### 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Review: A Capable Plug-In Hybrid with Some Quirks
When Lexus made its debut in the luxury automobile sector in 1989, it revolutionized the market by fusing Japanese reliability with the luxury and performance anticipated from high-end German vehicles. A few years thereafter, the brand made another notable contribution by effectively creating the luxury crossover category with the RX, a model that provided the appearance and experience of an SUV without compromising on handling. Jumping ahead to 2024, Lexus is still pushing boundaries with its RX series, especially with the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+.
#### An In-Depth Examination of the RX 450h+ Powertrain
The RX 450h+ represents Lexus’ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, setting itself apart from the RX 500h by featuring a larger battery that allows for external charging. Conversely, the 500h only replenishes its smaller battery while the vehicle is in motion. The RX 450h+ incorporates its powertrain from the more compact NX crossover, melding a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, all powered by an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Collectively, this setup generates 304 horsepower (227 kW), although Lexus has not revealed particular torque metrics for the electric motors.
Lexus asserts that the RX 450h+ can achieve an electric-only range of up to 37 miles (60 km), sufficient for most daily travel needs. However, in real-world scenarios, you may find the electric range is closer to 30 miles. Fully charging the battery takes roughly 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, making it practical for overnight home charging.
Even after the battery runs out, the RX 450h+ functions like a standard hybrid, utilizing the gasoline engine alongside the electric motors. In this mode, the vehicle reaches an estimated fuel efficiency of 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km), which is commendable for a vehicle of its size and category.
#### Driving Experience: Smooth and Polished, with Some Drawbacks
One of the key highlights of the RX 450h+ is its seamless power delivery, especially when operating in electric mode. The one-pedal driving setting, enabled by choosing “B” instead of “D,” is well-tuned, providing simple throttle modulation. However, when the gasoline engine engages—particularly under substantial load—it can produce a somewhat grating sound, an unexpected trait for a luxury vehicle.
In terms of performance, the RX 450h+ doesn’t particularly excel according to contemporary benchmarks, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in about 6.2 seconds. Although it may not be a speedster, the vehicle demonstrates competent handling for a crossover, with reasonable steering feedback and a comfortable ride. It’s not a vehicle suited for tackling winding mountain roads like the renowned “Tail of the Dragon,” but it competently manages routine driving scenarios, including highway on-ramps and curving intersections.
#### Interior and Comfort: A Mixed Bag
Lexus has long been recognized for its meticulous attention to interior aesthetics, and the RX 450h+ maintains this reputation—if only in certain respects. The interior is tastefully appointed, especially if one opts for earth tones and steers clear of more flamboyant color options like the red leather seats in the RX 500h F Sport. The semi-aniline leather seating is comfortable, and the diverse materials used throughout the cabin, particularly on the door panels, are both visually striking and pleasing to the touch.
Driver visibility is superb, and cargo capacity is generous for a luxury crossover. With the rear seats up, the vehicle offers 29.6 cubic feet (838 liters) of cargo space, which expands to 46.2 cubic feet (1,308 liters) when the rear seats are folded down.
Nonetheless, not every facet of the interior is flawless. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, while expansive and vibrant, can be challenging to access, particularly for shorter drivers. Furthermore, the system possesses some quirks, such as its failure to retain certain settings like air conditioning preferences between uses. On the upside, it does support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which many drivers will likely prefer over the standard interface.
#### Tech and Safety: Areas for Enhancement
Although the RX 450h+ is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, the system can sometimes be overly sensitive. During evaluations, the emergency braking system engaged unnecessarily on two occasions, which could be unsettling for some drivers. While it’s not as troublesome as similar systems found in other brands, it remains a domain where Lexus could improve.
Another small frustration is the necessity to manually reactivate the brake hold feature each time the car is started. This function, which keeps the vehicle stationary without requiring the driver to maintain pressure on the brake pedal, could benefit from a more user-friendly design.
