Lexus RX 450hL 2021 review | hybrid 7-seat SUV tested | Chasing Cars

We drive the Lexus RX 450hL and see what this large SUV is like to drive.
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Is the stretched version of the Lexus RX luxury SUV a great family buy? Badged the Lexus RX L, you can choose between two engines with this seven-seat Lexus crossover. There’s a conventional 3.5-litre V6 petrol badged the RX 350, and there’s also a hybrid. We have the petrol-electric version on test: the 2021 RX 450hL Luxury, priced at $95,888 before on-road costs.
Compared to a Mercedes-Benz GLE or BMW X5, is the Lexus RX worth a look in? How does it compare to an updated Audi Q7? With a unique engine and good value for money, the Lexus RX L may suit your family, or represent a tidy upgrade from a Toyota Kluger (Highlander).
In today’s video, Tom takes a detailed look at the Lexus RX 450hL in base Luxury Hybrid form to give you detailed insights about this vehicle.
What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.
While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.
Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Lexus RX 450hL?
0:52 - Interior
3:28 - Back seats
4:33 - Third row
4:48 - Boot space
6:22 - Driving and handling
11:37 - Verdict on the Lexus RX Hybrid

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

The biggest difference between this Lexus and all of it's competitors?? RELIABILITY!!

[@marwanrasa6102]

Does that go same for Toyota

[@SongProductions]

@@marwanrasa6102 probably so, since Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota ((:

[@seanwang2208]

Great review! Just bought RX 450HL, very comfortable., quiet, smooth ride, good for a family with several kids. Lexus (Toyota ) IS very reliable

[@glennbell5075]

Another good Lexus review Tom! Cant wait for the RX v New Hybrid Kluger comparison :-)

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Hi Tom, I see you are going to be on channel seven news here in Brisbane tomorrow night. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@stuartc1936]

Really nice car, good size , and not too expensive

[@chitpaul]

Buy a used one and buy the extended warranty . Great car. I have the 5 seater in black with F Sport spec, red leather. Not many on the road so a bit of exclusivity.

[@socco079]

Great review Tom. Didn’t expect the 450hl to have zero towing capacity - do you know what’s up with that?

[@davidarter9670]

The L really is the perfect RX. If, like me, you hate CVT’s and batteries the RX350L would be my choice, but still a really lovely car.

[@JTRulzzz]

Hey Tom, what’s your thoughts on this compared to a Touareg thanks!

[@JimboJones99]

Great review. Lexus interiors are a bit dated now.

[@nabarajkharel6860]

Hi! Is any idea when RX 450hl new generation is coming in Australia market? TIA

[@lbonken]

The engine sounds louder than I would have expected for a Lexus, is this your experience or a side effect of the mic?

[@philiplee7604]

How is the CVT transmission smoothness and shift ratios?

[@jorgeson3586]

Love the Lexus but I wish they had got rid off those fake frontal side vents like so many European cars have them for looks only to catch bugs so hard to clean

[@OvoTeam-iq7cc]

Impressive

[@ameersaleh6931]

Thank you Tom for the great review. Does the 450HL model requires a premium gas, or regular gas is still good?

[@user-cx4dq6jp7l]

premium

[@mjsaadat]

Other reviews suggest that the 350L is better value, as the hybrid doesn't really deliver great fuel savings, and the 3.5L engine is pretty good. What do you reckon Tom?

[@chasingcars]

The hybrid delivers a 30% fuel saving - or thereabouts. So if you’re going to keep the car long term it’s worth considering. If you won’t keep it beyond three years then the RX 350 does make more sense.

[@TrueLeadership777]

Think you need to compare this to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 not their larger models.

[@aw4610]

Tom can take me out for a ride in that car.

[@petergazarek9466]

LEXUS 👌😍

[@Bill-xx2yh]

Would love the "L" without the weight of the third row. Make the "L" without the seats.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Is the combined grille and bumper a gumper or a brille? I'm still failing to see the true role of the SUV platform. Goofy looking machines usually have a very specific purpose.

[@seth1455]

You say goofy, I say ugly

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@seth1455 Yup. I was thinking fugly but kept it reserved. 😆

[@martintokinaga5261]

I don't understand why Tom keep saying the Merc equivalent is the GLS. Obviously it is not.

[@chasingcars]

GLE 7 seat option is another alternative. Lexus doesn’t really have a true GLS rival. LX isn’t one either and the RX L is longer!

[@slugger7440]

Can you not get a panoramic roof with the RXL? That boot for a 7 seater when back row is down is just too small.

[@chadhafamily7192]

In the UK you can't for sure

[@davidcampbell9881]

For “moderately quickly” you mean slow. Way too polite for an Ozzie 😂

[@andrewd7586]

He could’ve said “Pedestrian like”?…🤭

[@aerotus888]

The normal RX450h has boot capacity of around 450L so the L version should definitely have more!

[@chaithhtc2780]

I believe the L version lost some depth in the boot due to 3rd row setup

[@spiffleable]

How does this compare to the gv80?

[@chasingcars]

Great question! GV80 Diesel vs RX 450hL comparison has been filmed and is being published soon.

[@kristians2704]

GV80 is a RWD based vehicle and has a far more luxurious and high tech interior so for me the GV80 is the clear winner

[@spiffleable]

@@kristians2704 true, I suppose the gv80 interior was always going to win on paper. Would be interesting to hear a take on Genesis as an upstart brand and what risks might be associated with buying this vs a more established brand like a Lexus. I suspect a lot of people would say they would prefer a GV80 but how many people would actually put money where their mouth is?

[@spiffleable]

@@chasingcars excited for it!

[@jimmykurniawan8719]

@@chasingcars I couldn’t find that GV80 vs RX 450hL video. Is it still coming?

[@LD-vo1yy]

I have nx300 best ever.

[@JohnDoe-ut3sz]

you want a car that will last for more than 15years without a headache? Lexus/ Toyota

[@stevenliauw253]

Toyota

[@photogenic2010]

Good review: Many presenters use an unnatural voice these days and it sounds contrived.

[@TomJohns]

First!

[@zaamuro8408]

Second ;)

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Twenty Fourth

[@galaga8834]

Lexus needs to redesign their complete SUV lineup. It is getting so dated. Great cars but these versions are hideous.

[@santillbrezon2161]

I think the BMW x5 has been around in sort of the same shape for a long time as well and that needs a redesign or refresh.

[@galaga8834]

@@santillbrezon2161 the Audi Q5 has the best design that has stood the test of time. They got it right the first time and it has aged beautifully with smart evolutionary change.

[@santillbrezon2161]

@@galaga8834 I was talking about the BMW X5. But some of the audi designs are nice. But Japanese and italian designs are nicer.

[@galaga8834]

@@santillbrezon2161 Audi has the best interior design.

[@santillbrezon2161]

@@galaga8834 They are nice i agree, and so does Mercedes.