2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury AWD Review

This week I bring you the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury, the RX lineup's first-ever plug-in hybrid. It's also the priciest model in the current RX lineup, and the second most powerful behind the 500h F Sport Performance.

Exterior

The RX 450h+ is an electrified vehicle that doesn't scream electrified vehicle. That's because it's based on the redesigned RX.  I imagine the non-futuristic nature of the 450h+ will appeal to traditional RX fans.  This is in contrast to the RZ, Lexus' first all-electric model. 

My test vehicle shines in Nori Green Pearl, a gorgeous green hue that looks great with 21-inch alloys with a dark premium metallic finish.   The front grille is flanked by optional Triple-Beam LED Headlights. 

 

 

The 450h+ is equipped with standard LED daytime running lights and power-folding heated outside mirrors.   In the back,  single LED lens tail lamp and Lexus lettering stretch across the rear.  

Performance

The RX 450+ AWD shares a powertrain with the NX 450+ - that being a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired to 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and three electric motors.  The system delivers 304 horsepower, making it the second most powerful RX offered behind the 500h F Sport Performance that delivers 366 horses. Lexus cites a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds for the 450h+, just three seconds shy of the 500h. The 450+ is equipped with an 8-speed Electronically Controlled CVT.

All-electric range is 37 miles.  Lexus says using a Level 2 charger (240V) and the maximum charging current, the 450h+ will charge in approx. 2.5 hours with the standard 6.6. kW Onboard Charger. 

Interior

The RX 450+ is based on the Luxury grade.  The interior doesn't disappoint with its premium materials, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The mix of materials including ultra-suede interior door trim add polish and interest in the cabin. 

Three different interior color options are offered. My test vehicle features Peppercorn semi-aniline leather and Black Open-Pore wood trim. The very comfortable 10-way power driver and passenger front seats are heated and ventilated.  The leather-trimmed steering wheel is heated as well. The entire RX lineup shares a 7-inch color multi-information display above the steering wheel.

A large standard 14-inch touchscreen highlights the center stack. Below it you find large knobs that control the dual zone temp, and a smaller volume knob. 
Underneath the A/C vents you find USB and USB-C ports.

 

 

 

 

I'm a fan of the minimalist slim design of the center console with an abundance of Open Pore wood trim. It's where you find Lexus' new slim gear shift knob, two cup holders and controls for various functions including brake auto hold, the electronic parking brake and two EV mode controls: HV/EV Hold Charge Mode and Auto EV/HV Mode.

 

 

 

A roomy second row treats passengers to their own A/C vents, seat back pockets, manual sunshades as well as heated and ventilated outboard seats. A drop-down center armrest features a small covered storage space as well as cupholders.

The 40/20/40 rear seats power-fold and recline and cargo space is good. A kick sensor power rear door is available.

Standard 450h+ features include a large two-pane panoramic roof, wireless charger, ambient thematic lighting, a radiant knee heater and rain-sensing wipers. 

Technology

The 450h+ comes standard with a wonderful 14-inch touchscreen display. Graphics and maps look great,  the font is easy to read, and the system is quick to respond both via touchscreen or Voice Command.

 

 

 

I also like that you can adjust the seat and steering wheel climate settings without having to venture into the system itself.  The backup camera and optional panoramic view camera look great too.  The multimedia system is compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

An optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivers outstanding sound.

Ride and Drive

The RX 450h+ delivers an excellent ride and drive.   As an electrified model,  it has a sportier feel and quicker off the line acceleration than the gas-only RX.  As the second most powerful RX in the lineup, its 304 horsepower feels terrific in both city and highway driving.  The ride is smooth and quiet, with great visibility. The 450+ offers ECO, Normal, Sport and EV modes with Sport delivering the most engaging steering feel. 

Safety 

The 450+ is equipped with Lexus' most updated advanced driver assistance tech, the Lexus Safety System + 3.0. It includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps.

Other standard 450h+ safety equipment includes a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking.

What You'll Pay

Options include Advanced Park with Remote Park ($480). Technology Package/ Digital Key /Digital Rearview Mirror ($475), Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor ($150), Premium Triple Beam Headlights ($1565), Mark Levinson Premium Audio ($1160), Convenience Package ($1420), Carpet Cargo Mat ($150), Illuminated Door Sills ($460), illuminated Cargo sills ($300), Side Puddle Lamp ($175).

Verdict  

If you love Lexus and are ready to take a step forward into electrification, the Lexus RX 450+ is a great entry point. It steps into the future without drastic new futuristic looks, so you'll still feel at home in the driver's seat.  However, the PHEV is the priciest RX in the lineup, and if you don't need something mid-sized, the smaller Lexus NX 450+ offers a lower-priced entry point that's just as appealing especially given its shared 304 horsepower. The NX also admirably offers a plug-in F Sport Handling variant.