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The 2012 Lexus RX 450h is part of the luxury SUV hybrids that Toyota has successfully released first in 2006. Since then, a great number of people looking to buy Lexus SUVs have chosen to go for the hybrid upgrade, making the RX 450h’s predecessor, the Lexus RX 400h, one of the most popular hybrids around. Throughout November 2011 though, the Lexus RX 450h became the second best-selling of the hybrid models, beaten out of the top spot only by the compact sedan CT 200h.
Since the line’s release in 2006, the RX hybrids were left dormant until 2009, but were revived by the release of the first RX 450h in 2010, offering improved fuel economy without sacrificing on power. This too is what can be expected out of the 2012 Lexus RX 450h. So what does the shift from 400h to the 2012 Lexus RX 450h mean? Gas-powered versions refer to the engine displacement for the number code. For instance then, it means that the RX 350 is fitted with a 3.5-liter engine. The 2012 Lexus RX 450h then bumps up those numbers since it is powered by a 3.5-liter engine and an electric motor generator. The combined performance of the engine and generator for the 2012 Lexus RX 450h then gives it something equivalent to a 4.5-liter engine. Hence, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h was assigned that number code.
There are no significant changes in the 2012 Lexus RX 450h from the previous models that were reported. However, prices show that the 2012 models are more expensive by $500 from the 2011 models, with the front-wheel drive RX 450h assigned with a $45,235 base price and the all-wheel drive model starting at about $46,845.
Like all the hybrids before it, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h can run on the gas engine alone, only the electric generator, or a combination of the two. Under certain circumstances, the EV mode can even let you drive your vehicle for short distances turning to only the electric motor. Plus with batteries fully charged, theLexus RX 450h can turn off the engine while the car is stopped and turn it back on when the brakes are released.
Vehicles are very much judged for what they look on the outside and not just what’s under the hood so the earlier models of the Lexus came under fire for not having a distinguishing style. With the 2012 Lexus RX 450h, this is no longer the case, thanks to the aesthetic philosophy “L-Finesse.” Taking advantage of the second-generation “L-Finesse” styling, the 2012 RX 450h features a fastback profile, sharp angular elements, and low-set grilles, combined with pronounced front fenders flowing into the doors and rear fender flares integrated to neatly sweep around the vehicle and pull together the rear corners.
As for what’s inside, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h is fitted with interiors fitting for a luxury SUV. However, there are certain features that you might expect as to come as standard but will actually cost you extra, like 15-speaker sound systems and video monitors for blind spots. The RX 450h does come though with 10 airbags, dual-zone climate controls, interactive information screens, and a nine-speaker sound system.
The 2012 Lexus RX 450h is one of the few hybrids in the luxury segment wherein the fuel savings you get will actually pay for whatever extra you had to shell out in getting a hybrid. How so? The RX 450h comes with a starting price that falls under $46,000. This means that the fuel savings you’re going to get comes at about $6,100 more than the 450h’s non-hybrid brother, the RX 350. The fuel efficiency boost in city driving conditions is about 14 mpg, while highway driving is much more modest at 3mpg for the 2012 Lexus RX 450h.
If you’re interested in a luxury fuel efficient SUV, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h is definitely worth considering.