2013 Lexus RX450h Tested: Green Is the New Beige
A motorized spa treatment wrapped in 50 shades of green.
Welcome to the core of the Lexus brand. Accounting for almost four of every 10 Lexus sales, the RX crossover is the epitome of Lexus-ness, leaving the 11 other Lexus models to fight over the remaining 60 percent. Toyota’s luxury division practically invented the car-based crossover with the introduction of the original RX300 in 1998.
Lexus figured out that what most SUV buyers wanted was a wagon/hatchbacklike conveyance (that wasn’t called a station wagon or hatchback) with a slightly elevated seating position and enough metal to impart a feeling of invincibility. But really, these same buyers were yearning for the comfort and convenience of a car. In the interim, just about every other car brand (Pontiac and its disturbing Aztek excepted) successfully followed suit, offering soft-roaders of their own.
Double Dose of Snobbishness
With the Lexus RX450h, buyers get to merge their desire for generously proportioned crossovers with their avidity for the social acceptance that hybrids offer. It’s a double dose of snobbery, with equal measures of Lexus luxury lineaments and Toyota hybrid carbon conservation. One could, of course, get a smaller car to carry around reusable shopping bags and a purse dog. The 3274-pound Prius V, for example, offers almost 85 percent of the cargo space of the bigger, 4737-pound AWD RX we tested for little more than half the cost, and the V’s 44 city/40 highway EPA estimates smoke the RX’s 30/28 numbers.
But the Prius V’s lazy 10.3-second 0-to-60 time requires a level of patience that drivers of the 6.8-second RX450h needn’t possess. At least in terms of acceleration, the all-wheel-drive RX450h doesn’t demand such a sacrifice—with its 245-hp V-6 and two electric drive motors (one at each axle), it’s even 0.2 second quicker than the nonhybrid 2013 RX350 Sport AWD to the 60 mark. Plus, just look at the Prius V.
Oh, No, You Didn’t
So the RX450h is no slouch on the straightaway, and its 178-foot 70-to-0 stopping distance and 0.79-g of lateral grip are within a few percentage points of those achieved by the nonhybrid RX350. Where the RX450h takes a turn for the worse is in brake and transmission feel. Despite algorithms that attempt to translate brake pedal movement and force into predictable deceleration, no two pedal stabs feel the same—one moment, you’re not slowing fast enough, the next instant, too much—and modulation is very tricky. The RX450h’s continuously variable transmission, while blending gas-engine and electric-motor functions seamlessly, completely disconnects right-foot inputs from forward motion. It’s the automotive equivalent of a bagpipe serenade, the wailings of the otherwise-pleasing Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 having no relation to vehicle speed. For 2013, Lexus added a Sport mode (in addition to the existing Normal, Eco, and Snow modes), which Toyota claims firms up steering effort, hastens “shifts,” and quickens the throttle progression a small amount, but these changes are barely noticeable.
More Model Years
Luckily, that auditory dissonance can be masked by the impressive output of one of the RX450h’s fine stereo systems, all the way up to an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson setup. In terms of amenities, there’s a lot to like inside the hushed, well-appointed cabin. As has been the case since the first days of the brand, materials and assembly quality are first-rate. Our $51,183 test RX arrived with the $2260 Premium package (leather seats, power sunroof, power-folding and heated mirrors, roof rails, driver’s-seat and steering-wheel memory), a $59 cargo net, and $259 roof crossbars.
But we were surprised at what the $48,605 base price didn’t include in this luxury crossover. You’d think for almost 50 Grover Clevelands or 10 James Madisons, the RX450h would at least come with heated leather seats, a backup camera, satellite radio, and navigation, just to name a few, but these items are all extra cost. So be careful—get freaky with the RX450h options and accessories list, and the tally can exceed $63,000.
