2015 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Detailed Review and Road Test

Is the RX Hybrid right for you? Check out the most detailed review on KZbin to find out.
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The Lexus RX isn't the freshest luxury 2-row crossover, but the hybrid RX450h is without a doubt the least expensive gasoline luxury crossover to operate (until the new NX 300h lands in December). With operational costs that are easily over $1,000 less a year for the average driver, an enormous back seat and a cavernous cargo hold, the RX is a practical option. While it will never handle like the RWD competition, your pocketbook will likely be happier as a Lexus customer.
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[@mahdh_]

Woah. I've seen a lot of reviews on the Lexus RX, this one has the be the best. It was detailed and the presenter even went as far as explaining how some of the mechanics of the car work.

[@MrJohnaussie007]

one of the best reviews i have ever seen

[@lawrancelee6359]

Agree!

[@Rockybalboa541]

I’m from the future

[@bluelake1621]

Mine just turned 180k miles, I just change the oil every 5k and change the brakes. Nice smooth ride !

[@747-pilot]

OUTSTANDING!! review. I love the way you've given us a FULL BLOWN technical explanation of the inner workings of the hybrid system and how it integrates with the Atkinson cycle gas engine (for those of us that love those gory details!!). And your take on its reliability (very important) and why it is that way was also much appreciated!! Many reviewers simply leave these tech details out and gloss over laymen terms and functionality, that really infuriates me! Your review is well balanced in that it also gives the other more "subjective" evaluations such as ride, comfort, noise levels and fun-to-drive aspects that cannot easily be quantified. Basically your reviews explain everything that is needed for car buffs like me to make a highly informed decision!

[@crappy60]

This review was so in depth it actually answered a lot of my questions. Thank you for the small details.

[@PCConditioning]

Alex- Your channel remains my #1 choice for auto reviews. Keep up the GREAT work. You do an outstanding job. Very professional and I enjoy the stats you present, particularly the ruler which displays the comparisons between the reviewed vehicle's class competitors.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Rahul, In general hybrids suffer a little more than regular cars in the winter, however you also need to keep in mind that the same fluctuation is more obvious in a hyrbid. A 20% drop when you're getting 40 MPG for instance is much more noticeable than a 20% drop when you only average 15 to start with.

[@jayram.deshpande]

Your reviews are awesome, detailed . Great job !

[@bird271828]

Alex, very nice video and thorough explanation as always. Thank you.

[@TheBeliever-vu8wc]

Outstanding and genuine review

[@mahmoudabdelkader3994]

Amazing review..thank you soooo much! ❤ you did exceptionally great.i loved every single moment of this video..again.thanks so much

[@BryceLovesTech]

Another great review Alex, best on youtube

[@random-videos]

Great review !!!

[@Orrlur]

Excellent review. Thank you!!!

[@morg4620]

Great review as always Alex. You're the best on KZbin. How about an update review on Cadillac XTS. I know you reviewed the 13-14 model and it had some issues you did not like. An review of 15 model would be nice to see if GM fix those issues.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll see what I can do. I was hoping to get the XTS V-Sport in for a review but it hasn't been too high on my list from viewers.

[@qbtc]

This was the last RX with 40 cubic ft of cargo space. After 2015, RX cargo space went down to 18 cubic ft. That was a deal breaker for me.

[@Orrlur]

Good to know, I’m looking for a used 2015 450H now

[@techexplorer9382]

Thanks Alex ! Good review and Detail .

[@casey10614]

Cost of ownership - you didn't factor in reliability. That is cost of ownership over time. Lexus is more reliable than a BMW X3, Audi, or Volvo. So when the electronics go out or the fuel pump goes on the BMW I am shelling out lot's of cash. The lexus also isn't forced induction which means less parts to break. Part's cost is another factor. If you keep the car under the warranty it's valid but buying a 60k car every 5 years is not cost efficient unless you are making a lot of money. And even then it's not very responsible financially speaking. On a side note Alex does a very good job at explaining the car's options and comparing to other models and how the systems work. Good job sir! I am subscribed to your channel to learn about the new models that come out since it's hard to do the research on my own.

[@omoniyikaye]

Lexus my favourite I don't bother with other cars known for is smoothness and more importantly reliability. Thanks for a great comment.

