power or efficiency.
Electric Range: The 37-mile electric-only range is one of the best in its class, allowing for significant fuel savings during short trips.
Advanced Technology and Features:
Infotainment System: The large 14-inch touchscreen is easy to use, responsive, and integrates well with smartphones, offering one of the best in-car tech experiences in its class.
Driver Assistance: The extensive suite of safety features and driver aids enhances both convenience and safety, making it a well-rounded choice for families and professionals alike.
Resale Value and Reliability:
Lexus Reputation: Known for reliability, the RX 450h+ is expected to maintain strong resale value, making it a smart investment in the long term.
Opinions and Reviews
Driving Experience: Many reviewers praise the RX 450h+ for its comfortable and composed driving experience. The combination of electric power for city driving and hybrid efficiency for longer trips is seen as the perfect balance.
Interior Quality: The cabin is often highlighted as one of the best in its class, with premium materials and a layout that’s both elegant and functional.
Value for Money: While the price is on the higher side, the RX 450h+ is considered a good value given the level of luxury, technology, and efficiency it offers.
Conclusion
The Lexus RX 450h+ stands out as a top choice in the plug-in hybrid SUV market due to its refined driving experience, luxurious interior, and impressive electric range. It's particularly well-suited for those who want the benefits of electric driving without the range anxiety of a full EV, all wrapped in a package that exudes Lexus’s trademark quality and reliability.
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