Who Wins? 2023 Lexus RX 350H VS RX 350 2.4T

In this video I compare Lexus RX 350H against Lexus RX 350 Turbo to Answer the Biggest Question - Which one to Buy? A gas sipping RX 350 2.4 Turbo or Fuel Efficient but heavier RX 350H.
Here is a link to watch my first 2 videos on Lexus RX 350
1. RX 350 2.4T Dynamic Drive in the City, Highway and Twisty roads
• Unbelievable: Will the...
2. RX 350 Night Drive
• Watch as We Take 2023 ...
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And thanks for watching.

[@judyhavas8283]

terrific review of Lexus Rx350H and Rx350 comparison. Appreciate the attention to various details...and confirmed my feeling that the way to go for our needs is the RX350H

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for the feedback. I am glad you found value in it. I know how it feels when you are trying to decide on something and watch every video you can find just to hear what you are looking for. When I am shopping for a car I am all over KZbin to hear various opinions and real world reviews

[@tyc9302]

Forgot to mention that the choice is so limited for 350h; I bought mine from the largest Lexus dealer in the area, they have 83 ( yes, 83) RX350 and two RX 350h, and both 350h are black color in and out ! For the low mileage I drive every month, I need to buy 25 gallons gas per month if I drive 350, and I need 17 gallons gas if I drive 350h, it only save 8 gallons or less than $50 a month! I get more power, less trouble with no extra battery, the dealer gave me deep discount from MSRP, that I walked out with a 350 premium plus, cost me $10,000 less than a basic 350h !

[@100miledrive]

Yep, you did the right cost analysis. Especially if you are driving less. Regular RX 350 is more dynamic car with 6 Speed automatic and less weight and no buzzy engine sound. RX 350h is only better and makes sense from fuel savings perspective and if you are keeping car for a very long time. But I also noticed this problem with literally a few RX 350h in stock. Not sure why they are not giving them more priority considering that many people want them.

[@louiswilliams4657]

Was looking at the luxury and now I might looking to the Hybrid!

[@100miledrive]

I highly recommend to test drive them more extensively. In my own test I concluded I would pick hybrid primarily based on practicality, but I know for some folks a smaller engine with CVT transmission could be a deal breaker.

[@louiswilliams4657]

@@100miledrive ok , I plan on it ! Thank you !

[@k.w5804]

Coming from a x3, 540i xdrive, and a GLB, I ordered the 350h and still waiting. Same as you, I'll deal w the "slowness" in the power department, so my wife and kid enjoy a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. That's the Lexus DNA for sure.

[@100miledrive]

Oh I recently reviewed 2023 BMW 540i and quite liked it actually a good blend of power and comfort. I wonder how you were able to pre-order RX350h because few dealers told me they were no longer taking pre-orders. For some reason their Luxury package doesn't have Palomino Bamboo interior option which is so weird, so I can't find a car that I want on their lot.

[@k.w5804]

@@100miledrive I'm in Canada, 350h though is hard to get but does come to the dealers every month from what I've heard. I ordered mine (white + palomino) in Jan (locally), and put in another order just last month from another dealer (in another city - Edmonton). I saw both the Palomino and Bamboo interior in person, and I have to say they both look great and if I didn't have kids I would go w/ Bamboo. The Bamboo imo looks better, you get a perfect blend of brown, white, grey, and black. It's a great contrast. My 540i xdrive was the 2017. It served us reliably without one single problem until 2021, when we decided to trade for a SUV. It's a great car, inside out. But I've come to realize that, it's better and sensible to have family SUV that offers what the wife and kids want, for the long term, instead of keeping jumping into the new ones. Save the rest of the money, and get a dedicate fun car. Everyone's happy.

[@k.w5804]

@@100miledrive Forgot to mention that I was given the option to take delivery of the 350h in different exterior and interior colors, and different package too. I ordered mine in Ultra Luxury, but was offered Luxury and Executive in April and May. I'm not sure if it's because I'm in Canada, but the dealers have been helpful and flexible.

[@100miledrive]

@@k.w5804 ok I see, maybe in Canada it’s different. Hoping this stock shortage ends soon and dealers become more flexible with what they can do including better deals

[@k.w5804]

@@100miledriveit should. Though the price isn’t negotiable as pre pandemic times, but I was offered tire and rim coverage, key fob and remote exchange, and platinum security for 3 year free of charge. Vehicle price is exactly msrp. Things are looking better for sure. With all the uncertainties and likely a big recession around the corner it has to be. I wouldn’t be switching ride if my wife and kid liked the noisy ride of the GLB

[@user-pz8fi6ev7j]

Thanks very useful information

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for stopping by and your feedback

[@bruceclyne5254]

Nice job!