[@joelf5565]

@ Casey Cousins Very true. And you’d be lucky if you only had a fuel pump and some electronic issues. Unfortunately German cars are junk. Fun to drive but huge waste of money. I speak through experience. And they depreciate so much more than Lexus for that reason. Lexus for Life!

[@FuadJavadov]

Thank you for review. Just wondering what dash camera did you use?

[@morg4620]

XTS v sport would be a great review. You have my vote.

[@balancedfoodandfitness]

AoA for the win.

[@1zeagle]

premium fuel for the h vs regular for the RX350, just a thought for consideration but very thoughtful review as always by alex on autos good job & great vehicle

[@hbtelesford2023]

Great review Alex!! Question: I have a similar vehicle and the lines are missing on the monitor when reversing. How do I fix it?

[@rahulrane1658]

Alex, how does a hybrid do (specifically this Lexus) in winters. I have heard the fuel economy reduced quite drastically in comparison to a regular Gasoline SUV..

[@es3502012]

Hey I really like your reviews, I m just wondering if u could do a review of the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg once it come out. I would really appreciate it :)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is certainly on my list :)

[@annotoole7387]

I would be interested in the Towing Package and is the towing capacity different if it is installed by mfg vs aftermarket? Also, any Help you can lend to explaining Weights involved with towing! Thank You!

[@futbol1972]

What used year should I consider buying for the 450h? What years should I avoid?

[@EvanderSmart]

The RX will be redesigned next fall. Size shouldn't change, but styling will get more aggressive inside and out. Price should start closer to $45k 13:25 - Great steering wheel design

[@joelf5565]

Funny, I found the 2015 450h to have stiffer, better handling and grip than the 350. I assume it is due to the downward weight of the battery packs.

[@zachtravers1]

I think that 7/10 is a little on the low side for accelleration. 6.1 seconds is pretty good I would give it at least 8/10 lol but great review as always :)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well the XC60 T6 FWD, T6 AWD, T6 R-Design, Q5 3.0T, SQ5, Macan S, Macan Turbo, BMW X3 xDrive35i are faster and the SRX was essentially the same. It's a category with some pretty speedy options.

[@BTC909]

I found the front seats to be very narrow probably due to that swollen center console.

[@valdius85]

Does anyone has a valuable opinion on reliability of a 5 y.o. model of this vehicle, in eCVT eAWD? I compare this to new RAV4 and second hand Harrier (Japanese market), all with eCVT eAWD. These fit my needs the most. They all cost similar money, with obvious assumption the age would be different.

[@jowowetan]

Alex, is the RX450 hybrid system identical to the Toyota Highlander hybrid system?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

There are software and packaging changes but the basics are shared.

[@raus_mit_Islam]

How is it up a slippery slope, like up a snowy road?

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

Alex we need a status update on your basement. Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is still a scary hole in the ground!

[@corradomr2]

Great review as always! One thing mentioned is the electric motor produces 25 more hp over the gas engine (270 hp). Shouldn't it be 50 hp over the 245hp from the 3.5L atkinson gas engine in the 450h instead?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You know, that makes sense. I was told off the record that it was about 25HP, but you're right the math doesn't add up. I'll have to see if I can get an answer to that.

[@ts6070]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide have you found the answer to this question yet?

[@TheSkystrider]

How much is this based off the Highlander? I don't actually need 7 seats, I just need cargo capacity with 4 seats. Trying to decide if I want to get an old Hybrid RX or Highlander, or get a much cheaper non-hybrid Infiniti QX60 (I don't trust Nissan/Infiniti hybrid).

[@spiritvarun]

In your car comparison chart, you showed Lexus CX, you shed some light on it ?, Please. Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Ah, I see what you mean. That is the GX. The font (Neuropolitical) has an oddly shaped "G".

[@spiritvarun]

Oh, thanks for clarifying it !!

[@Veyronp87]

these RXs are literally all over the roads.

[@MrFrozenCanuck]

Have you driven the Cayenne Diesel yet?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I have but not the current re-design. Fuel economy is very similar to the last generation and in my driving was around 27-28 MPG average which means higher operating costs due to the cost of diesel and the side cost of urea.

