Since the beginning the RX hybrid has been in the top ten hybrid sales column and was the most popular hybrid sport utility in 2012.

In 2010 Lexus rolled out an all new RX hybrid, the RX 450h. It not only featured a new exterior and interior design, it offered more power and significantly improved fuel economy.

For 2013 Lexus has given both the gasoline and hybrid RX models a refresh. The most obvious change is a new facelift and includes slight revisions to the backside and a modest interior makeover. Additionally for the RX hybrid, the power liftgate is now standard as is a USB interface for connection to external devices such as iPods. Also, the Sport mode is standard rather than optional for 2013.

The 2013 RX 450h is offered in a front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $46,310, an increase of $1,075 over the 2012 model, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) version starting at $47,710, up $885.

With an EPA combined fuel economy of 30 mpg – 32 city/28 highway – the RX 450h front drive model is the most fuel-efficient sport utility on the road. And the second best? The all-wheel drive version with a rating of 30 city/28 highway/29 combined.

Carryover Hybrid Powertrain

Pop the hood and you’ll find a repeat of the hybrid powertrain introduced in 2010. The system combines a gasoline engine with two electric motors for the front drive model and three motors for the all-wheel drive version. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and nickel-metal hydride battery pack complete the system.

Like other Lexus hybrids, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a combination of both. And, the hybrid system can shut off the engine when the car is stopped, and then turn it on again when the brake pedal is released.

The gas-electric RX is outfitted with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 245 horsepower and 234 pounds-feet of torque. Like many engines used in hybrid vehicles, the RX hybrid’s runs on the Atkinson cycle rather than the conventional Otto cycle. In simple terms, the Atkinson cycle uses less energy to compress fuel and air together, and makes relatively more energy when that mixture explodes. Lexus says this contributes fuel savings of 12 to 14 percent.

The engine runs on exceptionally free-flowing 0W-20 oil. In modern engines, lighter oils are an important fuel economy factor, with less energy lost to friction. For the RX hybrid, less friction allows an oil pump that operates on less power.

In addition, two electric motors join this powertrain. One is an engine-driven generator that operates as an engine starter and can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed. The second is a 155 horsepower motor that works with the gas engine to deliver power to the front wheels. Total output of this pairing is 295 horsepower.

The CVT is charged with managing that output and directing the power to the front wheels. The CVT uses a belt-pulley system instead of a finite set of gears in conventional automatic transmissions. It continuously adjusts gear ratios through a planetary gearset that more precisely matches engine output with acceleration and fuel economy. The driver can “downshift” and “upshift” via the shifter, but these are programmed virtual shift points, not actual fixed gears.

Completing the hybrid system is a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack tucked neatly under the second-row seats. When the vehicle brakes, some of the energy is captured and sent to the battery pack.

The all-wheel drive RX hybrid adds a third, rear-mounted motor-generator. Since it aspires to all-weather mobility instead of all-terrain capability, the motor simply adds more torque automatically to the rear wheels if wheelspin is detected. A dual-range transmission is not offered.

For greater emphasis on efficiency, Lexus has outfitted the RX 450h with both EV and Eco driving modes. In EV, this hybrid functions solely on electric power, but only at low speeds and short distances. The more practical Eco mode works to limit throttle response in order to promote greater fuel economy. In other words, it restrains the engine’s ability to operate at its full potential. The ideal time to use this function is during in-town driving or stop-and-go traffic.

Updated Outside And In

To call the 2013 RX 450h an all-new design is a stretch, but it gains a notable face lift. Like all Lexuses, the RX hybrid has a version of the automaker’s new distinctive grille design. Hourglass in shape – Lexus calls it a “spindle” shape – it has horizontal rather than vertical slats with a center bar in between the upper and lower sections. Headlamps are thinner, almost blade-like highlighted by beaded LED running lights underneath. The net result is a slightly more aggressive face.

Aside from these changes and tweaked taillamps, the RX hybrid continues its sleek, aerodynamic look from front to back. Its raked windshield flows effortlessly into a gently sloping roofline. In other words, it continues to look like an RX.

The no-detail-overlooked interior of the RX 450h is sumptuous with soft leather meeting fingertips at nearly every touch point. Changes for 2013 are subtle, like a redesigned steering wheel that Lexus says has a more comfortable and relaxing grip. The glove box has new metallic accents, while a redesigned center console provides improved accessibility and more storage space.

