2019 Lexus RX 450h Review

Name: 2019 Lexus RX 450h Review
Brand: Lexus
Rating: 4.4 (35 reviews)

Price Range: $36,998 - $41,990

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Impeccably crafted and attractively designed cabin
Excellent fuel economy for a luxury crossover
Supremely quiet
Appealing ride and handling balance with F Sport package

Cons

Optional tech interface is distracting to use
Below-average cargo capacity
Relatively slow acceleration

What's new

Integration with Lexus Enform Connect smartphone app
Part of the fourth RX generation introduced for 2016

The 2019 Lexus RX 450h has many qualities that will make it appealing to a variety of shoppers. As a luxury crossover SUV, it hits all the right marks for interior quality, quietness and overall comfort. It's also a hybrid that returns excellent fuel economy numbers; the EPA says you can expect 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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Stock photo^**
2019 Lexus RX 450h
Base 4dr SUV
$34,940
great price
$4,483 below market
- 68,097 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Tustin Lexus (79 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Tustin, CA
Moonroof, Heated Seats, Nav System, Keyless Start, Onboard Communications System, Satellite Radio, Hybrid, All Wheel Drive, ACCESSORY PACKAGE, NAVIGAT...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (31 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T2BGMCA1KC038938
Stock: KC038938
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-11-2025
2019 Lexus RX 450h
Base 4dr SUV
$27,443
good price
$2,195 below market
- 101,097 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- AutoNation Toyota Cerritos (97 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Cerritos, CA
The following items have been reconditioned on this vehicle: new brakes and new tires! Navigation PackagePower Tilt & Slide MoonroofWheels: 20" H...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (31 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T2BGMCA9KC042574
Stock: KC042574
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-07-2025

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Holding back the RX 450h is one of the worst infotainment interfaces in the industry, acceleration that can best be described as leisurely and a cargo space that could be limiting for families. There is a larger three-row version, the RX 450hL, but its third-row seats are barely suitable for children.

There aren't many direct competitors for the RX 450h, but they're certainly worth considering. These include the hybrid versions of the Acura MDX and Volvo XC60. The Acura is the sporty one of the bunch while the Volvo is the stylish entry. In many ways, the Lexus finds an appealing middle ground between them. Considering the pluses and minuses, the 2019 Lexus RX 450h remains a solid choice in the class. Add in Lexus' reputation for reliability and the scales tip a bit more in its favor.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus RX 450h as one of Edmunds' Best Hybrid SUVs for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus RX 450h F Sport (3.5L V6 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current RX 450h has received some revisions, including new safety equipment. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's RX 450h.

Driving

Considering what you get in fuel economy — the presumptive reason you buy the RX 450h instead of an RX 350 — performance is admirable. It moves with seamless authority; the steering, handling and braking are much the same as in the regular RX except for a little extra weight.

Acceleration

The hybrid powertrain includes a stout 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the system delivers seamless acceleration in all conditions. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds is a bit slow for the segment but actually a couple of tenths quicker than the RX 350.

Braking

The brakes feel consistent and reassuring in routine use, but they can feel grabby if you have to tap them quickly — say, when you're cut off. In our 60-0 mph panic-stop tests, the RX 450h posted merely acceptable distances of 121 to 130 feet.

Steering

Response is smooth, and the steering effort is just about right. (It can be altered by switching between driving modes in the F Sport.) Isolation from road vibrations is excellent, but it almost feels as if it's too good because it's sometimes hard to judge just how much to turn the wheel.

Handling

It feels coordinated and secure in most situations at civilian speeds, with moderate body roll. But the extra weight from the hybrid system is apparent if you hustle it on winding roads. The F Sport suspension has a selectable Sport mode.

Drivability

The strong V6 engine rarely has to rev high enough to make the electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission obvious — annoying droning is rare. The brakes avoid the typical hybrid weirdness, as does the rest of the RX 450h in general.

Off-road

The rear-drive portion of the all-wheel-drive system is just an electric motor that engages for a number of seconds when slip is detected, such as during ice and snow launches. It's a traction aid, not a true AWD system that can deliver sustained propulsion. The RX 450h has decent ground clearance.

Comfort

Like the RX 350, the RX 450h is a comfortable place to spend time — even more so with the F Sport. The seats are handsome and comfortable, and the ride is smooth and composed without being overly buoyant. The hybrid drivetrain makes a few extra noises, but they're sufficiently muted.

Seat comfort

We like the thoroughly comfortable front seats, and the F Sport's more supportive seats are set wide enough that they do their job without being confining. The heating and cooling feature for the front seats works great, too.

Ride comfort

Contrary to expectations, the F Sport suspension feels less busy and soaks up bumps better than the regular RX suspension. It's neither too stiff nor too soft, which is to say the 450h is smooth-riding but with enough control to prevent it from being floaty.