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Average mpg that I get is around 24 Hwy/ city.

[@f1ymetothemoon45]

Great review as always Alex! I do have a question on something you mentioned in this video. I never knew Lexus used an 8-speed transmission in the AWD RX 350 F Sport. I've always wondered why Lexus doesn't fit an 8-speed transmission on their AWD sedans. Is there a spacing difference between the FWD layout here and the RWD layout of those sedans or some other reason they don't use it there? As someone living in a colder climate, I've always been a little disappointed they used fewer gears for their AWD sedans compared to the RWD ones.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The 8-Speed auto does have a slightly different layout which causes the propshaft to the rear to be in a slightly different location. The only Toyota/Lexus to use the 8-speed transaxle is the RX-350 F-Sport for some reason, the new NX doesn't get it either. However Volvo uses the same 8-speed in the S60, V60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC60 in the new FWD models.

[@zaitcev0]

Is it just me, or something weird going on with the driver side bamboo applique on the door? It looked like a scary misalignment and a gap.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I *think* that it just wasn't snapped in quite right during assembly. I was driving a pre-production car and after I saw that I snapped it in fully and it stayed put.

[@oceanzhu1002]

is the optional 8 speed in the f sport an all new transversial unit or the same one from other lexus line ups like say the LS

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

This is a new Aisin (wholly owned by Toyota) transaxle. It is currently used only in the RX 350 F-Sport and the 2015+ Volvo V40,XC40,S60,V60,XC60,V70,XC70,S80 and the new XC90.

[@oceanzhu1002]

oh nice! btw how's the shift speed compare to the other units like the zf 8 speed

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

ocean zhu I was honestly concerned about that when driving the RX F-Sport, the shifts felt a little slower than ZF's 8-speed and the transmission was very eager to upshift and slow to downshift. Volvo's software is night and day different and feels very much like the ZF RWD transmission. I assume that this was just a decision on Lexus' part to improve transmission lifetime.

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

whats the diffe between a 350 and a 450?

[@joelf5565]

450 is a hybrid.

[@astudentpilotlife]

I just dont like the images in the middle of the speedometer and the power information

[@futbol1972]

Should I lease a 2022 RX 450h for $499 with $3999 down and possibly buy it at the end of lease if we like it or should I buy a 2018 RX 450h for $38999 with 51k miles LOADED with panoramic sunroof etc, etc..???

[@joelf5565]

Without knowing the lease months and buyout cost, I’d say you’d probably do better buying the used. Lexus is one car brand where age and miles don’t scare me.

[@futbol1972]

@@joelf5565 What used year should I consider buying for the 450h? What years should I avoid?

[@joelf5565]

I’m not aware of any problematic years with the RX. I got a 2015 because 2016 was the new body style (which is fine), but the used car price jumped significantly because of it. So I was content with the older body style to save money. Bought it a few months ago for $26k w/86k. Immaculate condition. We also have a 2011 ES350 w/ 160k and still drives like new.

[@luisfigueroa2011]

@@joelf5565 was the “premium gas only” an issue for fuel economy?

[@joelf5565]

@luisfigueroa2011 From my understanding it could cause harm to engine over time. At least that is the chatter I’ve seen in forums. Then there are a few people that say they never use premium and no issues. I never found a definitive answer on that. I do know the hybrid has a different compression ratio and that I believe has to do with it.

[@ParrotsandPotatoes]

The quality consistency of the interior plastic panels looks really disappointing.

[@x31moose]

0-60 is 7.1 or slower not 6.1

[@joepah51]

Overall an excellent review. I think if Alex had crunched the numbers harder on a loan or lease comparing the RX350 vs RX450h, he would find the depreciation or lease amount would outweigh any fuel economy benefits of the hybrid.. That's why they sell so few of them in his low gas cost economy.

[@alexandergoldman]

At 8:56...I may be in the minority, and I realize that styling is subjective...but I find that interior absolutely HIDEOUS. A big departure from the clean and simple dash consoles from Lexus of the 1990's... Biggest deal breaker for me is that RIDICULOUS mouse-controller contraption. Simply AWFUL. Still, this is a great and thorough review, as always..