As expected, front seating is all-day comfortable with an abundance of head, shoulder and leg room. This carries to the rear where passengers — three comfortably — will find seats that recline and move fore and aft.

There’s also generous cargo space: 40 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats that expands to 80 cubes when they’re all lowered. If you are looking for a third row seat you’ll have to look elsewhere.

While the RX 450h does offer all the high-tech gizmos that have become synonymous with luxury class vehicles, many are an extra cost. Yes, the hybrid does include standard features such as a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ten-way power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface.

If you want the full-meal-deal luxury experience, you’ll pay extra. Leather seating is optional as is a moonroof and roof rails that each are part of option packages.

Want a blind spot monitor, a marvelous safety feature? That’s a $500 option. It’s standard on the $23,650 Mazda3 Grand Touring.

How about a backup camera, another excellent safety device? You have to purchase the $860 Display Audio and Camera package. It’s standard on a $24,980 Honda Accord Sport sedan.

Granted, there are some very nifty options: a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled leather seats, dual screen rear entertainment and the superb 15 speaker Mark Levinson audio system. But it all adds up. Our all-wheel drive test vehicle was equipped with every available option with a sticker price of $63,385 plus $895 destination charges.

If you need to be connected, the $2,700 Navigation package is a must. It includes the Lexus Enform application suite. With it you can tap into Internet search engines, apps such as OpenTable, Pandora, and Yelp by pairing a smart phone via Bluetooth or a physical connection.

When you opt for the Navigation system you get the Lexus Remote Touch system, a mouse-like controller that allows moving among a variety of icons on the large dash-mounted screen. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but from then on it’s a breeze to operate.

Behind The Steering Wheel

We spent the long President’s Day weekend in Phoenix, where we quickly remembered why people become snowbirds – sunshine, endless blue skies and 75 degrees in February is difficult to beat.

On the top of our to-do list was to revisit Sedona and its red rocks, about 120 miles north of Phoenix. A few minutes after 8:00 a.m. as we loaded a few things in the Stargazer Black RX, the temperature was already nudging 60 degrees. We headed east on I-10 and then north on I-17 through greater Phoenix’s western sprawl, into the city itself, and then up the entire length of the ever growing northern sprawl.

Once suburbia gave way to saguaro, the speed limit increased to 75 mph, which was mainly ignored. So, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Tackling on-road duties is the RX hybrid’s forte. On the highway it acts much like the vaunted ES 300 sedan, just with a higher ride height. The interior remains quiet at speed and the vehicle is stable on the road, regardless of how broken the pavement.

There’s a bit of body lean in turns that lets you know this is taller than a sedan. But it grips the road like a well-designed automobile.

While the RX hybrid may mimic the ES 300, it doesn’t have the same suspension. It has longer travel that soaks up the big bumps particularly well and virtually preventing the small impacts. The ride isn’t quite firm enough to put the “sport” into sport-utility, but it’s plenty comfortable to firmly plant the RX 450h into the realm of luxury vehicles.

The famous red to orange-colored sandstone “Red Rocks of Sedona” seem to appear from nowhere as we round a curve. Choose an adjective – spectacular, astounding, wondrous, incredible, etc., etc. None seem adequate to describe their splendor. Sedona’s elevation is around 4,500 feet, with some rock formation ascending to more than a mile-high.

The red rocks aren’t the only attraction that draws more than four million visitors annually to Sedona (half of which seemed to be there on the day of our visit). The town is a major arts center with art galleries lining Sedona’s two main thoroughfares.

Slowly scouring the streets in search of a parking space, the hybrid powertrain performed its role as an electric vehicle flawlessly. Light-footed driving saw the RX deliver its power in a smooth, virtually noiseless manner and, of course, no nasty exhaust emissions.

Our previous experiences with the Lexus RX hybrid have yielded fuel economy that was at or exceeded the EPA estimates. However, keeping up with the flow of traffic in the far left lane on I-17 took its toll. A fill up after 312 miles of travel resulted in 25.3 mpg, nearly 4 mpg less than the EPA’s combined average. But, that was somewhat consoling when I thought about the fuel mileage of the full-size SUVs and pickups that whisked past us when our speedo was planted at 85 mph.

Economics

The 2013 RX 450h is pricey, $6,650 more than its non-hybrid sibling, the RX 350. The question is, is the fuel efficiency boost of 14 mpg city and only 3 mpg highway worth the additional dollars? With the current price of gas at $3.75 per gallon according to AAA, if most of your driving is city or urban, the hybrid is a pretty good choice. If you do more highway driving than city, gas-powered RX may be a better choice.

