LexRexBlue

Hate to burst your bubble. I had the RX400h had to have the brakes done (both front and back) at around 40,000 and I'm not hard on brakes. I do live on a hill so I obviously do have that issue but I'd let the car coast a lot.
You need to drive the hybrid a length of time and see which you like. It's quirky. When I raved about the improvement driving a RX350 loaner my husband realized that I really had grown to dislike my hybrid. Even my service advisor knew I didn't love it. Before buying my new RX350 I did drive the new version of the hybrid. It felt just like my 400h. Local driving (but you have to do it for at least 7 miles at a time) does get good mileage. NYC traffic didn't do wonders for me, but Newark Airport rendered 43 mpg!!! If you go on long extended vacations you have to disconnect the battery or it'll go dead.
With all that being said I do miss only visiting the gas station every 2-3 weeks instead of weekly. They say the 350 will be better after its broken in.
Good luck!

Cruiter

I've read all the posts here including the one that say's brake pads don't last longer.

1st of all if you justify the RX450h for fuel economy alone you'll probably drive quite a while to realize the savings. You buy it like any car that comes in different models and trim/feature upgrades. It's NOT a RX350, it IS an RX450h (hybrid) with more features, trim, performance, and yes economy. My 1st RX was an '03 RX350. This one (RX450h) gives me a good 10mpg more avg (approx 30%). It has more performance and features than before, and it's the top of the line RX. If I couldn't afford the difference, then I probably shouldn't have been looking at ANY RX.

As to less maintenance, it's true. Under 'normal' driving conditions you should expect 10k or twice a year oil & filter changes, the occasional engine and cabin and fuel filter change, and tire changes as necessary. Same with wipers. Other than that if you care for your car and operate it for efficiency (that's what a hybrid is about anyway), then you should be rewarded with the difference. Your brake pads will wear with your driving style but like most folks say, you should get more than the average miles on them. The electric motor under light to moderate braking handles the majority of braking performance. It's not a sports car, it's a luxury SUV so if you drive it as such you'll get probably somewhere in the range of 100k or more miles on them. And some people won't. It comes down to conditions and driving style.

Plus you get a higher return when you trade or sell it. If you go through all the Gen III RX posts of both models you'll likely find a very high customer satisfaction response from both but especially the (h) models.

billy44bo

Curb weight Prius 3042 lb
Curb Weight RX450h 4,652 lb AWD
Curb Weight RX450h 4,520 lb FWD
I think that you will not get 100k miles out of your brake pads with the Lexus because there is more car to stop but I got 60k out of my RX330 and I think I will get 75K+ out of the new Lexus 450h and there is much more fun driving a 450h if you want to hit it every now and then fast get up and go

Cruiter

Here is a quote from a 2006 RX400h owner with 145,000 kilometers 145000 km = 90098.822 mi. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5902257-post2.html
He say's he has between 1/4 to 1/2 left on his pads.
And you're right on how much fun it is when you feel the need to send some high test spray over the top of the pistons just to keep them clean

Cruiter

Here's another good report on the lack of pad wear for the RX450h ver. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5920094-post3.html

billy44bo

That is good news just got our vin number today and the car will be in port on the 15th on this month