Noise & vibration

There is very little wind or road noise, and the hybrid powertrain is often quite silent. Other times the hybrid CVT automatic holds engine revs higher, but the sound is muted. The regenerative braking system tends to emit a muted whine.

Interior

The Lexus RX 450h's cabin is great to look at and beautifully made. It's a real standout in the segment. However, some controls are difficult to use and the back seat isn't as generous as those of some rivals.

Ease of use

The cabin controls are logically laid out, and there's a good mix of knobs and buttons. But we're unconvinced by the joystick-like Remote Touch system needed to control many vehicle functions. It can be distracting to use.

Getting in/getting out

The RX 450h is easy to get into because the doorsills are narrow and the seat height is about perfect. The doors open wide, too, with nicely squared-off upper openings, even in back.

Driving position

The current RX features a lower, more car-like driving position than some SUV rivals. We like this because it makes you feel more in control yet still provides a sufficiently commanding view out.

Roominess

There's more than enough head- and legroom up front, and there's a good amount of elbow room. Lots of rear headroom and elbow room, too, but knee clearance and toe space can be tight if the backseat passenger and the driver are both taller than 6 feet. Some rivals also offer three rows.

Visibility

There's a sweeping view to the front and sides, with slender pillars and peekaboo windows ahead of the nice-size mirrors. The rear three-quarter blind spot is not terribly large. The decent direct rearward view is enhanced by the standard backup camera.

Quality

The RX 450h boasts tremendous build quality. The materials look and feel rich, and they've been put together meticulously. Lexus really knows what it's doing. The quality is one of the key reasons to consider the RX.

Utility

The Lexus RX 450h is far from what we'd consider utilitarian. Its cargo area's versatility is limited by its slanted roofline, and the center console lacks storage.

Small-item storage

The center console is really big, but most of it is taken up with the shifter, Remote Touch and drive settings controllers, and the admittedly pretty wood trim. The cupholders are of an OK size, but there aren't many places to store odds and ends.

Cargo space

The slanted roofline reduces cargo space for bulky items. It's really just a big trunk with an easy access height. Most similarly priced rivals are better. The 40/20/40-split backrest can be folded for long items while keeping two seats in place.

Towing

Towing isn't the RX's primary mission, but it can pull a decent 3,500 pounds if equipped with the towing prep package (which also upgrades the cooling system). A hitch is not included, but one can be added as a dealer-installed accessory if needed.

Technology

The RX 450h comes standard with driving aids that are optional on its rivals and that can give you added peace of mind. We also like its enormous optional display screen. But the Remote Touch interface that controls it is a constant distraction and potential deal-breaker.

Audio & navigation

The Remote Touch interface — a joystick used to highlight icons on the 8- or 12.3-inch dashtop display — requires too much dexterity and concentration while driving. It's a distraction. We'd prefer almost any other tech interface.

Smartphone integration

Bluetooth and two USB ports are standard, as are the Lexus Enform and Enform Destinations trip planning and live assistance apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

Driver aids

The RX 450h comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking (it can detect pedestrians and other cars), and lane keeping assist. These systems are optional on all rivals. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional.

Compare 2019 Lexus RX 450h trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Lexus RX 450h models

The 2019 Lexus RX 450h is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV. Although there is officially only one base trim level, the F Sport package deserves a special mention, as it drastically changes the character of the SUV. It features different styling, an upgraded suspension and a lower ride height. Otherwise, both the regular and F Sport versions of the RX 450h come well equipped and are available with the same option packages. Just keep in mind that the availability of those options can vary based on the region of the country you live in.

Every RX 450h is all-wheel drive, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motor generators (one on each front wheel and a single unit controlling the rear two). The combined 308 horsepower is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Standard equipment highlights for the base RX 450h include 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, taillights and running lights), automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and keyless ignition and entry.

Inside, the RX includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat (reclines, slides and folds) and a cargo cover. Tech features include the Remote Touch interface, an 8-inch color display, Safety Connect emergency communications, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio and two USB ports.

The F Sport package adds sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a lower ride height, an engine noise enhancer, special gauges, heated and ventilated sport seats, a heated sport steering wheel and special interior trim.

There are a number of notable packages available for the RX 450h, whether you stick with the base model or check the box for the F Sport. These include the Cold Weather (a windshield wiper de-icer, auto-leveling headlights, headlight washers and a heavy-duty heater), Premium (a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, driver-seat memory settings and leather upholstery) and Luxury (20-inch wheels, a wood-and-leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunshades and upgraded leather upholstery) packages. A Towing package is also available, adding a heavy-duty alternator, radiator and transmission oil cooler.

