wrinkle

The Lexus 450H+ also is significantly, 450 lbs, heavier than the Rav4 Prime, thanks to all the "luxury" sound insulation other stuff. This is despite the fact that the 450H+ doesn't have a spare tire than the Prime has, it still is significantly heavier at 4750 lbs vs. 4300 lbs. And it outputs 2 more horsepower, although the traction battery is of the same capacity and weight. So I'd think the additional power came from tweaking the gas engine, and hence the premium fuel.

havec

Helps psychologically that Lexus engine is different. The Lexus is also made in Japan.
Again a psychological difference that might help with the lack of the $7500 rebate that you get for US assembled vehicles. I guess it’s time for a test drive.

wrinkle

The last time I checked, Rav4 Primes are also made in Japan.

And Toyota has a similar $6500 lease rebate for the Prime, as Lexus does $7500 for NX450H+ and RX450H+ - all having the same core drive-train and manufacturing location. None US made.

havec

Thanks for correcting me. So you have to go the lease rebate route. How much do you lose if you buy out the lease right away?

wrinkle

Depends on how much time and effort you put into ensuring that your dealer can't screw you over in various ways (yes, they will try, blatant lies included) to prevent you from doing the immediate buyout (they sure did to me) - but reports in this forum (including threads in the NX forum for 450H+) have reported losing between $1500 to $3000 (out of the $7500) with the lease buyout option. This is also state dependent, as some states require buyout only to happen with a dealer, while others like California allow direct payout to Lexus Financial. You can research on this forum as well as on Leasehackr

havec

Good answer. Thanks.
Negotiating with a car salesman is up there with a root canal.

WellsB

I'm thinking the premium is due to engine control management tweaks for more power and torque. I don't believe there are any physical differences.

I really don't get the noisy engine complaint. We rarely notice the ICE, and even at full-song, it's quieter than the v6 that was in our 2013 RX350.

havec

Thanks. I really wanted to hear from owners on this forum what they thought of the CR road test. Hopefully, San Rafael Lexus will have one available for a test drive. Although,
test drives can be deceiving. Hearing from actual owners on this forum are a major part of the decision making process. I had a RX300 which was a good vehicle. Not so much my 2013 Avalon which had a bumpy ride. My current 2021 Ridgeline is a good long distance vehicle. CR said it rides better than a lot of luxury SUVs. The 450H+ would seem to be more practical. Especially, around town.

havec

Thanks. I really wanted to hear from owners on this forum what they thought of the CR road test. Hopefully, San Rafael Lexus will have one available for a test drive. Although, test drives can be deceiving. Hearing from actual owners on this forum are a major part of the decision making process. I had a RX300 which was a good vehicle. Not so much my 2013 Avalon which had a bumpy ride. My current 2021 Ridgeline is a good long distance vehicle. CR said it rides better than a lot of luxury SUVs. The 450H+ would seem to be more practical. Especially, around town.

wrinkle

Keep in mind every "review" you hear will have inherent biases of the reviewer baked in, including individuals and publications like CR. Personally in my RX450H+ I find the 21 wheels unappealing, because every single perturbation in the California roads leads to significant perturbation in the cabin. I had a 500H loaner without 21 inch wheels for my 5K service, and its ride was far more comfortable with the thicker sidewall tires - although I definitely am set with the 450H+ drive-train. Its a pity Lexus doesn't sell the 450H+ without the Luxury trim, because I would've loved configure it without the 21 inch wheels, ML audio, and maybe the pano roof (cooks the occupants in the summer sun) - Lexus forces one to get all these, because they think people paying at this trim would want these - a false generalization, given the lack of configurability of Lexi, contrasted with the Germans.

If you really want to experience it, you can try to get it for a day or weekend on Turo rental. That's the best way to evaluate, though I didn't have to time for that myself.

havec

Yes usually CR hates the bigger and lower profile tires on just about every car they test which has the option. First time I’ve heard them say that the ride was good in spite of the 21 inch wheels and tires. Good idea renting one for evaluation prior to purchase.