2018 Lexus RX Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Since its release in the late 1990s, the Lexus RX has become a common sight in affluent American suburbs. The fourth-generation version...

Since its release in the late 1990s, the Lexus RX has become a common sight in affluent American suburbs. The fourth-generation version came out in 2016 and showcased a bold design for the midsize luxury crossover market. It has a sloping roofline, prominent grille, and sharp headlights. Most buyers opt for the standard RX 350 model, but the hybrid RX 450h is a popular upgrade. The Lexus RX sees few changes for 2018.

The RX 450h has a detuned version of the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder found in much of the Lexus lineup. In the 450h, it makes 307 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with power going to the front wheels. The gasoline engine works in conjunction with batteries and electric motors that drive the rear wheels. A CVT transmission replaces the conventional 8-speed automatic found in the RX 350. Drivers can select between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes; RX models fitted with the F Sport package get Customized, Sport S, and Sport+ modes as well.

While it is a hybrid, the RX 450h is still a hefty machine with a relatively large conventional gasoline engine. The 2018 model is rated at 31 mpg city, 28 highway, and 30 combined. With a strut front suspension system and double wishbones in the rear, the RX handles more like a car than expected. Opting for an F Sport version adds adaptive dampers and heavier steering.

Inside, the RX 450h features comfortable, roomy seats. The Luxury package adds extendable thigh cushions and heated and cooled front seats. F Sport models have more heavily bolstered seats and feature red leather trim on the door panels and seats. Other available options include panoramic roof, heated and ventilated seats, blind-spot monitors, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The standard infotainment system centers on an 8.0-inch screen in the dash, but a 12.3-inch screen is available.

The family-oriented RX is still on top of its game when it comes to safety, thanks to standard features like a reversing camera, pre-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Surround-view cameras and blind-spot monitors are also available. In federal crash tests, all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the RX have received five stars overall.