[@100miledrive]

Thank you

[@TheDoltonboy]

Redline Reviews clocked the 350h with a faster 0-60 than the turbo version. Basically they are the same 0-60. The 350h has such better fuel economy I think it’s a no brainer to choose the hybrid

[@100miledrive]

Ok, I see that to be the case. The feel in the hybrid a bit deceptive on how fast it accelerates compare to the turbo version that feels more crisp, but even though I found turbo to be more athletic overall I would also choose the hybrid version. It’s a good value proposition

[@umairejaz6665]

But isn't the hybrid cvt? I hated the cvt in honda crv as not fun to drive

[@100miledrive]

@@umairejaz6665 Yes RX350H has CVT transmission. They keep on refining it and also with 2 electric motors it is faster. We are now kind of used to this with Toyora and CVT. It’s certainly not a car for enthisiasts. It’s a calm cruiser.

[@karanam1]

@@100miledrive just to clarify ...this is not a regular CVT which has the belts/chain its an eCVT where the pair or electric motors act as a CVT...so the ratios are continuous but there is no rubber banding and the response is supposed to be more immediate. i have an eCVT in my Pacifica PHEV and never had an issue. Reagarding the engine noises...i don't think all of it is real, some of it is fake noise Lexus is pumping in from audio system. there should be a way to turn that off ( i hope)

[@zemo2332]

I think that 350 requires premium gasoline, but hybrid only recommends premium gasoline.

[@afrahabdullah6004]

Thanks for this useful video. I am planning to buy new rx car and i was confused which one to choose. Right now i am considering buying rx350h 2024 thanks to you

[@100miledrive]

Glad you liked the video and found it useful. I want to focus more on driving experience in my reviews versus just features. RX 350h is a solid choice.

[@pfunk2637]

Great review. Hybrid is the way to go. Btw were the touch arrows annoying on the steering wheel?

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for your feedback. I didn't find any issues with steering controls. I found it a bit strange that for media volume controls are on one side and changing tracks are on the other side of the steering wheel, usually it would be all on one side in most cars, but not a big issue. What I didn't like and mentioned in my regular RX350 review - climate touch controls on the center screen. Those didn't feel right especially on the freeway, but I guess all manufacturers are moving to all touch screen and we will have to deal with it.

[@bc3255]

You can change the setting of the touch arrows

[@100miledrive]

@@bc3255 Ok, I see thanks, mostly need to spend more time with it and figure out

[@brianmwirigi200]

Amazing review.I would love to know if Lexus tuned the hybrid system in Lexus RX 350h to be a bit more powerful Or it the same as it is in the RAV4

[@100miledrive]

Thanks a lot for the feedback. Much appreciated. For new RX 350h and NX350h Lexus added a bigger electric motor. Combined power is 246hp versus Rav4 is 203 hp. I believe in the new upcoming 2024 Toyota Rav4 refresh they will add more power. Let's see.

[@brianmwirigi200]

@@100miledrive Thank you for your Response.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

RXh is more logical, more reliable, last longer, quieter, consuming less fuel. It’s a win win choice.

[@100miledrive]

Yes, I also found that RX350h makes more sense. I am hoping to also review RX 500h and see how much sense that car makes. I like that with new RX platform Lexus made it a better driving car.

[@caseyh1113]

Last longer the hybrid 😂ahahaha you wish

[@mkz168]

I’ve been driving my rav4 hybrid for many years and the brake is not bad, the best part is I haven’t replace the break pad yet. LOL

[@100miledrive]

Yes brakes on hybrids last really long. I remember on my Camry hybrid they had to machine rotors but kept the same brake pads

[@toxin08x41]

Suppose RX350h has 35 MPG and RX350 only has 25 MPG. I drive 10k miles per year. The gas price is $3.3 per gallon(in Dallas 😁 ). After 10 years: Calculate annual fuel consumption: RX350h: 10,000 miles/year / 35 MPG = 285.71 gallons/year RX350: 10,000 miles/year / 25 MPG = 400 gallons/year Calculate annual fuel cost: RX350h: 285.71 gallons/year * $3.3/gallon = $942.86/year RX350: 400 gallons/year * $3.3/gallon = $1,320/year Calculate the difference in annual fuel cost: Savings per year: $1,320 (RX350) - $942.86 (RX350h) = $377.14/year Calculate the total savings over 10 years: Total savings: $377.14/year * 10 years = $3,771.40 So the RX350h is not as economical as imagined, especially when the hybrid version is more than $5,000 more expensive than the regular version, the cost of the two is actually not much different. Now I am considering the RX350 FWD because the RX350 AWD has a similar price to the RX350h because of the packages 😂. Dealer told me that there is no AWD base model of RX350 in the south US. So do you think there is a significant difference between the FWD and AWD of the RX350? Is there a noticeable improvement in handling and acceleration? My city rarely gets snow, so is it still necessary to get the AWD version?