Lexus pioneered the luxury hybrid SUV segment, but there are a couple of other hybrid choices.

Audi’s 2013 Q5 Hybrid is a tad smaller inside than the RX and its 30 mpg highway fuel economy equals the Lexus. However, city driving can only muster 24 mpg in town. The starting price of $50,900 is $4,590 more than the RX but is comes standard with all-wheel drive, leather interior, navigation and a sunroof.

If performance and handling trump fuel economy, then Porsche’s Cayenne S Hybrid with a price starting at $69,850 shouldn’t be overlooked. And if you need an SUV that can seat seven or even eight passengers and can tow up to 5,800 pounds, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is your only choice. It starts at a hefty $73,850, bear in mind that it has a truck-based chassis platform and won’t provide the smoother ride quality as the Lexus.

Bottom line: In general, the 2013 Lexus RX 450h is the perfect all-purpose vehicle as an everyday hauler of full-size people and their stuff. It’s at its best around town, picking up people and delivering people and doing so in all kinds of weather. Plus. it delivers the best fuel economy of any sport utility.

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A significant part of this success can be attributed to the company’s hybrid lineup, wearing both the Toyota and Lexus badges.

The company said November was a record month for Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) hybrids, with 1,381 units sold. That represented 9.5 percent of total TCI sales. Year-to-date, 16,330 hybrid vehicles have been sold, eclipsing, with a month to go, the previous annual best of 13,546 set in 2008.

In total, Toyota hybrid sales stand at 1,124 units for November 2012, up 88.9 percent when compared to November 2011, for a new November record.

The Prius family itself represented 750 units sold, up 100 percent when compared to November 2011, for a new November record. The Prius v represented 312 units (up 19.5 percent) and the Prius c 158 units. The c even accounted for 15.3 percent of overall TCI subcompact sales in November.

On the SUV front, the Highlander Hybrid represented 126 units (up 15.6%) for another November record.

The Camry Hybrid represented 248 units (up 123.4 percent).

“We are proud to have set an all-time record for hybrid sales,” said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “We are particularly excited that Canadians are attracted to the Prius family, up 100 percent from last year. Prius represents the future of personal mobility, offering a unique hybrid advantage under a proven and iconic brand.”

The luxury-side of the company saw total Lexus hybrid sales stand at 257 units (up 3.6 percent) for another November record. Hybrid models accounted for 20 percent of total Lexus sales in November.

The RX 450h stands at 50 units, totaling 680 units year to date (up 9.9 percent).

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After leaving the original RX hybrid series dormant in 2009, Toyota came back in the 2010 model year with the 450h, which offered more power and significantly improved fuel economy. The current model may only be three years old, but with competitors rolling out updated or all-new premium crossovers, it’s already high time for the RX to be refreshed. Mechanically, this is the same vehicle as its previous model.

For 2013, Lexus has given the RX 450h and its gasoline sibling a mild face-lift, revisions to the backside and a modest interior makeover. The RX 450h is available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $45,910, an increase of $675 over the 2012 model, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) version starting at $47,310, up $465.

Under The Hood

The gas-electric RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine (a more fuel-efficient version of the conventional four-stroke Otto-cycle engine) that is rated at 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The front-drive model’s hybrid powertrain employs two motor-generators. One is an engine-driven generator that operates as an engine starter and can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed. The second is a 167-horsepower motor that works with the gas engine to deliver power to the front wheels. Total output of this pairing is 295 horsepower. And no, the combined horsepower rating of 295 is not a typo. Peak output for the RX 450h’s gas engine and electric motor occur at different rpm ranges. Therefore, combined power ratings represent peak power delivery in real-world operating conditions and take into account the unique rpm when each peak occurs.

The engine and drive motor are connected to a continuously variable transmission, which is engineered to manage the various sources of power in a way that maximizes the RX 450h’s efficiency. Beyond the engine and the motor, there’s a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack tucked neatly under the second-row seats. When the vehicle brakes, some of the energy is captured and sent to the battery pack.

A third, rear-mounted motor-generator is added on the AWD model to drive the rear wheels. Though the luxury hybrid SUV is an all-wheel drive vehicle, it is not suited for off-road driving. The system does not have a mechanical driveshaft from the front to the rear, and doesn’t require power-transfer gearing. Instead, it simply demands more torque from the rear electric motor as road conditions demand.