[@kipamore]

And the correct answer was….Buick Encore. I will take the Buick, and save 30 grand. In fact, I'll have the Buick, a late model Miata, a used pickup truck, AND a used Jeep TJ, and probably have enough money left over for gas for a year…for ALL of them.

[@arnaudwauters4390]

If you're 6'3", the NX is too tight and too small. Hence the 450h is the better choice.

[@matsm.1580]

I couldn't even hear it

[@ProCelestialEmpire]

I found so many Japan haters, meanwhile Korea endorsers, in those comments, especially the top one that tarnishes any lexus cars, "ultimateDriver". Could u plz at least change a little bit ur biased words on different videos. Don't be too obvious a korean or a hired spitter by korean car vendors.

[@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. This feature was sold to me as "great for driving in slow traffic and saves you a ton of money on gas". Nothing could be further from the truth. 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.

[@joepah51]

This 4500 lb hybrid has only 1.5 kwh battery so you won't get much distance in EV only mode. The bottom line is fuel economy. What is your mpg?

[@davidsurnow5081]

One has nothing to do with the other (EV mode vs MPG). If anything you have made my point. Why add an EV mode feature if it serves no purpose and NEVER works?

[@joepah51]

Anyone buying an expensive hybrid SUV should know that there is little chance of any EV mode milage in a heavy SUV with a tiny battery pack. The hybrid goes into EV mode at stop lights and off the line starts.. Makes a huge difference in overall MPG.. So what is your MPG, because that is the only reason to buy a hybrid, not the ev mode?..lol

[@davidsurnow5081]

You seem to be hung up on the MPG thing. I don't recall ever mentioning having an issue with the MPG. However in doing this, you continue to help make my point, that the EV mode on the Lexus is a joke. So thank you.

[@briananthony4044]

My understanding is that the EV only works if the battery is fully charged. If it is depleted past a certain point EV does nothing, as you have found. Problem is Toyota use a very small battery pack.

[@dadys31]

outdated looking dash

[@KoreanSaram8]

The 2015 Lexus RX 450h is the ugliest SUV in this class. This Lexus looks like the Kia Sportage. I suppose it's because Lexus hired Kia designers back in 2012. But it's still no excuse for Lexus cars to be almost identical to Kia cars. Lexus needs to replace its design team ASAP.

[@richstar85kr]

UltimateDriver Yeah this Lexus is ugly. The 2016 model is even uglier.

[@stefanschmidt6490]

UltimateDriver Lexus = cheap designs

[@davidbennett9198]

UltimateDriver Lexus' cars are getting uglier and uglier each year. At this point, there is no reason to buy a Lexus even over a Hyundai or Toyota.

[@NukedJapaneseToyota]

UltimateDriver Lexus cars are contaminated with nuclear radiation from Fukushima. Nuclear radiation causes infertility and increases the risk of solid tumor cancers such as brain cancer and testicular cancer.

[@Kokunihon]

David Bennett I live in Japan and 99% of rich Japanese people prefer to buy BMW and MERCEDES BENZ, not Lexus. Goes to show how much German premium brands are prized.

[@OneRaceKorea12]

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson looks more modern and has a more attractive design than this Lexus. The RX 450h looks very similar to the Kia Sportage. I don't know what Lexus is doing. Lexus seems to be confused. They are making very average designs similar to Kia but want to be compared to BMW and Mercedes. RIP Lexus.

[@papayafruitch]

StealthTechz Yeah I agree. Hyundai makes more modern looking cars. This Lexus looks really ugly and outdated.

[@NgocThiuDo]

StealthTechz Lexus' recent designs are disappointing.

[@ForzaItaliaAzzurri7]

Marcus Jensen Yeah Lexus interiors have always been 2-3 years behind the rest of the pack. Lexus needs to learn a lesson or two.

[@Kokunihon]

Gianluca Cannavo Yeah I agree. I live in Japan (have lived here for 8 years and counting), and most rich people here prefer German premium vehicles such as BMW and Porsche, not Lexus. I can tell you that most Japanese people think German premium brands are the only premium brands on the market. They don't consider Lexus to be premium. Never.

[@VietnamHatesKorean]

Shirazi Lexus = cheap, ugly designs since 2012.

[@iluvblackeyedpeas7]

These are all liesssssss