[@100miledrive]

Overall RX350 is more dynamic car with conventional transmission thst shifts fairly quick and pretty responsive engine. RX350h feels a bit sluggish and I still hate eCVT transmission even though it got so much better. I say if you care about driving dynamics more then RX350 feels a better Lexus overall. And as for the fuel savings since RX350h is AWD then comparing apple to apple regular RX350 AWD will be close in pricing. It’s all about how much snow driving you do and where you live. Here in California gas is more than $5 a gallon. For me It’s a weird proposition. I liked RX350 but would get RX350h :) As far as the difference between RX350 FWD and RX350 AWD the difference is not very significant if you don’t hit snow. Also if you like more aggressive driving style then you will see more wheel spins with FWD especially when tires are worn. Personally I like AWD for SUV. But that is also because I take it to snow and I don’t like tire slips in rainy weather.

[@KC-zi4qb]

how is rx350h is 5k more expensive the gas? are you able to negotiate that much for gas model? lot of dealers are doing msrp for hybrids

[@toxin08x41]

@@KC-zi4qb Dealer told me that there is no base model of RX350h in Texas... There are usually 4k or more costs of package or options added(MSRP 55k+). For RX350 I can get a base model with a few options (MSRP 51k)

[@yingyisun9]

Best comment for comparing the rx350 and rx350h👍👍👍

[@ershaknia4418]

That’s exactly my reason going with regular instead if hybrid. Savings are not justifiable to pay $5000 more

[@lilcutiepie8653]

after my personal drive test, I feel Rx350 gave me much more power

[@100miledrive]

Yes, exactly regular RX 350 feels fairly quick compare to the hybrid. I am overall pleased with new RX. Lexus reworked the chassis quite a bit

[@user-vm4fv6oy9u]

…and see while I am not a car enthusiast at all, I noticed very little (if any) difference in the power between the two. Although in less you are test driving the one you are about to sign for, we were only given a 10 min test drive (at best( best. We had a loop of a few miles total with a small mix of side streets and freeway. With the AWD Gas version costing the same as the hybrid, I think the hybrid was an awesome choice for us.

[@lilcutiepie8653]

@@user-vm4fv6oy9u I ended buying GLE53 anyway XD

[@fernandosmurillo]

Hybrid are good for city. I notice in highway there's no real gain then a regular gas. So if driving a lot in city I will get hyvre. If driving a lot in the highway I will get gas version.

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for stopping by. This is fair way to put it.

[@sansin6250]

I am trying to decide between the 350 AWD and the 350h. My main criterion is how well the vehicle drives on snow more Confidently with better control. Any idea which vehicle is better for Snow driving?

[@100miledrive]

Hmmm, maybe someone can comment on this. I only have experience driving Toyota Rav4 Hybrid in snow and it did exceptionally well. If you watch my Rav4 video I mention that there. In fact I liked how hybrid drivetrain has smooth power delivery in snow. Obviously it's not as good as Subaru if you get stuck. So I think Lexus RX350h will do fine for the most part, but not sure how it would do in more icy conditions or deeper snow.

[@mervinprone]

The one with snow tires will be better in the snow

[@Wisdom7I]

I am considering the BMW X3 sdrive30i or the Lexus RX 350 FWD? Which would you buy and why? Thank you.

[@100miledrive]

Basically 2 different cars. If you want more fun car and you are leasing then BMW X3 is the way to go. If you are financing and want more reliable, more calm car then Lexus RX 350 FWD is the way to go. I am leaning more towards BMW for more fun driving experience, but ultimately both cars are good. In case of Lexus I would opt for AWD. Not a fan of Front-wheel drive cars.

[@hvailjr]

I wish you wouldn't spend so much time on acceleration, speed, and torque. Most individuals that purchase could care less. They want comfort, good handling, and luxury.

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for the feedback. I basically decided to do my reviews in the same format for all the vehicles whether it is Lexus or BMW or any other brand. Also I am trying to hit different angles to portrait how these vehicles feel to drive in the real world. Driving on the canyon roads shows how safe and stable the chassis is.