Like all Lexus hybrids, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a combination of both. Under certain circumstances, a driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances (read: a mile or so) using only the electric motors. And, with the batteries sufficiently charged, the hybrid system can shut off the engine when the car is stopped, and then turn it on again when the brake pedal is released.

The result of this electronic wizardry when combined with the V6 is an EPA fuel mileage rating of 32/28 city/highway and 30 combined for the FWD model, while the AWD version has estimates of 30/28/29. As for emissions, the RX 400h achieves California’s Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification.

Exterior

The 2013 Lexus RX 450h’s signature styling feature is its sewing spindle-shaped trapezoidal grille that’s already made its debut on the GS sport sedans. The upper grille and slanted lower grille have been combined and integrated into a single element that projects an aggressive frontal design. A new headlamp shape incorporates LED daytime running lights that reflect the Lexus “L” design motif, as do the redesigned combination rear lamps, an as do also the combination rear lamps.

The fastback profile hasn’t changed and the RX 450h continues with pronounced front fenders that flow into the doors, along with integrated rear fender flares that neatly sweep around to pull together the taut rear corners of the vehicle.

Interior

Changes to the interior are subtle, including a redesigned steering wheel that Lexus says has a more comfortable and relaxing grip. The glove box receives new metallic accents and designers squeezed more storage room in the center console. The cabin also gets new Ebony Bird’s-Eye Maple wood trim and available Saddle Leather interior. In addition to ECO mode, for 2013, Lexus added a Sport mode that modifies the steering effort, throttle mapping and transmission shift priorities to provide a quicker response to driver inputs.

Inside, the RX 450h is everything you’d expect from a luxury SUV, but some features you might expect to come standard will cost a little extra. The 450h comes standard with a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a nine-speaker sound system, an interactive information screen, dual-zone climate control and a power liftgate among others. But if you really want the full luxury car experience you’ll have to pay more. Leather seating is now extra; a 15-speaker sound system is available, as are video monitors for blind spots, and most importantly, Lexus’ Remote Touch control system, which is packaged with the optional navigation system.

Lexus believes Remote Touch is the technology that will replace touch-screen consoles, which require too much attention and reach from the driver. With Remote Touch, the driver can navigate the vehicle’s onboard computer using a small touch-activated joystick located at the base of the center console. Though there is a bit of a learning curve, once you get the hang of it remote touch is a revelation.

Like the luxury brand’s other hybrids, the RX 450h’s display screen can display the power flow between the drivetrain’s electric motors, engine and battery. In place of the RX 350’s tachometer is a gauge showing electric motor assist versus battery recharging.

Standard 10-way power front seats are shaped and cushioned for long-haul comfort, and abundant seat and steering wheel adjustments make it easy to tailor a comfortable driving position. Rear seats mimic the fronts’ comfort plus, they slide fore and aft, as well as recline.

Behind the rear seats, the RX 400h has an average amount of space for a five-passenger midsize SUV. It provides 40 cubic feet with the seats up and 80.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

On The Road

The hybrid powertrain is seamless in operation and the engine stop/start function is imperceptible. Overall, the RX 450h delivers a very quiet and a comfortable, car-like ride. Power delivery is immediate, but smooth, and merging, passing or moving through fast traffic is effortless.

When it comes to handling, the RX is no corner carver. It is a tall, heavy vehicle, with the suspension dialed toward comfort resulting in noticeable body roll, even on gentle curves. In other words, exciting performance is absent.

But the “fun factor” isn’t the whole story when it comes to the RX 450h. Sure it’s what gets people who test drive cars for a living out of bed every morning, but most drivers are looking for something smooth, safe and fuel efficient – qualities the RX 450h has in spades.

And about that fuel efficiency; our 127-mile test drive of an AWD model a couple years back yielded 31.6 mpg, easily beating EPA numbers.

Economics

The RX 450h is quite expensive. The starting price of $45,910 means that the added fuel economy comes at a cost of $6,600 over its non-hybrid sibling, the RX 350. For city driving, this efficiency boost is 14 mpg, on the highway the difference is a much more modest 3 mpg. Even with fuel prices where they are, it may not be possible for this hybrid to recoup its higher cost from its overall efficiency.

For about $1,500 less than the base FWD RX hybrid, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited comes with a host of luxury standard features, including leather seating, which is optional on the 450h. Plus, it seats seven, all-wheel drive is standard and its 28/28/28 fuel mileage rating isn’t that far off the Lexus.

