RX JUST WHAT DOCTOR ORDERED
Smooth, roomy and elegantly trimmed, the 2017 Lexus RX 450h delivers on all fronts with an eye toward fuel economy.
It may seem odd to roll up to the town compost heap in a luxe SUV filled with leaf bags and yard debris, but after giving it a quick vacuum and popping the rear seats back in place, we were off for a night out.
The sharp styling starts with the trademark blacked-out hourglass grille that’s framed by striking LED headlamps. Nicely placed folds and creases lead your eye to the wide powered liftgate that is topped with a small air dam.
High-end cabin detailing and an extremely quiet ride — both hallmarks of the Lexus brand — are areas where the 450h doesn’t disappoint. Leather, wood, brushed metal trim and lacquered surfaces are all crafted together to create a comfortable and functional ride. The handsome cross-stitching on the steering wheel and ventilated seats are also welcome additions. The Luxury Package included Aniline leather seats, which I’d recommend.
The digital dash features two gauges that frame a 4-inch info box that provides a quick look at your performance and preferences while the infotainment center is set at a very slight angle toward the driver. The 12inch touch screen that’s mounted atop the manual controls doesn’t interfere
with the vehicle’s excellent sightlines. The analog clock, which we’ve seen in a number of other luxury cars we’ve tested, is another nice touch.
It has easy seating for five and the upgraded panoramic sunroof — one of a few extra packages on the tester — fills the vehicle with light and air. The cargo area, which rates on the smallish size for the class, handled my errands well.
The 3.5-liter, 308-hp gas/electric engine hybrid power plant spins the electronically controlled variable transmission to all of the wheels, distributing power and creating both a comfortable and nimble ride. The SUV handles crisply and Sport mode sharpens both the shift points and steering command. With a combined 30 mpg rating, this midsized SUV is easier on your wallet than nearly every other car in its class.
At $58,915, the Lexus RX 450h is competitively priced in this popular segment that includes the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Only the Cayenne, Acura and Tesla offer alternative power plants.