2012 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Test Drive & Luxury Crossover SUV Video Review

www.autobytel.com/lexus/rx-450... The 2012 Lexus 450h is a crossover luxury SUV that is not only great to drive, but it also has excellent fuel economy ratings. The RX series has been a wonderful selling line of luxury crossovers since 1998 and the Hybrid model sits at or near the top of the list of most fuel efficient SUVs year after year. And the Lexus RX 450h is an AutoPacific 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award winner. The RX 450h comes in 2 different trim levels. The first is the FWD model which has a base price of $45,235. The second is the AWD model which has a base price of $46,825.
The RX hybrid is powered by an Atkinson cycle 3.5 liter V-6 engine that produces 245 horsepower and 244 lb-ft. of torque. The hybrid powertrain features two electric motors that give an extra boost to the V-6 engine adding 50 HP. Fuel economy ratings are 32 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Not only is the RX hybrid very fuel efficient, but it is also a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle. The 2012 Lexus RX 450h sports two systems that help in both efficiency and emissions. The Exhaust Heat Recovery system that helps with the warm up of the vehicle and Exhaust Gas Recirculation which is water cooled and reduces pumping losses.
It is not just the Lexus Hybrid Drive that is responsible for the great MPG ratings. The RX hybrid features a start-stop system to increase fuel economy. The luxury hybrid can also run on battery power alone. The ECO mode monitor shows the driver how to drive in a more efficient manner. The RX hybrid sports the first Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission which is meant to keep the luxury SUV in the right gear at all time thus maximizing efficiency. The steering unit runs off electricity instead on a belt driven by the engine. The result is less strain on the engine resulting in better MPG. The 2012 Lexus RX 450h uses a regenerative braking system to power the batteries.
On the outside the 3rd generation RX features a bold and exciting new design with a new bumper, headlight assembly, and new grille. Dimensions have been increased a bit and cargo room is up 5%. The real news is that the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.33 thanks in large part to the rear wing which reduces air turbulence. On the inside the 2012 Lexus RX hybrid is all luxury and technology. The 8-inch navigation is voice activated and a heads-up display projects directions onto the windshield. Supply leather abounds and the front seats are heated and ventilated units that are power adjustable.
The 2012 Lexus RX 450h is a wonderful 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV that gets incredible gas mileage. Both green and efficient, the RX hybrid is a great choice.
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[@kubanskiloewe]

i bought a 10 year old RX450h with many mileage on it......runs like a clockwork ! No more AUDI anymore. greetings from germany

[@paguliukas]

what mpg u get :) L/KM

[@kubanskiloewe]

@@paguliukas city and up to80km/h i get between 6,5-7,5ltr /100km in normal drive. On Autobahn it depends very much on speed and how many pull down i do. So with 130-160km/h i get 10-13ltr/100km Above that i dont know exactly but could be above 15ltr at 180-200km/h.

[@paguliukas]

@@kubanskiloewe hi you getting good L/km u probably easy on pedal in the city ? :)

[@kubanskiloewe]

@@paguliukas hm, perhaps but i´m not crawling or hindering others. with eco mode my record is 6,3-6,5 ltr.. in city and countryroads i do often not accelerate above the green area or only a bit and go fast slowly back into that area while that genius system still accelerate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIe1k3awqruHkMk

[@kavindugilshan]

Today i traded my ML for lexus RX . I was so tied of visiting work shop with my ML . I hope my RX will be fine too .

[@xlilcutie93x]

The Lexus is actually a LOT more comfortable than the Q5 and the X3.

[@trueoz3950]

Have jad Lexus 450h for 10 years plus, still drives like new car, very reliable

[@NeutralGenericUser]

After driving my brother's GS450h, I can say that my next car will definitely be a Lexus Hybrid. They do such an amazing job! I didn't even realize that it was a CVT until I noticed that it doesn't jerk if you slow down, but don't make a complete stop, and then press gas again. I'm so used to being patient with an automatic when it comes to that. Toyota/Lexus makes amazing Hybrids :) P.S. Great review :)

[@bludetrade]

Like ur reviews

[@66scythe]

yeas i love lexus suvs

[@anditodp9532]

cool,i very love that

[@bluelake1621]

A old car salesman told me Lexus is the best car to buy overall

[@itsallrobbish]

Very keen on getting one of these for the boss, she’ll love it!

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

Simp

[@jar2nd383]

I don't know if you're driving the same vehicle I am friend, but you either have a hate on for the brand, or somebody with an RX cut you off this morning. The cabin is super quiet, the ride is much less "bouncy" than you state in your other comment; ride quality is superb... so, you have your opinion and I have mine, although one is an informed opinion, and the other seems not to be.

[@davidmacgown321]

I've heard the hybrids have lower clearance so how does this handle in snow?

[@jayweezy3264]

do the front seat of these recline all the way flat like the previous generations?