If you’re set on a luxury crossover but sporty performance is more important than fuel economy, check out BMW’s X5. It’s one of the sportiest in the luxury SUV segment, and each of its turbocharged engines packs plenty of punch. Starting at $47,500 the X5 is expensive compared with the rest of the class, but not much more expensive than the Lexus RX 450h.

Want luxury, good handling and above average fuel economy? The diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg shouldn’t be overlooked. The interior is spacious, comfortable and the quality of the materials and fit and finish are top drawer. The VW’s twin-turbocharged diesel engine spools out 225 horsepower and a massive 406 pound-feet of torque while delivering an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28/22. Priced starting at $46,875, it’s more fun to drive than the Lexus but not more than the BMW.

Bottom line: There are more powerful, entertaining and attractive means to transport five people and their weekend gear, but that’s not what the RX hybrid is about. It’s about the destination, not the drive. And, finances aside, this crossover appears to have more value as a green, eco-conscious alternative for people with money, who want to do their small part to mitigate climate change or reduce oil dependence.

Prices are manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

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The Lexus 450h claims government fuel economy of 28 city/27 highway—a healthy jump over the previous model, the RX 400h, which carried a rating of 27 city/24 highway. We applied a moderate driving style, staying within about 10 mph of the speed limit. We did punch it here and there to test acceleration, but nothing crazy.

The results? We easily beat the EPA numbers, achieving 31.6 miles per gallon. The 15 percent improvement in the new model is due to a number of modifications in the Lexus Hybrid Drive system:

• Lighter electric motors
• Smaller, lighter battery
• Smaller, lighter Power Control Unit (40 percent smaller)
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (eliminates the need to enrich fuel by lowering exhaust 
temperature)
• Exhaust Heat Recovery System (speeds engine warm-up by circulating coolant)

We particularly like the instrumentation of the Lexus RX 450h: To monitor efficiency, the 450h comes equipped with a very simple gauge. The needle indicates how the hybrid system is responding to your driving, by dropping into one of three modes: charge-mode, usually during braking or slowing; eco-mode, accompanied by an eco-light; or power-mode, during harder acceleration. These classifications are becoming common in all Toyota hybrids. There is a separate digital readout which provides the instantaneous miles-per-gallon. An arrow points out how the hybrid system is operating—electric, engine, or both together. It’s all very straightforward. No fancy animation of leaves or trees—just smart, right-to-the-point, and very useful.

Along with excellent mileage, the 450h granted a noticeable improvement in power. The RX 450h has 27 extra horses coming from its new Atkinson-cycle V6. Total output is now 295 horsepower. Merging, passing, and moving through fast traffic were effortless.

In terms of handling, the 450h is also very much on point. Our all-wheel-drive tester—with its third electric motor for the rear axle—helped on this front. Like its gas-powered counterpart, the 450h has a very sporting and car-like feel. It takes corners confidently, with very little body roll. On the highway, you get a soft, quiet, and comfortable ride.

The RX 450h is packaged very similarly to the 400h—which is to say, roominess and configuration are virtually the same. The RX 450h is styled for a slightly more aggressive and sculpted look, with bolder lines.

Bottom Line: The RX 450h is an upscale crossover SUV that can easily achieve fuel economy in the low 30s—for a purchase price in the low- to mid-$40,000s.

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The second generation RX hybrid will also be powered by Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system, utilizing a new Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine. With this larger powerplant, output will be 295 horsepower—27 horses more than the current RX400h. The new model will retain the electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission of the current model.

In an effort to improve efficiency, two new technologies have been implemented within the hybrid system. One is an exhaust-heat recovery system, which lessens the time it takes for the engine to warm up. This allows the engine to stop more frequently and for longer durations of time during vehicle operation, thus improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The other innovation is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system. This feature boosts fuel economy by reducing engine pumping losses. Toyota has not said how much of an actual improvement in efficiency these two systems garner.

The RX450h is available in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. But since most all-wheel drive vehicles compromise efficiency due to the extra weight from mechanical components, Lexus has taken steps to offset this issue. To that end, the RX450h utilizes a rear-mounted electric motor-generator, which will enable all four wheels to simultaneously engage in regenerative braking. The result is a more efficient process of recapturing energy.

Aside from hybrid system advancements, the new RX450h will share most of the technological and luxury enhancements of the new non-hybrid RX350. The Lexus RX450h will go on sale in Spring 2009.

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