This is the 2024 Lexus RX 450 H + and it’s the first time the RX has been available as a plug-in hybrid. Surprisingly it’s about as quick as the quickest RX the RX500h F Sport. The good news it does so with less power and way better fuel economy, the bad news is it costs more. Time to dig into the details and see if it’s worth those extra pennies.

Neat Exterior

The most noticeable change in the SUV’s styling is the spindle grille at the front, which has always been a big statement for Lexus.  The headlamps are now larger with L-shaped light signatures, this tester has the optional triple beam LEDS. The windshield is more raked, but it retains the floating roof design.

At the rear, it takes on the new Lexus branding with horizontal taillights across the hatch to form a continuous light bar and LEXUS spelled out in the center instead of a Lexus logo. Overall, I think the 2024 RX is a good-looking SUV.

Sizewise it’s almost identical to the outgoing model but Lexus has expanded the wheelbase by 2.4 inches creating a shorter rear overhang. Since the previous three-row L version has been sent to the scrap heap, it will be replaced by the all-new Lexus TX. The RX 450h+ wears 21-inch trim-specific wheels with 235/50 Bridgssotne all-season rubber all around.

Under The Hood

Lexus gives you a lot of choices when it comes to power trains. The entry-level RX350 switches out last year’s V-6 for a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic and it makes 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

The Hybrid version has a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four, a continuously variable transmission with two electric motors that power the front wheels. A third electric motor drives the rear wheels giving a combined output of s 246 horses and 233 pound-feet. Step up to the RX500H F-Sport which has a bigger rear motor and you get a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet.

The one with the most complicated name is essentially the same as the NX 450+ with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I-4 and electric motor driving the front wheels via a CVT. Another rear motor powers the rear wheels and the total system output is rated at 304 hp. This gives it a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds, which is almost identical to the RX500H F-Sport. Of course, it gets 36 highway mpg versus the F-Sports’ 28 mpg

Electric-Only Range

The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ offers an estimated electric-only range of 37 miles which is similar to its in-house offerings the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Lexus NX 450h+. This bests similar plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (26 miles) but it’s bested by the BMW X5 xDrive50e (39 miles) and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic (48 miles).

Charging

The battery can accept Level 1 charging from a standard outlet or Level 2 charging from a 240-volt charger. A 6.6-kW on-board charger is standard, which Lexus says allows the RX 450h+ to charge to full in around two and a half hours.

Driving

With a full charge, the RX sets off in EV mode and will continue until the battery runs out of juice at which point it reverts to being a standard hybrid. Either way, it’s quick, stab the throttle and the RX leaps off the line and the transition to gas power is as smooth as you would want. The only letdown is the 2.5-liter four sounds buzzy at higher revs, even more so once the EV-only mode has expired.

Activate Sport mode and the car tightens up, the gas motor kicks in earlier, the steering firms up and you get the idea that the RX wants to play. On twisty back roads, it’s very good at carving through the turns without any noticeable understeer. Passing slower vehicles is a breeze thanks to the gobs of torque provided by the electric motors.

Lexus has a Curve Speed Management system on the RX which applies the brakes if it thinks you are going into a turn too fast, of course, you can override this if you feel like it but it’s actually a pretty good system.

The only complaint is the brakes, the pedal feel is somewhat wooden on initial push but they do regen very well. I tested this out coming back from a run up the mountains and I was able to recoup several miles of EV range by the time I returned home.

Interior

The RX 450+ only comes in one trim, Luxury, so you get all the goodies included in the price. I was extremely impressed with its premium materials, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, it certainly gives Audi something to worry about. There’s a smattering of Alcantara suede-like material about the cabin, on the doors, on the seat bolsters and the headliner is softer than a cashmere scarf.

The front seats are very comfortable with 10-way power for both the driver and passenger and both are heated and ventilated. You also get a power-adjustable seat cushion that extends out for those with longer legs. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is also heated and it feels nice in your hand although I’m not a fan of the faux wood on the top and bottom of it.

All RXs in the lineup offer a 7-inch color multi-information display above the steering wheel which is controlled via steering wheel buttons. This in my opinion is a little tricky to use since they don’t have labels on them to tell you what they do. Instead, you touch the main one, and the functions display in the driver display or the head-up display. I eventually turned off the head-up display since there was so much information displayed that it became a distraction.

In the center console, you get a large standard 14-inch touchscreen running Lexus’ latest software which works great. tack. Below it you find large knobs that control the dual-zone HVAC system and a physical volume control.

I liked that lack of piano black on my tester, it had instead Ash Bamboo trim complimenting the Macadamia Nut leather seats. There are two other options to choose from none of which are shiny and black. Underneath the A/C vents, there are a couple of USB and USB-C ports and a wireless charger with additional storage space.

Rear seat passengers get their own A/C vents, seat back pockets, manual sunshades as well as heated and ventilated seats. The drop-down center armrest has a small covered storage space as well as cup holders.

Cargo Space

This RX 450 H+ has a powered tailgate with a kick sensor which when opened reveals about 29 cubes with the rear seats up and 46 if you fold them down.  

Pricing

Not surprisingly, the joint quickest and most electrified RX is also the priciest, starting at $68,730. Adding options such as the Mark Levinson audio system, Triple Beam LED headlamps, Park Assist, a Panoramic Sunroof, and a power rear tailgate which takes the price to $75,930. That base price makes it a little over $9,000 more expensive than a RX 350h Luxury AWD and almost $6,300 pricier than a 500h F Sport Performance. 

Safety

The RX 450+ is equipped with Lexus’ most updated advanced driver assistance tech, which includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps.

Other standard 450h+ safety equipment includes a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist, and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking.

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Verdict

The 2024 Lexus RX450h+ is a compelling luxury plug-in hybrid, it’s got a competitive all-electric range, a very nice interior, it looks good, and it’s a very nice drive, the only drawback is it’s just a tad expensive.  The big question is should you consider the RX 500h performance hybrid instead?

2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Numbers

BASE PRICE: $68,730
PRICE AS TESTED: $75,930
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE: DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4
ELECTRIC MOTOR: 2 Permanent-magnet  
COMBINED POWER: 304 hp
TRANSMISSION: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable
0-60 MPH: 5.8 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 4,750 lb
CARGO CAPACITY: 22.7 ft³, 46.9 ft³ with seat area
FUEL ECONOMY: 35 mpg hybrid combined and 83 mpge electric
EV RANGE: 37 MILES
OUR OBSERVED: 36.1 mpg
PROS: Super smooth, beautiful interior, very economical
CONS: No labels on the steering controls