Lexus RX Hybrid vs PHEV: Which Is Better to Actually Own?

HEV vs PHEV

While Lexus hybrids have always been popular among shoppers, these types of vehicles have caught on proverbial fire across the entire market over the past few months. People are beginning to realize that hybrids are essentially the best of both worlds, providing one with excellent efficiency and longer driving distance, and with PHEVs, even short all-electric capabilities. Thus, since the Lexus RX is offered as a hybrid or PHEV, it's worth asking - which one is the better choice?

Photos: Lexus

Powertrains

In the Lexus RX lineup, one can choose from a couple of hybrids - the RX350h and the RX500h. The 350h utilizes a 2.5-liter gas engine paired with a hybrid system to generate 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, while the sporty RX500h comes with a 2.4-liter gas engine with a higher-output hybrid system that helps it produce a combined 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. 

As for the plug-in hybrid RX450h+, it also employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, mated to two electric motors for a combined output of 304 horsepower. Thanks to its 18.1 kWh battery pack, the PHEV can also go 37 miles on electric power alone, which is a big advantage. 

Photos: Lexus

Pricing

As one might imagine, you pay for that advantage, however. Whereas the RX350h starts out at $52,100 (minus destination charges) and the RX500h costs $64,100, the RX450h+ starts out at $70,580. That's a rather significant difference of $18,480 and $6,480, respectively, though one can also opt for better-equipped 350h Premium, Premium+, and Luxury trims that will bridge that gap. 

Photos: Lexus

Fuel Economy

In terms of efficiency, the RX350h is EPA-rated at 37 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway, and 36 combined. The RX500h takes a big nose dive due to its focus on performance, coming in at 27 city, 28 highway, and 27 combined. The 450h+ gets a combined rating of 36 mpg minus its plug-in system, but with that in full use, is rated at 83 e-mpg, so long as owners keep it charged and actually use it. 

Photos: Lexus

Driving and Charging

In terms of driving characteristics, both of these luxurious crossovers have plenty to offer in terms of driving comfort, ride quality, and a quiet cabin, while the 450h+ functions much like an all-electric vehicle when one is only utilizing the hybrid system. Once it runs out of electric power, the PHEV continues on just like a regular vehicle, virtually seamlessly. This is obviously great for those with shorter commutes, but there's one big problem - it takes a whopping 2.5 hours to charge the RX450h+ battery pack, so it won't be feasible to do so on longer road trips. The good news is, you don't have to, thanks to the presence of a gas engine. 

Photos: Lexus

Which is Better?

As for which of these vehicles is actually better, well, that depends on the person shopping for one. For those who can charge at home and don't have a problem paying a big premium for it, the RX450h+ is obviously a cool piece of kit, though it would take a pretty long time to save enough on gas to make up for the extra cost. The good news is, the 350h is a fantastic traditional hybrid that's also a good value, making it an appealing vehicle for a broader consumer base. 

Photos: Lexus

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