Lane 1

ATUK - 05.50/22 and 20.81/47

TW2 - SD9480-01 and SD9383-03

Despite being AWD, the RX450h doesn’t have any type of 4x4 modes, not even hill descent, you simply put it in drive and off you go, which is pretty much what I did.

Starting south and heading north, the surface is made up of loose stone that, when driving slowly up the steep incline, can be a little too loose, especially if you keep stopping to take photos, as I did. The RX actually did a fine job of maintaining traction, though as the stones became larger, I was a little concerned about scuffing the alloys.

Upon reaching the top the going becomes quite easy, in fact nothing a 2WD couldn’t handle, and after a good downpour you’ll be wading through some rather large puddles, though nothing too deep.

As I tootled along I noticed evidence of off-piste activity, but like littering, spitting and other anti social behaviours, I guess it’s all part and parcel of life in today's society.

There are a number of gates to open and close, which can be quite laborious when you’re on your own, but sometimes it’s nice just to take your time and immerse yourself in the fresh air and vast openness of the moors. On a clear day the views are stunning, and I was fortunate, despite angry looking clouds, the rain kept itself to a minimum (usually heavier when I stopped to open and close the aforementioned gates), but it was the wind that was unforgiving, well, it was mid November.

A few more gates later and the lane begins to descend, personally it’s this last section that I look forward to the most. Not for any technical driving, though there is a deep diagonal water channel to be wary of, rather to the stunning views that never seem to end, especially as you near the end as Semerwater, like an oasis, can be often seen glimmering in the distance.

Usually, the descent can be easily managed in second, or even third gear in low box, however, I have to admit that it wasn’t until I reached this point that I realised the RX450h doesn’t have a hill descent control button. Leaving it in first gear didn’t help either, so it was a case of constantly feathering the brakes until I reached the end, and parked up on the shore of Semerwater.

Semerwater is the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, England, after Malham Tarn. It’s half a mile long, covers 100 acres and somewhere that you simply have to stop for photos, it’s the law! But if you are staying for any amount of time, don’t forget to pay a small charge at the farm opposite.

After enjoying a few minutes of the serenity that Semerwater offers, I opened the boot of the RX450h, grabbed my Lifesaver Jerrycan, carried it to the water's edge and topped it up with lake water to make myself a quick brew using my using my Jetboil Minimo.

I reviewed the Lifesaver Jerrycan in our very first issue, and it’s pretty much always in use when I’m out camping or exploring.

Lane 2

ATUK - 20.81/104

Trailwise - SD8685-02

Much like the previous lane, Cam High Road requires half decent ground clearance in places and offers some cracking views. The surface is hard with only a few deepish ruts to concern yourself with. I say that, if I was in Deux Smurf, or a pickup, they wouldn’t concern me one iota, but if you are in a smaller SUV, like a Suzuki S-Cross for instance, just be mindful. It’s only when you reach the top when you have a rocky outcrop to worry about.

For its length, road is fairly straight and one vehicle width wide, and even on a completely sodden day traction will be decent. After a good dump of snow of the other hand the lane can become a bit treacherous, and once it becomes icy tobogganing springs to mind.

Since starting the lane it had been raining quite heavily, and I wondered how the RX450h would cope on the slippery limestone slabs that awaits you when you reach the top.

Although there are a few minor steps to climb, my confidence in the AWD system had grown significantly over the week, and whilst negotiating this rocky outcrop it was only the road biased tyres caused a little concern as they spun momentarily before finding grip.

There was a young couple watching who seemed both a little upset that I was there, driving, yet confused that I was in a Lexus.

They scowled as I trundled past, despite my cheery “Afternoon!”. Ah well, you can’t please everyone.

Upon reaching the end, my route back home was left onto Oughtershaw Road heading back towards Buckden.

The roads around here are narrow and twisty, and despite the CVTs best attempts to suck all the joy out of motoring, the one fitted to the RX450h didn’t seem that bad. With 300bhp on tap, 0-60mph of doesn’t feels that quick, but that’s because you’re cocooned in a cabin of loveliness and luxury.

Interior

Because it’s all black, the dash looks a bit dull and cheap, in my opinion, but quality of the interior is pretty high with everything being screwed together really well, as you would expect for a Lexus.

The heated front seats are the quickest I’ve had the pleasure of using, and the seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, especially when you’re in a spirited mood. There’s plenty of room in up front with big door pockets, multiple cupholders and storage cubbies.

Engine ’n’ transmission

The Lexus RX's 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is the only option and drives the front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox and is paired with two electric motors. One motor helps out the engine while the other is fitted to the rear axle to give you four-wheel drive.

Conclusion

As a motoring writer, there are some 4x4s and SUVs that I just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of, and those that I feel I 'should' drive. The RX450h was part of the latter, but a week later, and honestly, I didn’t want it to go back. In fact once returned, I found myself on the internet checking out second hand prices.

On reflection, the RX450h is really meant for on-road use, but when it comes to venturing off the beaten track, it has a surprising amount of approach and departure angles, and despite not having any 4WD modes it manages to figure things out, very, very quickly. Its only real downside is the lack of hill descent control, or low ratio 1st gear to help on steep gradients.

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