2022 Lexus RX 450hL SUV

　　

2022 Lexus RX 450hL Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Combining fuel efficiency with seven-passenger seating is a tall order for a luxury SUV, but the 2022 Lexus RX 450hL mostly pulls it off. A V6 engine paired with dual electric motors helps this RX hybrid return 29 mpg combined, well above average for its type, while three rows of seats offer flexibility for ferrying a small family or friends out for the night.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $52,110 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $58,110 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The RX 450hL may sound like something from a lab manual, but it's really just the elongated hybrid version of Lexus' best-selling RX 350. Docile handling and a cushy ride make the 450hL more of a cruiser than its twitchier RX F Sport counterpart, a feeling enhanced by its hushed interior and soft leather. Unfortunately, that serenity doesn't extend to the cramped third row, which is useful in a pinch for adults but best suited to small kids. And with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, there's not even abundant cargo space to justify the tight quarters. By comparison, the rival Lincoln Aviator offers 18 cubic feet. Lexus also persists with its clumsy touchpad infotainment interface (perhaps for not much longer, as newer Lexus models suggest), but touchscreen control has thankfully been added for both the standard 8-inch display and the optional 12.3-inch screen.

　　Despite its flaws, it's hard to find the 450hL's mix of luxury, fuel economy and passenger capacity elsewhere. The Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 are roomier plug-in hybrid SUVs, but they also cost considerably more. For its price and performance, the RX 450hL hits a sweet spot.

　　

Which RX 450hL does zzdcar recommend?

The RX 450hL offers just a single trim level. It's well stocked, but we'd suggest adding the Navigation package for a larger touchscreen, upgraded infotainment and the 12-speaker sound system. We'd probably also spring for the heated seats à la carte.

　　

Lexus RX 450hL models

The Lexus RX 450hL is a three-row luxury hybrid SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a hybrid powertrain (308 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque) and comes with standard all-wheel drive.

　　Features include:

　　18-inch wheels LED headlights Keyless proximity entry with push-button start Power-adjustable front seats Simulated leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering wheel Three-zone automatic climate control Six USB ports 8-inch touchscreen display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Nine-speaker sound systemThese advanced driver aids also come standard:

　　Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the RX 450hL centered in its lane) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)The RX 450hL offers plenty of stand-alone options and packages to further enhance comfort and convenience. Individual highlights include:

　　Upgraded LED headlights LED foglights and cornering lamps Heated and ventilated front seats Heated steering wheel Wireless device charging pad Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) 360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car's surroundings)Notable option bundles include:

　　Luxury package 20-inch wheels Sunroof Leather upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Heated second-row outboard seats Rear door sunshades Upgraded interior trim Ambient interior lighting Heated steering wheel Navigation package Navigation 12.3-inch touchscreen display Upgraded 12-speaker audio system

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