NOTE: Pricing based on data collected August 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Lexus introduced the RX 450h FWD (front-wheel drive) in model year 2010, replacing its first hybrid SUV, the RX 400h. The midsize SUV seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg. Much like the 2010 Prius, Toyota (Lexus’s parent company) made the RX 450h FWD both more powerful, and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. The RX 450h FWD utilizes a more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle in its gasoline engine, which, combined with a hybrid drivetrain, gives it significant global warming emissions reductions. The RX 450h FWD is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
With a 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional RX 350 FWD, the RX 450h FWD gets a larger percentage global warming emissions reduction than any other midsize SUV hybrid. Indeed, the RX 450h does a better job reducing global warming emissions over its conventional counterpart than does the Ford Escape Hybrid, a compact SUV. The smog-forming emissions performance of the RX 450h FWD is very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9 (the Ford Escape Hybrid rates slightly better with a 9.5). These two factors give the RX 450h FWD an Environmental Score of 7.4 (which ties the Ford Escape Hybrid’s overall environmental score).
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Lexus is charging $4,610 for the hybrid system in the RX 450h FWD. With a solid 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this puts the RX 450h FWD near the top of the “Medium” range for Hybrid Value. Toyota, through its Lexus brand, has shown with both the GS 450h and, more notably, the HS 250h that it can provide Lexus hybrids at an even lower cost premium. If Toyota applies these lessons to the next RX450h FWD, its hybrid value could easily increase.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
By design, the Lexus brand offers premium features even on its base models. The RX 450h FWD comes with a lot of the features a consumer would expect from Lexus, but Lexus doesn’t force the hybrid consumer to spend much money on additional features than they would get from the base model of the conventional RX 350 FWD. This gives the RX 450h FWD a Forced Features rating of “$.” The only forced features on the RX 450h FWD are Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management with cutoff switch, and roof rails.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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