The Navigation package adds a nav system, a 12.3-inch central display, Enform Remote and Amazon Alexa integration (gives remote control over select systems), a premium audio system upgrade and a smog-sensing auto-recirculate for the climate control. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is also available with this package.

There are numerous stand-alone options, some of which require adding one or a few of the aforementioned packages. Options include a color head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding and heated rear seats, a hands-free liftgate and upgraded LED headlights.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus RX 450h 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 $5.22 per gallon for premium unleaded in California.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in California

$220/mo

$250/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus RX 450h from 2008-2022.}

$401/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.78x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.2%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Lexus RX 450h Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

35 reviews

5(69%)

4(11%)

3(11%)

2(6%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best Family SUV for the Money

Emre Afsar, 08/09/2018

2018 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I am an enthusiast and shopped for months for a larger family SUV. In terms of comfort, space, and fuel economy there is nothing in the market that comes close to the RX 450h. It feels solid and substantial behind the wheel. Effortless steering and acceleration, great visibility thanks to the A pillar and side mirror design. Whisper quiet at any speed and the hybrid powertrain works …

Lexus RX 450 > 350

TW, 01/13/2018

2017 Lexus RX 450h 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I spent a lot of time shopping for my new car and ended up buying the Lexus RX 450h. Before settling on the RX 450h I drove many of the competing vehicles including Audi SQ5, Q7, Mercedes GLC AMG, GLE, Volvo XC60 and XC90. I also drove the Lexus RX 350 as well. Initially I wasn't looking for a hybrid but I am glad I drove the 450h and ended up buying it. I've driven other hybrids as …

My second Lexus

JS, 03/20/2019

2018 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I’ve had my RX450h F Sport for about 8 months now and have driven it for 8,500 miles. My lease was up on my 2015 IS 350 F Sport and I loved the color combo (Atomic Silver with Rioja Red) so I decided to go with the same combination on the RX. I’m also leasing this vehicle as I’ve never had a hybrid nor have I had any vehicles with a CVT. My original thoughts on the RX were that it’s a …

A Rewarding Vehicle to Own

E. Garner, 02/03/2021

2018 Lexus RX 450h F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I've been driving my RX450h F Sport for nearly three years now and I have virtually no complaints. The ride is smooth though not necessarily luxurious. This model, with it's Adaptive Variable Suspension, handles the road surprisingly well. You wouldn't think so considering that this is a nearly 5,000 lb. vehicle with a driver at the helm. The F Sport Engine Sound enhancer can be a bit … loud, but when the engine cuts off there's total silence; at first I forgot to realize that the vehicle was running. Lexus, unlike Toyota, provides only one year complimentary maintenance. So. learn how to change your own oil (every 5,000 miles/6 months), you'll save almost $100. While I'm on the subject of saving money, change you Engine Air Filter and your Cabin Air filter as well. There, that's a savings of $400 savings unless you like going to the Dealer every six months. I swap my All-season tires and Winter Tires every November and April, so there's no need to shell out $145 to rotate your tires. Everything works well, as I expected. There have been no recalls on my vehicle, only two minor Service Campaigns. I'm a retiree, so I'm never going to put 100,000 miles on this vehicle; I currently have less than 13,000. However, I opted for GEICO's 7yr/100,000 mi., Mechanical Breakdown insurance option. I value reliability over Frills and Thrills, I've owned vehicles like that over my 48 car-buying career. You don't necessarily have to purchase or lease a new one as long as you can find a low mileage 2017 or 2018 driven by a senior citizen in the suburbs. Oh, I forgot to mention, the mileage isn't too bad either; 27 mph combined. Check and change your oil and filters regularly and you'll be a happy camper for years to come. I wouldn't service my vehicle anywhere else but a Lexus Dealer. Still, keep in mind, second only to Veterinarians 70% of all mechanics exhibit some form of deceit. So, before your Service advisor completes the sentence "While we were checking...", stop them right there. Get to know your RX, learn how it drives, check for any unusual odors, and ask a mechanic you trust about any possible abnormalities regarding your vehicle. Because, this is a Luxury SUV, and repairing problems that you simply overlooked or put off WILL cost you a pretty penny when you walk out of the Service Center. Toyotas/Lexus vehicles are know for their reliability, I've owned an invincible Camry, and unbeatable Avalon Limited, and now an incomparable RX450h F Sport. I will never look at another woman, sorry...vehicle in this lifetime.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Lexus RX 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the RX 450h since its last redesign.

See all 35 reviews of the Lexus RX 450h

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2019 RX 450h Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$46,245
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$220/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the RX 450h models:

Lexus Safety System+: Includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and automatic braking, and lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
Lexus Enform Safety Connect: Alerts emergency services automatically in the event of a crash or distress. Also includes a stolen-vehicle locator.
Panoramic-View Monitor: Provides a 360-degree view of the area around the RX 450h to aid in parking situations.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

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