[@fx60_nymnCorn]

how turn on Speed hologram? in this lexus (2012 version)

[@pauldafiakpor1530]

I'm planning of buying Lexus RX 450H sooner this year" but don't know about it's durability and fuel economics system, can someone throw more lights on it? For Me to know that I'm not making the wrong Choice! One Love

[@Akilan21]

Best van on Earth 100%

[@kubanskiloewe]

still today

[@derppool]

all the monies you can save on petrol in the long run!

[@newpepper15]

SRX is KIng of all crossovers hands down

[@YQIslam]

We have a lexus ls series and this ride seems so much firmer and non luxurious than our ls

[@kubanskiloewe]

but it has 2 motors and charge the battery faster ;-)

[@jayweezy3264]

does anyone know if this generation have the full recline front seats like the 2009?

[@AdrianC12345]

It sells because of its blandness... That's also why the Camry sells. Because of its blandess, the cars meant for basic consumers are always bland because those consumers make up the largest percentage of buyers who are very conservative and the auto industry does NOT want to risk offending anyone's eyes with any radical designs. OR basically, why the RX and Camry look so much alike like their predecessors. The XC60 though, sells very well for Volvo, even more than they had expected.

[@SweetWife84]

Volvo dominated features like Safety and Turbo and all, but it was in the 80s and 90s. it is hard to come back and sit on the top of Lexus in these days, it is just the fact. ZF is really innovated, but not as reliable as Toyota, at least not as cheap to replace.

[@AdrianC12345]

Volvo only used the GM transmission in ONE model year of the XC90 because it couldn't prepare its own 6 speed quick enough, yes it was a piece of crap but the XC60 Hybrid will only use a German built ZF 8-Speed transmission. Not to mention that the XC60 has already won numerous reliability awards.

[@AdrianC12345]

You've never been in a newer Volvo... And inline 4 bangers are very smooth, it's preety much the only new car engine type for 4 cyl because it's so smooth. I've been in a 2011 RX, smooth on the highway but just very slow and can get noisy when you push it due to that darn CVT, and even then you're not going fast...

[@symmetry08]

there r two guys debating obvious facts with such zeal. Volvo fun to drive, lexus reliable to own - the end.

[@dancheb]

Instead of being of offering the smooth ride, the suspension while soaking up very small level imperfections, completely fails at the larger obstacles. It bounces the driver up and down, and the sounds emitted inside the interior is the like of the big van with its back flexing and rocking side to side. Toyota has little idea of how to properly tune the suspensions, although its a common problem with Japanese brands

[@AdrianC12345]

Volvos have been known to last up to 500K miles without needing any major repairs. I'm on a 1999 V70 XC AWD with over 280K and not a thing has gone wrong. Though, that's not to say that the Lexus isn't a reliable brand either, it just doesn't make sense to purchase a Lexus over the XC60 given that the Lexus will be .00058387% more reliable. Not to mention the utter blandness that comes with all Lexus models except the IS-F/LF-A.

[@Danjacytes]

Do you have to charge the vehicle because it is a hybrid?

[@billygd100]

no - it self recharges

[@bluelake1621]

Nope

[@xlilcutie93x]

I went with my parents during the test drive. Maybe to you but its my opinion that it wasn't comfortable :P The inside of the Q5 isn't as luxurious either.

[@TheGraceofChrist]

Just as many consumers have chosen not to have kids Adrian. I live in an area where most people can and do (whether single or married with children) off road, go fishing, camping etc. the single people, couples and families...most all of us are outdoor types.I don't know where you live but it doesn't sound like much fun. It doesn't take a real off roading vehicle where I live either you focused on that comment when what I'm looking for is brighter colors and with higher fuel efficiency.

[@dancheb]

Nonsense. I've driven the Q5 back-to-back with RX and while Q5 might be generally firmer, it does not feel "crashy" as Lexus RX does.

[@TheGraceofChrist]

They are pretty bland, hate the blah colors they make for the more fuel efficient SUV's! A lot of the consumers who want these SUV's want them for off roading, camping and are not all family focused. I'm single looking for a reliable 4WD or AWD with excellent gas mileage to enjoy myself in and it'd be nice to have more style too. Thanks for your comments.

[@justinbuckley1939]

That’s what the LX/GX is for … this is a family car not an off-roader!!

[@SweetWife84]

everything comes down to the price point, they said "you get what you paid for" actually, that is true, there are little bit of this and that you dont see fit with a Volvo, but if you can forgive them, you will feel like you have a great car. in the other hand, Lexus looks everything's smooth and perfect plus you pay less in the long run, the engineering wise, you still have a toyota. u buy what u believe worth what according to your demographic background and surrounding, and your education.

[@SweetWife84]

2.0L aint smooth like 3.5L 6, to be honest with you, according to what you said, I dont think you have EVER owned, or driven for more than one hour in a NEWER Lexus, the True Luxury Car without High $ Tag

[@miamimagicians]

Thier very expensive

[@AdrianC12345]

Not to mention that Volvo sells far more cars than Scion could ever hope to push out (and again, Volvo has engineering skills that Scion could never hope to have). And anyways, I don't see the point of you trying to prove me wrong as you have not disproved any of my arguments, there is no defending Lexus's RX. At all. There's a reason it has been rated as a worse car than the XC60 by MotorTrend/Road&Track/Car&Driver. Every. Single. Time.

[@AdrianC12345]

You couldn't be more wrong. If anything, consumers want these to carry around their family without having to revert to a wagon (America has turned on the wagon as the symbol of "uncool", though Europe still loves them) or a Minivan (See "Wagon"). The RX has very little if any real off-roading credentials and IF that's really what you want then a Jeep Gran Cherokee would be the best bet but even then the XC60 is better off-road.

[@sybeeee]

german diesels are the best diesels...

[@OmniHerioc]

Even though Lexus is a better brand, but it looks allot like the Nissan Murano. I would rather get something more unique. Even though it's Lexus, it's just not too special on the exterior.

[@AdrianC12345]

Why even bother defending the Lexus? (And in case you didn't know this but Volvo's average customers are younger than Lexus's customers...) It has not a thing on the XC60. At all. Not looks, not speed, not fun, not handling, not off-road capabilities, not passion, not safety, and not fuel efficiency.

[@electrictroy2010]

Having a fan blowing warm air on the rear passengers legs? Not ideal .

[@FlamingAceHD]

That's actually very ideal during winter here in canada

[@JJFLD]

Actually, it sucks air into the battery packs.

[@AdrianC12345]

Look up the Volvo XC60 Hybrid, that's a good value.

[@paguliukas]

do you work for volvo dealership???????

[@SweetWife84]

this car is the best selling crossover, not as toyota, as any crossover, nothing has sold more than this, actually, this car is not an offroad, it is actually a crap, basically a camry, i would never buy it because it will wear you out til you have nothing left. really, Adrian? really? the size of the Volvo company is as big as Scion, stop trying to say it has better, you know it hasn't. dont compare the Asian and Caucasian, it will never end, do you know why? because Asians are always BETTER

[@davidsurnow5081]

As an owner of a Lexus RX450h I am extremely disappointed in Lexus for how they sell the EV mode feature on this car. It NEVER works. When I called Lexus corporate to complain and express my disappointment, they told me that "the EV feature is to be used for parking the car, nothing more". Why would Lexus add an EV mode feature, spend millions of dollars developing said feature, only to be used for parking? It makes no sense. My feeling is that Lexus realized they can charge a lot more for this car if people believe that it has an EV mode, even though the Lexus EV mode does nothing. My sister in law has a Nissan with EV mode that just works without her having to do a thing and actually saves her money on gas. Her gas engine does not kick in until like 40 miles per hour and he car costs $18k.

[@nathant5819]

David Surnow I own the 2014 IS300h F Sport and never use it. I agree but it is a nice car :)

[@robpopi5263]

go buy a Nissan pal and stop trolling

[@SweetWife84]

Technically, i4 can never be smoother than a v6, period, not even i5. H4 or i6 maybe close enough. only minority of people want Volvo today, no offense, you must be White, Male, 40s, and Accountant, otherwise you wouldn't care about the Volvo. .

[@SweetWife84]

XC60 is a MUCH better car indeed, for the first 5000 mile, yes it is.

[@AdrianC12345]

Wait for the Volvo XC60 Hybrid, it's a MUCH better car. In every way. Faster, more fun, more off-road capable, better looking, and 50 mpg.

[@jar2nd383]

Are you kidding me?? Land Cruiser?!

[@AdrianC12345]

Volvo STILL dominates with safety (Lexus has nothing close to City Safety nor Volvo's full pedestrian detection system) all the while still dominating with turbos seeing as Volvo's new 2.0 liter turbo 4 cyl produces 280 hp/280 lb-ft. Lexus's antique V6 with less power, less torque, more weight, and half the efficiency.

[@xlilcutie93x]

Cadillacs have the worst reliability...

[@newpepper15]

I know Lexus is far behind the times.

[@joelbrody4106]

porsche cayenne

[@TheGraceofChrist]

WAY too expensive!

[@SweetWife84]

lol, i thought we went thru, omfg dude, get a job, not on the youtube.

[@dancheb]

One of the worst cars I've ever driven in terms of driving experience. This is literally an appliance all the way - you are paying for the reliability, features and some luxury. Steering is completely devoid of any feeling, the acceleration experience ... there was nothing to experience and the ride quality is ... crappy to say the least . There is pronounced tire noise at speeds and generally the cabin is far from being quiet as you would imagine a Lexus would be (LS let's say).

[@xenonkyre3915]

Aren't you clever...But whatever, stick with your GM piece of crap, which I highly doubt you could afford to begin with.

[@xenonkyre3915]

That thing has one of the worst reliability, not to mention the ride is extremely rough!

[@mnguevarra]

is it just me or what? the rx450 looks ugly.

[@1954telecaster]

if you're gunna spend that kind of money you might aswell get an audi Q5 or bmw X3