[@E-ZE-DUZIT]

You said the RX 350 gets about 19miles per gallon but how many miles per gallon does the RX 350H get? Do you have a video on RX 450H?

[@100miledrive]

Usually I don’t record MPGs since I drive cars on canyon roads as well and that consumes more fuel than normal. In RX350 we had a quick trip around 100 miles before testing it on twisty roads therefore I shared info on MPG. With RX350h I test drove car in mixed environments so MPGs would be way off. I expect to see in RX350h around 30-32 mpg in mostly highway driving and 34-37 mpg in the city/mixed driving. And you could probably do close to 40 mpg if you drive it counsciously with fuel saving in mind. I could achieve that in Highlander Hybrid. Hope this helps.

[@E-ZE-DUZIT]

@@100miledrive Can you do video on 2023 RX450H?

[@100miledrive]

@@E-ZE-DUZIT yes, mostly will be making video on 450h within few weeks. Comparing it to RX350h

[@JohnDoe-xr7mj]

So wait, do both versions take premium gas? Because if the 350 takes regular and 350h takes premium, aren’t the benefits of better fuel economy potentially offset with buying more expensive gas? Someone may have to do the math if that is indeed the case

[@100miledrive]

Both versions RX350 and RX350h require Premium Fuel which rates at 91. As per Lexus on RX350h you can use 89 but it can result in reduced performance. So as per Lexus both should use 91. Regular RX 350 is now a Turbo engine and these usually require premium gas to reduce carbon build up in Turbo engines. I found these useful links that include manuals for both cars: www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-5th-gen-2023-present/993351-2023-lexus-rx-owners-manuals.html

[@angelamcfadden6129]

I own a 350h and I had the same thoughts. I fuel up using premium every 2 1/2 weeks. I also owned a 2020 regular 350 that I had put fuel in every one and a 1/2weeks So basically it evens out with cost

[@louiswilliams4657]

I thought that this was a luxury truck not a race truck !

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for your comment. The whole idea of driving any car on twisty roads is to be able to feel the car better, experience it’s chassis, brakes, acceleration, transmission, you basically put the car to the stress and it shows it’s character and gives you more confidence in driving as you understand better it’s behavior.

[@angelocolon6678]

I like speed and luxury

[@allenevangelista1275]

So basically octane is 91 for both im buying rx350 only without H lol .. btw can i use arco on that🤭 to get more cheaper lols

[@100miledrive]

If you are leasing and planning on returning the car then should be fine, but if you are planning to purchase it and keep long term, I would not advise Arco or any low tier gas as over time you build carbon and it will require more expensive cleanup especially in Turbo engines. Happened with my VW CC. Luckily got covered in California emissions warranty.

[@Petchhoung]

I bet, Racing car will win. And leave behind with lots N lots of Bills................ Or break lose !!!!!

[@100miledrive]

Sorry didn’t get the point

[@Phil-D83]

Turbo 4 is loud

[@100miledrive]

I found base RX 350 with 2.4 turbo engine to be a smoother car than RX 350h due to CVT transmission in RX 350h which feels dronie. Yes it is far more efficient but CVT transmission does not feel upscale in Premium brands like Lexus.

[@a.lange.]

Both of them run on gas. Do not deceive yourself and people. The RX350 version accelerates better because it has a turbo engine. If you put the hybrid system on the turbo engine, it will accelerate even better.

[@100miledrive]

Thanks for your input

[@glennjoeffrey2609]

Gas powered engine way better in the long run. While you can save gas on hybrid its harder to diagnose and expensive to fix with its complicated electronic components and set up.

[@100miledrive]

I think if you stick with Toyota, their Hybrid system proved to be very reliable. Just seeing what Taxis and Uber do to poor Prius putting more than 200K miles and the car does just fine. But more than this it's the Gas prices. Here in California Hybrid makes more sense. I am just not a fan of this CVT transmission in the hybrid setup, can't get used to that.

[@chuckkerber4735]

36 MPG? Easy decision.

[@100miledrive]

Yes, Hybrid makes total sense. I mean dynamically I liked regular RX 350 - they should have added a mild hybrid like most European automakers do as it significantly improves the gas mileage. I mean my 382HP BMW is more fuel efficient than 275 HP RX 350. I will be making another Lexus RX comparison in the near future - make sure to subscribe!

[@TamTran-hy8dj]

Get the Tesla if you want more mpg

[@selvinmerlo9856]

Hi

[@100miledrive]

Hi there

[@kevintran5340]

Bad liar

[@100miledrive]

Hi there Kevin. Please elaborate on your comment.