Overview Mature mid-sized luxury SUV hybrid
Pros Superior fuel economy, quiet, comfortable
Cons Slightly ponderous handling, user interface needs updating
Value for money Fair
What would I change? An overall refresh without messing with a proven formula
I have had a somewhat rational “like affair” with Lexus’s RX luxury sport-ute since the model first debuted back in 1998. Sixteen years and two generations later, the formula has changed little. The mid-sized, five-passenger SUV has always stressed its upscale nature — a high level of modern conveniences, tasteful interior, ultra-quiet cabin and a smooth ride — rather than off-road prowess. It’s a formula that’s worked to parent company Toyota’s advantage; the RX is the best-selling Lexus in both Canada and the United States.
And, for the past nine years, Lexus has done its part in assuaging any collective guilt about owning a “gas-swilling” sport-ute by offering up a hybrid powertrain — a no-brainer considering Toyota’s pioneering developments in the gas/electric technology — first with the 400h and then with its successor, the 450h. It’s still a rarity in the SUV segment; only the Toyota Highlander, Audi’s Q5 and the Nissan/Infiniti Pathfinder/QX60 siblings have hybrid versions in North America, though Porsche is planning on unveiling a plug-in hybrid version of its updated Cayenne at this week’s Paris auto show and Volvo has one in the works with its upcoming redesigned XC90. The German automakers have far more familiarity with diesel engines and, except for a diesel V6 option in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Detroit pretty much takes a pass on anything other than gasoline-powered internal combustion engines.
2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign
Brian Harper, Driving
The thing is, although little has changed since the third-generation RX debuted for the 2010 model year — which makes it mature if not ancient within the auto industry — it’s still one of my favourite sport-utes, despite the multitude of newer models out there. Why? Well, the logical side recognizes the upscale Lexus image, a powertrain that caters to one’s so-called “grren” sensibilities (or parsimony, if better fuel economy is desirable), all-wheel-drive for Canada’s four-season climate and, increasingly important as traffic and road construction take their toll, a supremely comfortable driving experience that borders on serenity.
And the price, though steep, is not outrageous —$62,650 to start. Sure, one could argue that any mid-sized German luxury sedan will provide many of those same attributes, except that, as a sport-ute, the RX also has a rear liftgate, plenty of luggage room and an elevated riding height that so many find desirable (such as my five-foot-tall wife).
Other than the lack of noise when pushing the start button — under normal circumstance the Lexus starts in electric mode — there are few clues one is driving a hybrid, such is the normalcy of the experience. The small hybrid badge on both flanks of the 450h is the only external giveaway. Pop open the hood and one sees a lot of plastic cladding and a 3.5-litre Atkinson-cycle V6. What you don’t see is that the engine is integrated with three high-torque electric motors and a hybrid battery, plus a power management system to make it all work. This is all connected to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manumatic mode. The result is 295 net horsepower, enough to get the porky Lexus (2,110 kilograms) moving quick enough (about eight seconds to 100 kilometres an hour), though lacking the sort of torque — hauling power in other words — one would get with a diesel engine.
2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign
Brian Harper, Driving
Presumably, though, one drives the 450h as much for eco-mindedness as usefulness as an all-season family vehicle. And, for a mid-sized SUV, fuel economy is extraordinary — my test average of 8.1 litres per 100 km is the sort of number I seldom get out of a compact sedan! Mind you, purely from an expense standpoint, being greener is not a sound economic decision. The difference between the V6-powered RX 350 and the hybrid 450h is more than $12,000, which isn’t going to be made back at the gas station.
As a hybrid, the RX 450h also features an integrated regenerative braking system that captures energy during the braking process, using it to recharge the hybrid system’s battery. There was no grabbing when applying the brakes, as has been the case in other hybrid vehicles. The electric power steering, though, is heavier than ideal, which exacerbates the SUV’s weight issues.
One of the things I like about the RX’s cabin is that it handles five adults with ease, with no attempt, for now, by Toyota to cram a third row in to create an uncomfortable seven-seater. (Industry trade paper Automotive News says the next-generation model, expected late next year, might include a third-row option.) The only immediate concession to the RX’s hybrid powertrain is the replacement of the tachometer with an Eco gauge that indicates whether the system is in charging, eco or power modes. Also, for the efficiency obsessed, the display screen can be configured to provide a minute-by-minute fuel economy bar graph.
2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign
Brian Harper, Driving
Otherwise, those in both front and rear seats are treated to a leather-and-wood-lined environment with a full list of the usual modern conveniences and luxury touches befitting a luxury SUV. The Remote Touch controller (a mouse-like device) on the centre console, which changes/controls functions — navigation, climate, audio, etc. — via the display screen might seem a touch retro in comparison to some of the more well-known/infamous systems (think BMW’s iDrive, Cadillac’s CUE or Ford’s Sync) but it’s easy to learn.
I’m hoping Lexus realizes that, with the success of the RX, tinkering too much with a proven formula might not be in its best interest. (OK, lose that horrendous “spindle” grille that is being inflicted on the brand.) As it is now, the 450h has a distinctive fastback body style that makes it easy to spot in a crowded SUV lineup, it’s quiet, it’s supremely comfortable and it delivers the sort of fuel economy that few others of its type can match. Just because it’s coming due for replacement, doesn’t mean it’s over the hill.
2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign
Brian Harper, Driving
The Specs
Type of Vehicle All-wheel-drive mid-sized luxury SUV hybrid
Engine 3.5L DOHC V6 with electric motor
Power 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 234 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gas engine); 167-hp electric motor; 295 hp combined
Transmission Continuously variable
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P235/60R18
Price (base/as tested) $62,650/$67,600
Destination charge $1,950
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 8.0 city, 8.5 highway
Standard features Power tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel audio controls, heated wood steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, 12-speaker premium audio system with USB audio input, Bluetooth capability and satellite radio, perforated heated and ventilated leather seats, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, maple wood trim, power windows with auto up/down, power door locks, cruise control, smart key system, push-button start, parking assist, Eco display, eight-inch LCD display, backup camera, voice-activated navigation system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, blind spot monitor, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity-discharge headlights, automatic and auto-leveling headlights, headlight washers, LED fog lamps
Options Technology Package ($4,950) includes 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio System, 7.1 channel surround-sound speaker architecture, front seat power thigh support, premium leather seat surfaces, 120V/100-watt power outlet, head-up display, wood-grain trim, front illuminated doorsill trim, LED headlamps
2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign
Brian Harper, Driving
