2020 Lexus RX 450h Review: Hybrid is the Smart Buy

The Lexus RX has become an ubiquitous sight across suburban America, since it's debut in 1998. However, as more crossover and SUV models enter the market, the RX350 and RX450h have to prove they are still up to the task of shuttling hundreds of thousands of Americans from A-to-B. So, is the Lexus RX 450H still the smart move?
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#lexus #rx350 #rx450h

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

Read more at DriveBreakFixRepeat.com: www.drivebreakfixrepeat.com/blog/2020-lexus-rx-450h-awd-review-hybrid-is-the-smart-buy

[@bodeleeharm809]

The screen in the 2020 RX 450h is a touchscreen. You can use the trackpad too, but the actual screen is a touchscreen and it's much easier to use than the touchpad.

[@appleguy1986]

Thanks for crunching the numbers, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear with the 450h.

[@gojigomi]

Love love love this review!

[@OutdoorLens]

Jake, One of the best reviews of the RX I've ever seen and I've watched every single one for the 2020 RX350 and RX450h! You really did a thorough review right down to the options on the sticker. Lexus makes it complicated, and the options and accessories can add up quickly. I, too, am a proponent of doing a "Custom Order" to keep the price in check for the normal person. Unfortunately, that $800 Premium Package is a requirement before you can get some of the other options/accessories so it appears to be unavoidable. As far as the hybrid vs all gasoline version, it's a more difficult proposition. The gasoline model V6 8-Speed will last for 400,000 to 500,000 miles with routine maintenance while the hybrid will require some major investments in the batteries and power inverter sooner than that. Some reviewers think the 8-Speed automatic is more powerful and smoother while others like the hybrid powertrain. That decision seems to be more of a personal choice. I want to prefer the hybrid system for the MPG's and fewer gallons of gasoline burned over the course of a year, but the impending extra costs after 150,000 miles gives me reason for pause. Perhaps getting the gasoline version and driving it for two decades is ultimately better for the environment since you're not adding carbon dioxide during the manufacturing of a replacement vehicle. The quiet, comfortable ride of this luxury vehicle seems to be one of the major reasons for its success. I agree that the infotainment trackpad is an unnecessary complication that needs to be retired for a 100% touchscreen experience. I'm hoping that the 2021 model finally marks the end of the trackpad, but I really doubt it will. Maybe the touchscreen experience will be further refined for 2021 before the eventual demise of the trackpad in 2022 or 2023. Acura, too, needs to ditch the "trackpad/mouse" control for the infotainment system and accept the fact that the industry has settled on a touchscreen for modern vehicles. Thanks for the intelligent review of the 450h.

[@alexwilliam5627]

I am on a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that is still working in 2024. Speaks volumes about the hybrid system for Toyota and Lexus.

[@ln5747]

The eCVT is possibly the most reliable transmission ever made. The hybrid fuel savings will probably be similar to any costs of future maintenance. Just buy the one you prefer.

[@bfuller4060]

Maybe best review of the numerous I have watched today to decide what I want. Really appreciate your realistic appraisal of options at the end.

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@happychildhood591]

Great video, thanks! I just sold my 1999 Lexus RX 300 'commuter' with 200,000 miles on it. It was a great vehicle and owed my nothing! I am an A.S.E. Master Certified Technician and have worked on all kinds of Japanese, German, American, and Italian cars, thus I am a very discerning buyer. That being said, I recently bought a Certified Pre Owned 2020 Lexus 450h. Yes, I knew going in that it would have to use premium fuel. However, my fuel economy is incredible. I'm getting 33-34 mpg for local driving and 27-28 mpg for highway use, amazing as this is a very heavy and well appointed vehicle. As a professional technician, I am very familiar with Lexus quality and reliability. After years of servicing cars I can say that they are 'bulletproof' so to speak. What I really like about this car is that it is very easy to drive, truly effortless. Even after taking some long trips I get out of the car refreshed rather than feeling beat up. So far I am very impressed with this vehicle and like my other one, I intend to have it for a long time. Kudos to Lexus for continuing to make great cars!

[@ainjane]

Best KZbin review on this model (2020 450 h) that I have seen. Just to add a few things, the Mark Levinson stereo system is truly amazing. It is worth highlighting, and the leather seats and wood trim on the Luxury package are a true step up but if you don’t care about the “luxury package” the basic is pretty nice too. This 450h RX is much a better choice (in my opinion) than the 350.

[@cadenbrigstocke6043]

Your press car is a rare one, as it doesn't have the Luxury Package, which includes other 20' wheels, REAL semi-aniline leather (the seats your car had are NuLuxe, a good fake leather), some different wood, and also gives the option of power folding, heated seats)

[@phdroc]

The RX 450 requires Premium (93 octane) fuel while the RX 350 runs fine on Regular (87 octane) fuel. To the extent 93 octane fuel costs more than 87 octane fuel, the MPG boost of the 450 over the 350 does not result in an equal savings in fuel costs.

[@UTAH100]

Great review but lose the music- very distracting from you talking at least IMO.

[@cryptopimp5855]

I was looking forward to watching but saw comment first. I hate when this happens. So I left the video.ty peace!

[@phdroc]

274.8 miles divided by 11.63 gallons of fuel = 23.6 MPG. Not 29.91 MPG. The "real world" is a tough place to do simple arithmetic.

[@jimmypowell7508]

The RX 350 uses 87 Octane while the RX450 H requires premium fuel

[@Hitomaru-shiki.sensha]

smart buy short term. the electric system wont last 400 000 miles, negating fuel saving, but the gasoline engine will. and things that break are never that smart because you have to use natural resources to make new ones.