2020 Lexus RX 450hL Review

　　

2020 Lexus RX 450hL Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　What would you do with an extra 4 inches tacked onto the back of the Lexus RX? If you're Lexus, you answer that question with: "Add a third-row seat." The 450hL has the same hybrid powertrain and features as a standard RX. The extra length from front to back allows for a third row and seating for up to seven people. Just be aware that the RX's third row is one of the smallest in the class. It does offer a bit of added versatility, but it's really only meant for small children.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$165/mo  for RX 450hL Base

　　RX 450hL Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $50,510 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $56,510 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　A few changes this year enhance the RX 450hL's desirability. Up front, the 2020 RX 450hL gets restyled headlights and a new bumper for a more sophisticated look. Lexus also tweaked the suspension to bring about slight improvements in handling stability and ride comfort. Inside, there's a new infotainment interface plus touchscreen functionality. The new trackpad interface is better than last year's mouse-like controller, but it can still be overly distracting to use when driving. Finally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also on board this year as standard equipment.

　　Deciding on whether the RX 450hL is for you largely comes down to your priorities. This Lexus is a niche SUV that offers high fuel economy and a third-row seat that might come in handy a couple of times a year. But other RX variants, whether the regular RX 350 or the RX 450h, are more broadly appealing because of their more affordable pricing. And if you need a dedicated family taxi, a roomier SUV such as the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid or new Lincoln Aviator would likely be a better choice.

　　

Which RX 450hL does zzdcar recommend?

The RX 450hL comes in two trim levels: the base model and the Luxury (which can also be considered a package). Both are essentially available with the same wide array of options, so we'd opt for the base model and opt for the Navigation package with the 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. It adds a beautiful, large display screen with onboard navigation and an outstanding sound system. The 450hL's thick rear roof pillars reduce visibility, so the optional blind-spot monitor and surround-view parking camera system are smart investments.

　　

2020 Lexus RX 450hL models

The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL is a six- or seven-passenger midsize hybrid SUV that comes with three rows of seating and all-wheel drive. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that works with a pair of front-mounted electric motor-generators through a continuously variable automatic transmission to drive the front wheels, while a third electric motor powers the rear wheels. Total system output is 308 horsepower.

　　There are two trim levels: the base 450hL and Luxury. Standard equipment highlights for the base model include a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa capability.

　　A Premium package adds a sunroof and wood interior trim. The RX 450hL Luxury trim level (which can also be considered a package) comes with the Premium package equipment and adds rear side sunshades, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a heated wood steering wheel, and perforated-leather seating surfaces.

　　The Navigation package pads on an integrated navigation system, a 12.3-inch central display and a premium audio system upgrade. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is also available. Other stand-alone options include a color head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and a blind-spot monitor with a surround-view parking camera system.

　　

2020 RX 450hL Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryBase

　　

Base MSRP	$50,510
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$165/month
Seating	6 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	7.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles