2012 Lexus RX 450h Reviews
Lexus redesigned its five-seat RX crossover for 2010, with the gasoline RX 350 carrying over a similar V-6 drivetrain. Because its electrically assisted V-6 grew to 3.5 liters from 3.3 liters, the RX 400h became the Lexus RX 450h. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
Like Lexus' other hybrids, the RX 450h's display screen can show the power flow between the drivetrain's electric motors, engine and battery.
The Lexus RX 450h uses a gasoline 3.5-liter V-6 that's assisted by electric motors, creating 295 combined horsepower.The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are uncommonly easy to operate, even though they are brimming with electronic technology. This latest-generation model features a wishbone, rather than strut-type, independent rear suspension and an improved all-wheel-drive system, and the entire car was improved. A mouse-like controller Lexus calls Remote Touch is used instead of a touch screen to operate climate, audio and the navigation system.
The RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h are offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system is lighter and more efficient than in the previous generation. The RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic multi-mode transmission. Compared to the previous model, this latest RX 350 is a little heavier due to stouter rear suspension components, which provide upgraded crash performance.
Like all Lexus vehicles, the 2011 Lexus RX adds Smart Stop Technology, which automatically reduces engine power when the brake and accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions. The RX remains the standard against which many are measured, and this latest-generation version is the best RX to date.
Safety equipment includes front airbags; front-seat mounted side airbags; roll-sensing front and rear side-curtain air bags; driver and front passenger knee airbags and side airbags; active headrests for front seats; force-limiting seatbelt pre-tensioners for driver and front passenger seats; three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for all rear seating positions (3); direct-type tire pressure monitoring system; four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Brake Assist; enhanced VSC (Vehicle Stability Control). Both the RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h have LED brake lights and LED turn signals integrated into the side mirrors. Auto-dimming outside mirrors, optional on the RX 350, are standard on the hybrid. The RX comes with 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels with 235/60R18 tires; 19-inch wheels are available as part of the Sport Package or as a stand-alone option.
It's strangely exciting to sit in the cockpit of the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. The second is for control functions, located lower and within easy reach of both front seat occupants. The Remote Touch system is essentially a computer mouse. A 12-speaker system comes with the navigation system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system is available for those who require an audio system consistent with the very best home systems.
The RX 350 responds well to throttle out on the road. We did not feel much torque steer in the front-wheel-drive models, and particularly, the hybrid. We expect Lexus vehicles to be exceptionally quiet, and the RX is no exception. The Lexus RX 450h is offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but the all-wheel-drive system is different; it incorporates a separate rear electric motor to power the rear wheels. The Lexus RX 450h we drove averaged 23.4 mpg over 120 miles of mostly around-town driving.
The hybrid brake system uses the same ventilated four-wheel discs as the RX 350, but has an electronically controlled regenerative brake feature that charges the batteries when the brakes are applied gently. The hybrid system includes ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and more important, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM) as standard equipment. It's also available on the RX 350 as an option.
The Lexus RX 450h offers a clear step forward in hybrid technology.
The RX 450h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive features a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, electric motors, a small and light power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. The Front Wheel Drive (FWD) model has EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) fuel economy ratings, while the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model has estimates of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined.
Extended electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions helps reduce fuel consumption.
The Lexus RX 450h FWD model’s hybrid powertrain employs two motor-generators: MG1, the engine-driven generator, is a starter and can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed; MG2 is the front-drive motor. The hybrid system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.
