Way back in 1998, Lexus RX was the first luxury crossover SUV introduced to our market. In 2006, Lexus was the first luxury vehicle manufacturer to offer a hybrid vehicle in the mid-size premium SUV class (the RX400h). For 2024, Lexus’s best-selling model family now includes a PHEV for the first time, called the RX450h+. The RX450h+ also represents the brand’s gradual, measured, and sound approach of not going all-in on electric vehicles (EVs), instead offering hybrids and PHEVs that won’t induce range anxiety or cause steep learning curves for customers.
Under ideal conditions, the RX450h+ can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger (240 volts). If you use the equipped Level 1 charger, charging overnight will still get you significant all-electric range.
The built-in-Japan RX450h+ is offered as a single fully loaded model. It is equipped with an 18.1 kWh battery paired with a 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine that produces a net 304 horsepower, more than enough output for passing power, and when fully charged, the RX450h+ offers up to 60 km of all-electric driving range.
This vehicle has a luxury-first ethos, so it drives extremely smooth in electric mode, and the suspension offers a cushioned, composed ride. Switching the drivetrain to Sport mode will tighten the adaptive suspension and steering to provide a sprinkle of sporty driving feel.
Along with excellent soundproofing, the equally excellent factory Bridgestone Alenza tires helped ensure a quiet ride. Whenever the gas engine kicks in, the transition is smooth, but the gas engine does operate a bit loud when propelling the vehicle, which is due in part to its continuously variable transmission (CVT); the CVT keeps engine revs high when you’re accelerating until you settle into a cruising speed. Not a dealbreaker, but Lexus likely saw a benefit in using a CVT for this model.
Our test vehicle’s interior colour (called Peppercorn) looked unique and luxurious. Front passengers get 10-way heated and ventilated power seats that include thigh support extenders, while rear outboard passengers also get seat heating, ventilation, power reclining function and their own climate controls. Seating is remarkably comfortable in both rows, and feature semi-aniline leather surfaces with soft suede inserts.
Other premium interior amenities include a 21-speaker premium sound system, LED interior lighting, a heated leather/wood steering wheel, and conveniences like a height-adjustable front cup holder and a dual-hinged armrest lid that allows the front passenger to easily access the storage space.
Other high-tech features include:
- A high-res 14-inch touchscreen that was easy to use, and allows owners to set daily charging schedules so they can take advantage of lower electricity rates (e.g., setting the vehicle to charge only at night when plugged in)
- Touch-sensitive multifunctional steering wheel buttons that provide customizable shortcuts to operate frequently used features. Selections show up on the windshield head-up display so drivers can select features or make adjustments without having to take their eyes off the road
- Left turn oncoming vehicle detection with braking as part of Lexus’s Safety System+ 3.0 suite of safety features
- A see-through camera view of the vehicle when reversing to detect obstacles under the vehicle
- A rear backup camera washer which is most useful during winter
- Ability to fold the electric second row seatbacks down from the driver seat using controls in the centre touchscreen. There are also controls in the cargo area and in the second row. An impressive 838L of cargo space is available with the second row seatbacks up
With a strong track record of electrified vehicle innovation and competence, Lexus knows its market and customers, and currently deem Hybrids and PHEVs to be the ideal electrified vehicles for most Canadians. If you are looking to save some gas money without sacrificing luxury, and want to proactively ease into electrified vehicle ownership, the RX450h+ is worthy of consideration and purchase.
| 2024 Lexus RX450h+ | |
| Canadian Price | From $90,236 |
| Battery Size and Engine | 2.5L inline-4 turbocharged gas engine with three electric motors |
| Transmission | CVT with electric all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp) | 304 (net) |
| Fuel consumption (L/100 km)
(City, highway) |
6.5, 7.1 |
| 0 to 100 km/h Acceleration (seconds) | 6.5 |
Photos: William Ha, Lexus Canada Media
