Eagleboy99

No surging in the 350h CVT transmission. No CVT howl either.

budwom

I have experienced absolutely no turbo lag with my new 4 clinder model...the engine is more responsive, and pairs better with the transmission, than my 2013 RX.

Urlik

The 350h uses a eCVT with a planetary gear set which works much different than a traditional CVT and its pulley based system. It should have surging or howling.

ggebhardt

The CVT was the only thing I worried about before buying my 2023 350h. I have had previous hybrids with CVT and did not like the noise or performance of the CVT.

Greatly relieved that the 2023 CVT is greatly improved and all worries are gone. I am very happy at how quiet the 350h is in the cabin. With the radio at even low volume I do not hear any engine of drive train noise. Holding hands free cell phone conversations is a breeze and the 350h cabin is a real joy to be in.

goodyrl

We drive about 8500 miles per year. Based on gas at $3.50 per gallon can anyone tell me if the price difference is worth it? We will probably keep the RX 6 years. Thanks !

daryll40

The short answer is probably not, based on your assumptions, mainly the limited driving. You can probably negotiate nicely on the gas vehicle; not so on the hybrid. And availability on the hybrids is very limited. That being said, keep in mind that the gas vehicle requires premium gas, costing about 20% more. The RX350h does not require premium. Your $3.50/gal for regular gas might equate closer to $4.50 for premium.

lexusnyca

The hybrid and the 350 AWD have the same vehicle price. Only price issue is the premium gas.

daryll40

Only in theory. In reality the gas car is being discounted and the hybrid fetches full sticker. And if you can even get one, they are mostly loaded with options that a value buyer won’t want. And often with dealer high skim options (like tire protection) that can’t be negotiated away.

toyotaman7

Annual savings of 350h vs 350 based on rated fuel economy are:

1- gas savings of about $360
2- premium gas on 350 turbo: $250

So, about $600 per year.

goodyrl

Is premium mandatory or recommended? Thanks

ggebhardt

Recommended . . . . .

Wait4Vtec

I had a hybrid previously. The MPG was great, I wasn't a fan of the noises it made whether it be CVT, brake actuator at every stop, low speed fake sound. Mine also had weird brakes that were often sticky at low speeds.

tedward155

My 23 350h is the second one I've owned. I love them because of the extra quiet in the cabin. It's pretty darn peppy to drive too. Especially in sport mode. I doubt if it makes much difference financially. I just prefer the soft, quiet, ride.

ggebhardt

The 350h is a vast improvement over my past 450h. A completely different vehicle to me.

daryll40

The gas-turbo (non-hybrid) REQUIRES premium gas. The hybrid RX350h does not require, but recommends premium gas. It appears that most on here, like me, use regular gas.