2024 Lexus RX 450h+ (The Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Finally Comes to the U.S.)

By Michael S. Palmer - August 1, 2023

With a starting MSRP of $70,080, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ offers 35 miles of EV-only driving, a sporty 6.2s 0-60 time, and a refined interior.

In modern Lexus nomenclature, “h” stands for hybrid, and “h+” stands for plug-in hybrid. In the case of the 2024 Lexus 450h+, imagine an NX 450h+ as a larger, more luxurious crossover. Under the hood, Lexus engineers start with the venerable 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine and pair it to two electric motors (one front, one back) and a “high capacity lithium-ion battery pack.” That’s good for a total system power output north of 300 horsepower, but because the RX is heavier than the NX, it’s a little slower to 60mph (6.2 seconds vs 6.0) and has a reduced EV-only driving range (35 miles vs 37).

Still, the wonder of a plug-in hybrid is that it runs as a fully-electric EV until the battery depletes and then simply operates as a Prius-style hybrid until you plug it in again (or engage EV-Charging mode). An EV without any need for range anxiety; a gasoline-powered crossover where you can virtually eliminate carbon emissions if your commute is short enough. Charging takes roughly 2.5 hours with a 240V Level 1 charger (or about 12 hours on 120V).

Luxury Comes Standard

While the RX 500h F Sport Performance remains the top RX in terms of acceleration and handling, Lexus has positioned the 450h+ as the lineup’s fanciest model. Available only in the Luxury-grade, the price is high, starting at over $70 grand, but the standard options list is long and hearkens back to Lexus’ earlier days of plush leather seating and real wood trim.

In short, this one’s going to feel like the original RX.

We put a full list down in the next section, but here are a few highlights of the standard features. Heating and ventilation for four out of five leather seats (sorry, middle-back passenger). A heated and wood-trimmed steering wheel for frosty mornings. A large 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Head-up display (which means annoying steering wheel buttons). Ambient lightning. Panorama glass roof. And all sorts of safety and connectivity features that aim to keep the RX driving where it should (and passengers safe should there be an accident).

The only options listed in today’s announcement, aside from color choices, are an upgraded 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, Digital Key (which allows you to use your phone as a key, Advanced Park with Remote Park, and Traffic Jam Assist.