But that might matter little to the RX450h’s target audience. With the RX hybrid, the real housewives of La Costa del Fundido (not a real place) have two things to brag about to friends and neighbors: Their car is a Lexus and a hybrid. It’s a rather effective cloaking device, really, with a demure exterior, a sumptuous and roomy interior, and hybrid badges glimmering on the front doors and liftgate.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $51,183 (base price: $48,605)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6, 245 hp, 234 lb-ft; front-axle permanent-magnet AC electric motor, 155 hp; rear-axle permanent-magnet AC electric motor, 67 hp; combined power rating, 295 hp; 37-kW nickel-metal hydride battery pack
TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic with manual shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.9 in
Length: 187.8 in
Width: 74.2 in Height: 66.3 in
Curb weight: 4737 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 115 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 30/28 mpg
C/D observed: 23 mpg
2013 Lexus RX Hybrid Trims & Specs
heated & ventilated front seats, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, high-intensity headlamps w/dynamic auto-leveling (REQ: PM Premium Pkg, PD Premium Pkg w/Blind Spot Monitor or LD Luxury Pkg w/Blind Spot Monitor)
7″ LCD color display screen, backup camera, center console controller, HD Radio w/iTunes tagging, digital signal technology w/live ambiencer, advanced Bluetooth w/SMS text-to-speech w/reply, premium audio system
F sport 19″ x 7.5″ split 5-spoke wheels w/superchrome finish, 235/55VR19 all-season tires, F sport front bumper, F sport lower grille insert
perforated leather seat trim, driver seat memory, steering wheel memory, rear armrest storage compartment w/cover, one-touch open/close pwr tilt/slide moonroof w/sliding sunshade, pwr folding heated electrochromic exterior mirrors w/memory, roof rails
perforated leather seat trim, driver seat memory, steering wheel memory, rear armrest storage compartment w/cover, one-touch open/close pwr tilt/slide moonroof w/sliding sunshade, pwr folding heated electrochromic exterior mirrors w/memory, roof rails
HDD navigation system w/advanced voice command, backup monitor, remote touch navigation controller, Lexus Enform application suite w/(1) year trial subscription, Lexus Insider, SiriusXM NavTraffic, NavWeather, sports, stocks & fuel prices w/(1) year trial subscription, Lexus display audio pkg, premium audio system (REQ: PM Premium Pkg, PD Premium Pkg w/Blind Spot Monitor or LD Luxury Pkg w/Blind Spot Monitor)
semi-aniline leather seat trim w/driver seat memory, pwr front seat cushion extenders, heated wood/leather steering wheel w/memory, wood/leather shift knob, smog-sensing auto recirculation, rear armrest storage w/cover, one-touch open/close pwr tilt/slide moonroof w/sliding sunshade, pwr folding heated electrochromic exterior mirrors w/memory, 19″ x 7.5″ triple split 5-spoke alloy wheels w/superchrome finish, 235/55VR19 all-season tires, LED illuminated front door sills, LED headlamps w/dynamic auto-leveling, headlamp washers, roof rails (REQ: CP Comfort Pkg & NV Navigation Pkg)
semi-aniline leather seat trim w/driver seat memory, pwr front seat cushion extenders, heated wood/leather steering wheel w/memory, wood/leather shift knob, smog-sensing auto recirculation, rear armrest storage w/cover, one-touch open/close pwr tilt/slide moonroof w/sliding sunshade, pwr folding heated electrochromic exterior mirrors w/memory, 19″ x 7.5″ triple split 5-spoke alloy wheels w/superchrome finish, 235/55VR19 all-season tires, LED illuminated front door sills, LED headlamps w/dynamic auto-leveling, headlamp washers, roof rails (REQ: CP Comfort Pkg & NV Navigation Pkg)
2013 Lexus RX
The superb 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that’s optional on the Lexus RX is worth the extra money.
features & specs
The 2013 Lexus RX is plush and premium, and it delivers on that luxury impression, but it’s not the over-the-top lavish expression some might seek.
Lexus found an upper hand against the German luxury brands when it developed the RX. While Lexus lagged behind BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz with its sedans and coupes, the RX beat all those brands to market with a richly fitted tall wagon with all-weather, all-purpose appeal. To this day, the Lexus RX—in RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid editions—remains a comfortable, understated piece, with a loyal following of repeat owners and buyers not swayed by the recently arrived BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Audi Q5.
The RX is more practical, often less expensive, and has standout tech and entertainment features in a package that won’t be seen as fiscally or environmentally irresponsible. It also has a long-established reputation for reliability and dealer service that can’t be erased. They’re upscale, but not ostentatious.
For the first time since the current third-generation RX models bowed, for 2010, they’ve received a light refresh. The 2013 Lexus RX models get a version of the new ‘spindle grille’ that’s already made its debut in the GS sport sedans, which makes it just a little menacing in our opinion, while all the snub-nosed, blunt-shouldered purposefulness—crossed with soft elegance—of the current generation’s design remains. LED running lamps, new rear taillights, and a few new colors are the extent of the exterior changes, while inside there’s a new steering wheel, contrast stitching for the leather, and a redesigned center console.
New for 2013 on front-wheel-drive models is a Sport Appearance Package that includes a unique front bumper, halogen headlamps and superchrome-finished 19-inch wheels.
If there’s a clear pronouncement to make about the RX 350 and 450h, it’s that performance takes second stage to comfort and luxury. While parents or empty nesters will find the RX plenty responsive in either guise, it’s seldom exciting, edgy, or nimble, and there’s a muted feeling to all of the driving inputs. Power comes from a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive an option. Even with the heavier AWD system, the RX 350 steps off the line quickly and smoothly, and shifts during passing are quick yet downright seamless. Hybrid models perform nearly as well—in an absolute sense, though they manage to mute out even more of the outside world through the steering and brakes.
The 2013 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are plush, yet not over-the-top lavish, and just a short ride in one is enough to see why it’s such a popular choice for upscale realtors who don’t want to look to filthy rich. There’s a certain wholesomeness about the practical design, and its versatile seating is roomy and accommodating for four adults; at the same time, it’s supremely smooth and quiet, with the passenger experience about as refined as you’ll find in flagship luxury sedans like Lexus’ own LS. Our only gripe remains that the standard front seats are a little flat and have odd back contouring, while the ride can be sharper (though still not rough) with the 19-inch wheel options.
Lexus vehicles have a reputation for being not just refined and comfortable, but also for being exceptionally well-equipped. That’s definitely the case here in the 2013 RX 350 and RX 450h; you’ll find a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features, while options are pretty much limited to interior upgrades and top-notch infotainment systems. Major options include leather; a USB port; navigation with real-time traffic; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; and a superb Mark Levinson sound system. The Remote Touch controller remains a mandatory part of the interface that we’re conflicted about, but nearly everyone will like that the new Enform system enables apps for Pandora streaming audio and other information services.