It’s a helpful reminder: AWD is not a free pass when it comes to traction in snow, and oftentimes the tires are the culprit. Michelin Premier LTX tires, which are also listed as original equipment on this model and trim level, scored 7.1 in the same category. That may be down to the efficiency-minded Bridgestone Ecopia tires it wore, which consumers rate 3.3 out of 10 points for winter/snow performance on. We’d like more of that in your other hybrids, Toyota and Lexus.Īlso worth noting: While testing the RX 450h in Chicago, we experienced a heavy snowfall, and the SUV struggled a bit in deeper, heavy, wet snow. The RX 450h’s brake pedal feel was more linear than I expected, almost like a non-hybrid car. Most vehicles in Toyota’s hybrid family have a spongy, nonlinear brake pedal feel that can take some getting used to - and lead to some tense moments in higher-speed braking (like when a traffic jam suddenly appears). The biggest surprise about driving the RX 450h is its braking - or rather, the fact that I didn’t find its brake pedal behavior annoying. If that’s the look you want, go for it (I actually prefer it, aesthetically), but if you don’t care for the looks of the F Sport package or are indifferent to them, save yourself the money. The latest iteration of Lexus’ F Sport packages, at least on the SUVs, seem to be mostly about appearances. I suspect, though, that this would not make for a vastly different ride or handling experience. An optional F Sport handling package, which was not included on the vehicle we drove, adds an adaptive suspension and retunes the steering ratio. Besides a powertrain that never leaves you wanting for power, the steering feel is communicative for a mid-size SUV, and the suspension is just this side of firm. In fact, the most remarkable thing about the RX 450h driving experience is how unremarkable it is. The only minor issue I had with the powertrain was a slightly unrefined droning noise. It’s not a remarkable figure, but it’s enough to get the SUV going briskly and provide ready passing power, even with a slightly hesitant continuously variable style of automatic transmission (the gas RX 350 gets a traditional automatic with eight gears). The 450h makes 308 total horsepower with a gasoline-powered V-6 that works with a set of three electric motor-generators and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. DrivingĢ021 Lexus RX 450h | photo by Christian Lantry The R X 450h competes against vehicles like the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid, the redesigned 2022 Acura MDX and its own sibling, the gas-powered RX 350. Our test vehicle’s price came to $59,380 as-equipped, including a $1,025 destination fee. We didn’t get to play with the luggage set, but it didn’t cause an environmental disaster, so we’ll call it a win.
The trim also brings 20-inch black wheels, a unique interior treatment and a set of matching Halliburton luggage.
LEXUS HYBRID UPDATE
Our test vehicle featured the RX’s most significant update for the 2021 model year: a new special Black Line edition trim level that adds black exterior accents, including a horizontal black stripe above the rocker panels that’s reminiscent of Porsche’s GTS trims.
Related: 2020 Lexus RX Review: Just What the Doctor Ordered
LEXUS HYBRID DRIVERS
The big updates to the RX line happened in 2020, when Lexus didn’t exactly ditch its much-maligned center-console touchpad controller, but instead gave a choice of two touchscreen displays - measuring 8 or 12.3 inches - that let drivers control nearly everything via the display, not the confusing and distracting touchpad.
And of that notable bunch, the hybrid RX 450h version might just be the best. Lexus’ line of RX SUVs might not be the biggest or most capable on the automaker’s SUV roster, but it’s certainly the one that put the brand on the map - and the RX is its bestselling vehicle. Versus the competition: A stylish interior and relatively new touchscreen help the RX 450h keep pace with other fashionable hybrid SUVs, and its added fuel efficiency and standard all-wheel drive make a case for it as the best Lexus RX on the market. The verdict: The 2021 Lexus RX 450h’s hybrid powertrain, quality interior and improved tech make it a solid fuel-efficient family-hauler, despite some minor blemishes.
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