Road Test: 2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD

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Hybrid Efficiency in a Premium Midsize SUV

If you are considering stepping-up to owning a Lexus, congratulations on reaching a certain level of success. The reward for such success is having the finer things in life, which is exactly where Lexus has positioned itself: affordable luxury.

2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
The one that started it all

The Lexus owner experience is well-known beginning at the dealership and continuing through the many years of driving one of its cars. Clean Fleet Report recently had the opportunity to drive the 2020 Lexus RX 450h AWD. We were looking forward to our week-long time behind the wheel as we had just finished driving the 2020 UX 250h, the smallest of the Lexus crossover SUVs (two notches below the RX; the NX is sandwiched between the RX and UX). Since they are built on completely different platforms we knew their driving attributes would be different, but we also knew they both would have the Lexus high-quality standards.

Hybrid Sophistication

The all-wheel drive 2020 Lexus RX 450h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, a series parallel hybrid system. In the parallel hybrid system the electric motor can power the car by itself, the gas engine can power the car by itself, or they can power the car together.

2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
The hybrid powerplant

The system comprises a 3.5-liter, V6 engine that runs on 95 octane gasoline, producing 259 horsepower (hp) and 247 pound-feet of torque, but when combined with the electric portion of the drivetrain totals 308 system hp. The hybrid portion consists of three electric motor generators, MG1, MG2 and MGR. MG 1 starts the gasoline engine and charges the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, while MG2 drives the front wheels and regenerates during braking and coasting, and MGR drives the rear wheels and also regenerates the battery.

The power gets to all four wheels via an electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. The EPA rates fuel economy at 31 mpg city/28 highway/30 combined. In 459 miles of 65-percent highway/35-percent city driving, Clean Fleet Report achieved an average of 31.0 mpg. However, in two 100-mile all-freeway runs, with the dynamic radar cruise control set to 65 mph, we averaged 32.2 mpg. The RX 450h tips the scales at 4,905 pounds, so topping the EPA estimate on long fuel runs is an achievement for the Lexus engineers. Fuel economy reported by Clean Fleet Report is non-scientific and represents the reviewer’s driving experience. Your numbers may differ.

Road Trip/In-Town Worthy

The Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive system ran smooth and quiet, with no noticeable transitions between the gasoline and electric drive systems.

There are three driver-selectable settings of EV, Eco and Sport, offering distinctly different driving opportunities. For everyday around town driving and once up-to-speed on the highway, the performance from ECO was fine. However, load the RX 450h with five passengers plus their gear, and the need for more power will become apparent.

  • EV runs solely on electricity for about a half-mile and up-to 25 miles per hour.
  • Eco prioritizes fuel economy by optimizing throttle response and reducing the air conditioning output.
  • Sport sharpens the shift points, throttle response and steering feel. Selecting Sport mode will get you to 0–to-60 in about 8.1 seconds, which is certainly enough for anyone.
2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
Smooth sailing

The ride was smooth on the highway and around town, with hardly any thumps, bumps or other road imperfections transmitting shakes and jolts into the cabin. The unibody design which Lexus says has increased “rigidity through additional spot welds and adhesives,” has an independent front and rear suspension giving the RX 450h a car-like, comfortable ride. The electric power steering was tuned to provide good road feel and, when attacking a corner with zest, the body lean was manageable. Clean Fleet Report’s RX 450h came with 20-inch wheels and 235/55 all-season tires, which gripped well and also provided a smooth ride on Southern California’s grooved concrete freeways. Overall, the RX 450h was pleasant to drive and very predictable in its handling. The low 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd) helped reduce wind noise and increase fuel economy.

Stopping was straight, without fade on repeated stops. The four-wheel anti-lock brakes with ventilated discs were part of the regenerative charging system. This is an energy recovery process taking usually wasted friction and heat from braking or coasting and converting that kinetic energy into stored energy. The process of using and restoring electricity to the battery can be watched in real time on dash gauges. Completing the stopping suite was brake assist, electronic brake distribution and vehicle stability control. That satisfying whine you hear when stopping is telling you electricity is being put back into the battery.

Interior Craftsmanship

Sliding into the 2020 Lexus RX 450h interior immediately produces a feeling of knowing where you want to be. The Premium Package came with black perforated NuLuxe-trimmed seats with white top stitching. This synthetic leather is eco-friendly in its manufacturing process, and smooth and soft to the touch. The comfortable heated, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats offer good support, helped by the power lumbar adjustments. There was no challenge finding a comfortable seating position with the power tilt and telescopic steering column. We also liked the center armrest’s correct height, and that it had a large storage area. Cup holders are throughout the cabin.

2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
Here is where to find a happy, luxurious place

The second row seats, which slide and recline, are softly padded and are designed for three adults. The backseat passengers had ample head and leg room, and get power ports, reading lamps, and air vents. Storage is good with the rear seat up, but expansive when the unique 40/20/40 split rear seat is folded flat. Access to the storage area, through a power lift gate with a kick sensor for hands-free opening, has a convenient low lift-over load height.

