Club Lexus Review: 2017 RX 450h AWD

By Jerry Perez - May 22, 2017

Whether they aimed for it or not, the 2017 RX 450h goes back to basics and delivers the best driving experience of any current Lexus SUV.

It’s no secret that a design and performance revolution has taken place inside the highest of Lexus’ meeting rooms, with new ideas trickling down to design studios and assembly plants across the globe.

What’s the revolution about? Let’s just say that Lexus grew tired of being the old folk’s luxury brand, and quickly figured out that if they wanted to be around when current young folks grew old, they would have to appeal to a broader audience. That meant rethinking their product strategy, and severely revamping their marketing.

Then the inevitable happened. All of the sudden Lexus vehicles began looking super sharp, attractive — even hot. The downside? The rides became stiffer, the tire noise grew louder, and the Lexus experience began to crumble. In many ways, not terrible for vehicles like the RC F, GS F, and even certain trims of popular Lexus sedans and coupes. But then came the new-generation RX.

Where’s the Glamour?

In late-2015 I was invited to drive the all-new Lexus RX at a swanky launch event in Charleston, South Carolina. There I drove the RX 350 F Sport, as well as the RX 450h F Sport (never offered before), and the “normal” RX 450h. Visually, the F Sport package was quite stunning, but the same couldn’t be said about the driving experience.

Fast forward to May 2017, and my weeklong press car arrived in a sleek shade of Atomic Silver. At first I was taken aback by the lack of glamour, the lack of — pizzazz. Perhaps it’s the fact that Lexus press vehicles are typically loaded through the roof and sport exorbitant price tags. Not this RX 450h though, and that turned out to be a really good thing.

I had the unique chance to test a real Lexus SUV, not a sports car wannabe.

F Sport? No Thanks!

What was it that stood out so much about this particular hybrid SUV? Oh, that’s right, it doesn’t have 20” wheels, thin tires, shouty fenders and other kinds of ground effects. The seats didn’t mimic those from the RC F, and the suspension wasn’t stiff. Sure, the sleek angles and spindle grille remained, but that’s all good with me.

After a day or two behind the wheel, I began developing an overwhelming attraction toward the trusty hybrid. It was lovable, it was easy to live with. Whether I flew solo or with the entire family (and dog), the RX 450h was comfortable, quiet, and just easy to drive. It’s what a luxury SUV should be, for God’s sake.

While the F Sport package pleases the eye, the lack of it pleases the buttocks. The 18” aluminum wheels and meaty tires provided a plush ride, without triggering the “riding-on-a-cloud” effect like older Lexus’.

Alike the suspension, the steering feedback immediately jumped out at me during my first couple of drives. After wrapping up a weeklong test of a Dodge Challenger, the RX felt surprisingly nimble and agile. The steering in the RX 450h was light, but did not feel disconnected. It offered the exact amount of feedback this kind of vehicle should offer. Nothing more and nothing less.

Everyday Usability

What qualities should a nearly $60k luxury hybrid vehicle display? Well, in this case, it should be efficient. The hybrid powertrain found in the 450h is quiet, responsive, and boy is it efficient. Over the course of my 366-mile drive I achieved a combined averaged of 27.3 mpg, which is slightly off the EPA estimate of 30 mpg. In the Lexus’ defense, about 70 percent of my total mileage was driven in city traffic, which required a few stabs of the throttle more often than not, summoning the 308 horsepower found in the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

When it was time to play family, the RX did so darn well. With an optional heated second row, the kiddos remained warm despite 40-degree, early May mornings. A total of 18.4 cubic feet are found behind the rear seats, but can be expanded to 56.3 cubic feet by quickly folding the second row flat via two latches located in the trunk.

Two sets of LATCH car seat anchors are found in the rear seats, with a total of three tether anchors for an optional third car seat if needed. Built-in rear window shades protect little ones from sun rays, while climate vents provide the right amount of heating or cooling to the second row.

Lastly, should you need to tow the family boat or another kind of weekend toy, the RX 450h can handle up to 3,500 lbs. It’s not quite the 7,000 lbs. towing capacity found in the other Lexus SUV we recently drove — the LX 570 — but it’ll do.

Overall

Did Lexus actually mean to get it this good with the “base model” RX hybrid? I don’t know. But I do know that this is what a Lexus should drive like. My week with the RX 450h was comfortable, pleasant, and I even had a quarter of a tank of fuel left after a nearly 400-mile week.

Seriously, what more could you ask for out of a fancy hybrid SUV?

2017 Lexus RX 450h AWD