2022 Lexus RX 450h AWD F SPORT

The h is for hybrid. The Lexus RX hybrid has been going strong for 15 years. Today's RX 450h is a descendant of the original RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid vehicle when it debuted for the 2006 model year.

The 2022 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful, refined, and efficient than that original, and it's popular enough with Lexus customers to have outlasted several competitors that have vanished from the market.

Given the RX hybrid's steadfast availability over the years, perhaps it comes as no surprise that few changes accompanythefive-passenger midsizecrossover SUVfor the2022modelyear.Freshexteriorpaintcolorsandanew interior hue make news, and foglights are now available as a stand-alone option for 2022.

The limited-production RX 450h Black Line returns, but Lexus plans to build only 400. Lexus has been in the hybrid-making business for quite some time, so it's no surprise it makes some of the best.

The RX 450h's bold styling could be a polarizing point for buyers, but its combination of impressive attention to detail, interior appointments and practicality makes it an undoubtedly attractive proposition in the luxury SUV scene. Our only real reservation: It underperformed its EPA fuel economy estimates in our testing.

Drive Time of The RX 450h drive?

The RX 450h feels good on the road, with easy effort steering and even quicker pickup than the non-hybrid models. And thanks to a well-tuned brake-by-wire system, the RX 450h is capable of surprisingly smooth stops, which can be a real weak point for hybrid vehicles. It's not only quicker than the non-hybrid RX 350, but it alsodeliversasmootherdrivingexperienceoverall.That's a double win.

Our instrumented test numbers confirm the 450h is sufficiently quick, clocking 60 mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds. But that does put it a few car lengths behind Volvo's potent hybrid SUVs. Suspension updates forthe2020model yearmake the RX 450hfeel abit more agile and nicely counteract the added weight from the batteries and hybrid components.

Comfort of The RX 450h?

Comfort is a RX hallmark,and the 450h largely continues to deliver on that promise. The front seats are wide and accommodating, but the cushions feel a bit flat. The second-row seats are pretty comfy too, and they have the ability to recline. The suspension does a good job of taking the edge off rougher road surfaces and bumps, but the hybrid's added weight produces more residual motion after the 450h hits a bump, making for a floaty ride. The cabin is well insulated from traffic and wind noise as well astiredrone,andthesilenceofthehybridpowertrainonly adds to the serenity. You'll never have to raise your voice to have a conversation.

MSRP range $48,720. - $54,520