Is the 350h good for highway driving?

-Able to comfortably run at 70 -75 mph, on cruise control?

-Decent acceleration at highway speeds, on couple hour drives, for instance after getting out of a heavier traffic area at 55mph, going from 55 up to 70+ (where I'd typically reengage cruise)?

​​​​​​Basically, does the smaller non-turbo engine actually have enough on-highway power in a case where the regenerative braking isn't doing anything, it's effectively running just off of the ICE (being converted to electric for the drive motors)? If it's awesome for city stop-and-go, but really lackluster for extended operation up at highway speeds, that's important. 0 - 60 times are good for highway on-ramps, but 55 -70+ acceleration is what's needed (at least for me) when actually on the highway.

The mpg, ability to use regular, and normally quieter cabin (overall quieter sounds like the consensus in this thread) are strong positives for the 350h vs. 350, but I still haven't got a feel for if acceleration when already in the highway speed zone is decent, or if it's kind of weak. there.

I'll be doing some test drives, but seeking real-world insight, what it's like for extended driving on highways. I'm not a lead foot driver, but being able to accelerate while up at highway speeds is also important in avoiding accidents on the road, getting out of the way of problems.

 

The 350h is down on horsepower and torque versus the RX350 which most likely makes a difference in your 55 to 70 scenario.

 

I have never had any issues accelerating from 55 to 70. My last trip from VA to SC I had the cruise set to 81. For some reason when I set it to 81 it kept the speed @ 80. The car was very happy for hours. I did notice the MPG dropped from my normal 36+ to about 28 when set @ 81.

 

Motortrend figures;
RX350h
0-60 MPH 7.4 sec
Quarter Mile 15.7 sec @ 89.2 mph


RX350 AWD F-Sport
0-60 MPH 7.3 sec
QUARTER MILE 15.5 sec @ 91.2 mph

So both are roughly the same all the way up to 90 mph. Trying to compare horsepower and torque figures between hybrid and non-hybrid is misleading at best. It's the actual performance that counts.

 

Let’s be specific. 2020 Rx450h has a less noisy engine note when under acceleration. Many don’t realise that it the 2020 hybrid is more refined than the 2016-2019 450h by updates to software and PDU.

 

I suppose I should have said the RX350h is quieter than the 4th gen RX350. I would imagine that the RX450h+ is quieter than the 4th gen RX450h as well. The RX450h+ is the quietest vehicle I've ever driven.

 

Wow! Those reviews are all over the place. I can see your conundrum!

Personally, I went with the 2024 RX350h Premium because of gas prices. Gas in my area has been anywhere from $2.69 per gallon to $3.45, and I had been driving a 2017 Lexus NX200t which required premium, so add about .50 cents per gallon to those prices. I like the idea that I can go 481 miles on a tank of gas and that I can average 30-33 mpg vs 22 mpg with the NX.

I've only had my hybrid for three days but I can say the following:
1. When I punch it, it has some "giddy-up!" It accelerates and does it quickly. (I drive in Atlanta traffic and I tend to dart in and out because some people think they should drive 28 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone).
2. When it starts, it feels like a completely electric vehicle. It's SO quiet that you don't realize the engine is on. I drove a co-worker's Tesla and the sound - or lack thereof - is similar.
3. I did notice once or twice that when it switched from the hybrid engine to the gas that there was a bit of a "rumble" but it seemed normal. I will also say the two times that happened, it was the exception. I hear well, and I typically can't tell when the change occurs.
4. I will say that my 2017 Lexus NX200t got off the line QUICK. I could squeal the tires in that. I never experienced turbo lag either. I miss it, but this hybrid is very light, very nimble and feels premium.
5. I will also say that when I put it in cruise control on a slower road, i.e. 45 miles per hour speed limit, it feels like the vehicle is wandering. I think that has more to do with the fact that these are roads that could easily be posted for 55 miles per hour, but because they're near residential areas and the police need to collect their revenue, the speed limit is just too low, so it seems like I'm standing still and the vehicle is kind of "floating."

If you get the chance, go to a dealer that has a hybrid, a gas only turbo and an F-Sport. Tell them you're on the fence and you'd like to drive them a couple of miles each before making your decision. Ultimately, it's up to you.

Finally, I will say that I don't think you're giving up much in the way of performance by going hybrid instead of gas only or F-Sport.

 

The Driver for Motor Trend must have the most sensitive feet in the world! Must hurt him to walk. I have the 350h premium plus and really like it. Would I like it to have a turbo 4? Yes, but I bought it for the hybrid capabilities and the mileage. Test drove the 350 as well as the NX. The RX is all over the NX in ride quality and quietness. Yes the pick up is a little lacking and ‘groans’ slightly under heavy load, but then I didn’t buy this for high power accelerations and high speed driving. I bought it for comfort and mileage. And for those 2 reasons alone, it is fantastic. Plus the tech is great.

 

I’m gonna have to say yes to your questions about the 350h. 75-80% of my driving is highway and interstate. Easily hitting 38-39 mpg consistently. The more 55mph highway driving the better the mpg. Adaptive cruise set a 70 is great. It still has plenty left to pass. I don’t pass at 70. I always accelerate to get out of the passing lane quickly. I can’t stand people who stay at 70 to pass someone doing 68!
Hope this helps

 

Agree 100% . Had a 2017 a RX450 prior to purchase 3/24 of a 2024 RX350h. The 2024 is a world better drive quieter smoother and a crazy combined 38mph. Interior and exterior IMO much much better than the 2017.

 

My wife is thinking it is time to replace her 12 year old car and is considering the RX350. She's not much into researching and I have read a lot, but I am wanting to get some feedback from those of you who have one, if you would do it again? She is undecided on the turbo or the hybrid version, so any and all input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for any input or suggestions you all may have!

 

Hello,

owner of a RX350h since a year now, third trim, call ultra luxe in Canada, I thing it’s premium + in USA.
i had a chance to ride some rental lately for. Lexus, I had ES350, gaz version of NX350 and RX350.
The ES was surprising of I well the car handle the road.
Both of the gas version of the RX and NX have a similar behavior, the transmission if not quick and soft as the 350h
the 350h as a cvt so it’s a different animal.

For the type of driving I do, smooth, a bit more slower than others on the road, well I will buy again the 350h

if I had more money and living in a house or a place with an electric charger, for me the 450h+ is the one to buy.
i am living in an apt building as a renter with an inside parking space, but no option to have electricity.
the building is from 1992, at that time electric car was still a dream

good luck in your choice and don’t forget to do a test drive.

 

350h all the way. This coming from an owner of a non hybrid ES and a prior gen RX non hybrid. The car is silky smooth, quiet other than when pushed hard and oh 38mpg - slam dunk hybrid all the way.

 

Second that. Would not consider a gas version. Had two as loaners while getting maintenance and did not like the turbo surge. At 6000 miles 38 mpg with incredible smoothness and quietness.

 

Depends how you want drive it, if you like to be easy cruiser 100% 350H as you will get excellent MPG. Also 350H has regenerating brakes which are not greatest feeling at times at highway speeds. If your going be doing a lot of on it acceleration and like that quick low end torque from stop then I suggest go with gas model as this where 350H lacks and gets extremely loud if you get on it and seems rather clumsy as it isn't gear in that way.


Regardless can't go wrong with either depends on what your looking to accomplish and your driving manners. I recommended your drive both, on Hybrid try brakes and acceleration from stop to see main differences.
Personally I went with F sport, as I wanted the sport wheels, red interior and most importantly the adaptive suspension and big brakes.