2024 Lexus RX450h
The Lexus RX450h is the flagship of the Toyota luxury brand in the US and has been in demand for a long time.
In 2005, it was the first Lexus to include a hybrid drivetrain, and each succeeding iteration has improved to preserve its competitive edge and make it acceptable to upscale buyers.
2024 Lexus RX450h
The new 2024 Lexus RX is the sixth generation of the luxury SUV, with deliveries likely to begin later this year.
It will debut with conventional and hybrid powertrains, including a performance-focused RX 500h with a new Direct4 hybrid system.
In addition, the RX plug-in hybrid will be added to the lineup the following year, making it the most significant addition.
The Lexus RX 450h+ will be offered first in Europe, with another, more aggressive emission limit.
Although in the US, Lexus still refers to it as 2023, no model year for the US version is given on the media preview of the new RX lineup held outside of Santa Barbara, California.
So in this supply chain-constrained reality, it may be 2024 if it launches late next year.
It will be Lexus’ second plug-in hybrid, following the launch of the smaller Lexus NX 450h+ in 2022. Both variants share the same 2.5-liter inline-four engine and 18.1-kwh lithium-ion battery pack.
That makes the RX plug-in the only one forgetting Toyota’s tried and true nickel metal hydride cells, used in all hybrid versions of RX without plugs.
In addition to the engine and two-motor hybrid system that drives the front wheels, the RX 450+ uses the 40kw “E-Four” motor found in the AWD hybrid to provide full-time all-wheel drive.
Lexus declined to share power output or performance specifications, saying that information would also come later. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, its fastest model, is rated at 302 combined horsepower.
2024 Lexus RX450h Interior
The 2024 RX is offered exclusively as a two-row SUV with five seats. The three-row model may debut later, or a different and larger SUV could replace the RX L with standard third-row seats.
The interior design of the 2024 RX is more modern than that of the 2023 model, with textured fabric sections on the top door panel, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open porous wood trim on the RX350 model.
The RX500h F Sport Performance features sturdier front seats, black interior trim, a steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter, and aluminum pedals.
A 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is parked right in the middle of the redesigned RX dashboard; A larger 14.0-inch screen is optional.
Like the smaller NX SUVs, the RX’s infotainment display tilts slightly towards the driver and uses Lexus’ latest software interface.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, but features like navigation, head-up display, and Mark Levinson’s stereo system are optional.
2024 Lexus RX450h Price
The RX450h+ promises to be the most potent version of the best-selling Lexus nameplate. The RX has the most potential as a right-sized alternative to the slightly larger BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 competition.
Both SUVs are likely to be faster than the RX, but the RX will probably cut at least Volvo’s price, as the attractive Swedish option starts above $70,000.
Considering the smaller NX450h+ starting under $60,000, we expect the 2024 RX450h+ to bring an MSRP of around $63,000.
