Lexus RX450h Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Lexus RX450h
Prices: £37,000-£45,000 – on the road [est] INSURANCE GROUPS: 17E [est]
Performance: 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 124mph
Emissions: 148g/km
Fuel Consumption: (urban) 42.8mpg / (extra urban) 47.1mpg / (combined) 44.8mpg
Safety: Twin front & side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, VDIM, VSC, PCS, TRC. [est]
Dimensions: Length/Width/Heightmm 4750/1845/1720mm [est]

The RX450h is Technology at its Finest

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Most SUV's are thought of as gas-guzzling tanks that are as hard on the wallet as they are on the environment. But Lexus is changing that, one SUV at a time. For comfort, safety, environmental benefits and fewer trips to the pump, the RX450h is a luxury mid-sized SUV hybrid with a treasure trove of gadgets.

Available in all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive you can expect low emissions and an EPA estimated combined city or highway MPG of 28. With a 3.5 liter V6 engine and electric batteries you can use fuel, electricity or both. With MacPherson struts and stabilizers in the front and independent double-wishbone shocks and stabilizers in the rear, you will have the ultimate in power, handling and driving comfort.

The interior boasts voice-recognition technology, Intuitive parking assist, back-up camera, dynamic radar cruise control, and heads-up display with heated and ventilated front seats and folding split rear seats that are multi-adjustable. With the push of one button, The Lexus Enform with Safety Connect option allows drivers and passenger's emergency and navigation help without the need for a cell phone. And that's only the beginning. Exterior options include headlamp washers, power door close, adaptive front lighting system, smart access key fob and more.

The color choices are a bit boring as Lexus stuck with the basics: shades of black, white and grey with matador red mica being the most noticeable. For the interior the choices are just as boring: parchment or black leather with brown walnut accent trim or light gray leather with espresso bird's-eye maple accent. But don't get me wrong, any of the choices will get you a stunning, dramatic look not to be outdone by other car manufacturers. I was just hoping to see more ?favorite? colors and not so many neutral colors.

This SUV is as safe as it is smart, with front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags in ten areas this vehicle can give you the peace of mind you deserve. In the event of a crash from behind the head rests will move up and frontward thus reducing the amount of whiplash one might incur. A pre-collision system will track the distance of objects in front of you and will sense crashes that are about to occur. It will retract the seatbelts and prime the brakes so you realize faster breaking time when your foot finally does hit the pedal. Crumple zones in the front and rear ensure protect passengers by compressing at a timed rate. An engine immobilizer can protect you from being the target of a car thief. A tiny chip embedded into the key sends a signal to the motor with a personal identification code; if the code doesn't match the vehicle will not start.

Lexus has raised and few eye brows and turned a few heads with this hybrid. The technology and thought put into this vehicle make it worthwhile to check out if you are in the market for a new SUV. If the MPG doesn't catch your attention than the gadgets will definitely do you in.