The dash layout is simple and linear, except for the color display screen, which erupts from the center dash. The straight-forward gauges with black faces and white numbers were easy on the eyes, and the controls were within reach of even a shorter driver. Clean Fleet Report is a big fan of knobs for the radio and climate controls, so Lexus earned our praise. The combination of wood, brushed aluminum, soft materials, the digital clock and the Lexus monogrammed carpets gave the RX 450h cabin a very upscale look and feel.

The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel had audio and telephone controls. Our RX 450h came with the Mark Levinson by Harman sound system that included a 12.3-inch, high-resolution split-screen color display that handled navigation and the backup camera. The 15 speakers cleanly pumped-out tunes from SiriusXM and AM/FM/HD/CD with connectivity through dynamic voice command, Bluetooth streaming audio, and hands-free telephone and messaging with Siri Eyes Free. The audio system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. A wide array of features are available through the Lexus Enform App Suite, and the WiFi has a three-month trial period for up to 4GB.

Additional features are a very helpful head-up display, power and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, carpeted floor mats, first aid kit, rear shelf tonneau cover, day/night rearview mirror with Homelink, start/stop and de-icing rain sensing front wipers.

Exterior Refinement

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h has received an exterior refinement, starting with new front and rear fascias. The signature Lexus spindle grille remains the same, but the triple beam L-shaped LED headlights are slimmer and make the RX 450h distinguishable from its competitors. The hood sweeps up-to the laid-back windshield and on to a rail-equipped roof with a shark fin antenna, which ends with a built-in spoiler over the rear hatch glass and window wiper. The shelf-like LED rear tail lights continue the L-shape design cue. The 20-inch split, 5-spoke dark silver alloy wheels looked sharp against our RX 450h painted in Nebula Gray Pearl. New 2020 colors include Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl.

Safety and Convenience

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including active and passive safety features of 10 air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, collapsible steering column, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer. The centerpiece is the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control with lane departure assist and several other warning features.

2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
Refined looks and tech throughout

The rear view camera and the blind spot monitor work in-conjunction with the rear cross traffic alert and intuitive braking. When backing from a blind parking spot, and a car, bicycle or pedestrian suddenly appears behind the RX 450h, the brakes are applied instantly. This valuable safety feature comes on fast and, if not prepared, it can be a bit of a shocker the first time it is experienced.

Pricing and Warranties

2020 RX 450h AWD base price is $46,750. Clean Fleet Report’s test vehicle had option packages of $12,775 and a $1,025 delivery, processing and handling fee, for a MSRP of $60,550.

The 2020 RX 450h AWD comes with these warranties.

  • Basic                                       Four years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain                              Five years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion/Perforation          Five years/Unlimited miles
  • Hybrid Components              Eight years/100,000 miles
  • Hybrid Battery                       10 years/150,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance              One year/24/7
  • Emergency Lodging              If disabled 100 miles from home
  • Maintenance                           First and second scheduled services

Observations: 2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD

When the Lexus RX debuted in 1999, the company started the premium luxury SUV category. It didn’t take long for there to be some pretty heavy competition from Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Tesla and Volvo. Whew, that’s a lot of quality leather and fine woods cruising down the highway!

2020 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
Aiming to keep its leadership

Lexus describes the RX 450h as having “elegance and captivating appeal.” The RX emphasizes efficiency and says its where “luxury goes green” with sharp design, impressive interior room with quality materials, safety systems and, of course, hybrid technology.

Lexus has engineered the RX 450h with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH in automotive engineering speak), making for a pleasurable driving experience. The comprehensive warranty is appealing, as is the vaunted Lexus dealer experience–covering shopping, purchase and service–that is held in high regard in the automotive industry.

A bit about that Lexus dealer. If you have never shopped for a premium or luxury car, it is different. Lexus will tell you the owner experience begins at the dealership and continues through many years of driving one of its cars. Speak to a Lexus owner, they will tell you all about how they are treated.

The 2020 Lexus RX 450h is clearly a serious step-up from most crossover SUVs. So, when you are searching for the right SUV, and have determined you deserve a bit more of a premium experience, then go for the RX 450h. You will not be disappointed.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Whatever you end up buying, Happy Driving!

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class. We also feature those that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

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John Faulkner

John Faulkner is Road Test Editor at Clean Fleet Report. He has more than 30 years’ experience branding, launching and marketing automobiles. He has worked with General Motors (all Divisions), Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Eagle), Ford and Lincoln-Mercury, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota on consumer events and sales training programs. His interest in automobiles is broad and deep, beginning as a child riding in the back seat of his parent’s 1950 Studebaker. He is a journalist member of the Motor Press Guild and Western Automotive Journalists.
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