Wednesday 19 October 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011  that covers pros and cons, available options, powertrains and overall driving performance

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

 Lexus rx 450h 2011
Lexus rx 450h 2011
 Drive Time review of the 2011 Lexus RX 450h 4X4 by auto critic Steve Hammes Lexus rx 450h 2011
Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011

Lexus rx 450h 2011



If you're reading this, chances are you're interested in a luxury crossover SUV. We can also assume that you want a hybrid vehicle that actually delivers a significant fuel economy advantage. Just a few years ago, you would have had but one choice: the Lexus RX. Today, the choices are much more extensive. But even among this growing competition, the 2011 Lexus RX 450h remains a top pick.

Compared to its conventional RX 350 stablemate, the RX 450h uses a similar 3.5-liter V6 engine but also adds two electric motors (three for the all-wheel-drive model). This hybrid powertrain produces a total of 20 horsepower more than the conventional RX 350's V6 while also delivering fuel economy that's approximately 40 percent better. The increase in fuel efficiency is certainly an enticing proposition, but it's worth noting that the RX 450h will set you back more than $5,000 over the RX 350, and that means it's going to take a number of years to recoup that cost in fuel savings.

Of course, there is a certain satisfaction that comes with driving a more efficient vehicle. In addition, Lexus RX 450h owners will also enjoy all of the typical RX benefits, including class-leading interior quality and an impressively smooth and quiet ride. The cabin also boasts a bevy of high-tech features -- both standard and optional -- to please most technology enthusiasts, including a surprisingly useful mouselike electronics interface, a sweet-sounding Mark Levinson sound system and LED headlamps.

The RX 450h is no longer the only game in town when it comes to luxury crossover SUVs. Its closest competitor is likely the new Audi Q5 Hybrid, which is priced similarly and promises more engaging driving dynamics. Prices begin to climb steeply when considering other hybrid models like the BMW Active Hybrid X5, Mercedes-Benz ML450, Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. Taking into account the RX's lower price and its refined, light-effort approach to daily driving, the 2011 Lexus RX 450h remains our recommended choice for a luxury hybrid crossover SUV.
The 2011 Lexus RX 450h is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV available in front- or all-wheel-drive versions. It comes in one well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, 10-way power front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, wood interior trim, sliding and reclining second-row seats and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Options are bundled in a number of packages. The Premium package adds leather seating, a sunroof, a power tailgate, driver seat memory, a rear-seat armrest and an iPod interface. Additional option bundles require the Premium package. The Comfort package tacks on adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high-beams, rain-sensing wipers, heated/ventilated front seats and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system.

The Luxury package includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, power-retractable outside mirrors, upgraded leather seating, side-view cameras, a wood and leather steering wheel and extendable front seat cushions. The Navigation package features a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice control), the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a back-up camera, increased Bluetooth functionality and Lexus Enform telematics.

Individual options include park assist, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment system with twin headrest-mounted displays, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system (AWD only). Some of the various package features are also available as stand-alone options.Powering the 2011 Lexus RX 450h is a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine and electric motors. Front-wheel-drive models use two motors -- one acting as a starter/generator and the other providing propulsion. The all-wheel-drive version adds a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Total output amounts to 295 horsepower that is routed through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In recent Edmunds testing, the 450h accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is on par with the conventionally powered RX 350. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 32 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 30 mpg in combined driving for the FWD model, while the AWD scores slightly less at 30/28/29 mpg. Properly equipped, the RX 450h can tow up to 3,500 pounds.Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and dual front knee bags. Safety Connect, a telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button, is also included. Optional is the pre-collision system that comes packaged with adaptive cruise control. It determines when an accident is unavoidable and tightens the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist.

In Edmunds brake testing, a front-wheel-drive RX 450h came to a stop from 60 mph in an acceptable 127 feet. In government crash testing, the RX 450h earned perfect five-star marks for front and rear passenger protection in frontal and side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the related RX 350 earned a perfect "Good" rating for its performance in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.Upscale appointments, exceptional cabin materials and cutting-edge tech features make the 2011 Lexus RX 450h look and feel much more expensive than its entry-level status would suggest. Authentic wood trim and high-quality leather lend an air of opulence, and the optional Mark Levinson audio is one of the best sound systems on the market.

Another noteworthy option, the Remote Touch interface, replaces the traditional touchscreen operation with a mouselike controller on the center console. The controller features haptic feedback when rolling over on-screen controls, allowing the user to "feel" the buttons. We found this system to be immediately intuitive and easier to use than other competing interfaces.

Rear passengers will find the seating roomy and comfortable thanks to reclining and sliding adjustments. Luggage and cargo space are accommodating as well, allowing up to 40 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats and 80 cubes with them stowed.The 2011 Lexus RX 450h doesn't disappoint when it comes to a smooth ride. The compliant suspension and plentiful sound insulation ably isolate passengers from the outside world. The hybrid powertrain is also pretty silent, though at full throttle the V6 does make a surprising amount of noise. The softly sprung suspension never feels uncontrolled, but it's far from athletic.

The RX 450h is capable of approaching 30 mph in electric-only mode, which improves fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic. An "EV" mode is also at the driver's command, which allows electric-only propulsion at low speeds over short distances.
Review Last Updated: 11/30/10

The 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid blends a luxurious interior and a refined powertrain with excellent fuel economy.  Though it’s expensive compared to the gas-only RX, reviewers say it’s an excellent hybrid SUV.

The Lexus RX 450h is like that old Reese’s commercial. With the RX hybrid, Lexus got a hybrid in their luxury and luxury in their hybrid.  The result, reviewers say, is a combination that’s like chocolate and peanut butter: very satisfying.  Go for the RX Hybrid and you’ll get a high-end and high-tech interior, smooth performance, and the satisfaction of saving some gas.

Of course, you could get most of those things by going for the gas-only Lexus RX 350.  You’d also save about $5,000 with the 350. While the RX Hybrid does have better gas mileage than the RX 350 does, it would like a while for the gas savings to make up for the extra cash you’ll have to lay out at the dealership.  Still, Edmunds says, “there is a certain satisfaction that comes with driving a more efficient vehicle. In addition, Lexus RX 450h owners will also enjoy all of the typical RX benefits, including class-leading interior quality and an impressively smooth and quiet ride. The cabin also boasts a bevy of high-tech features -- both standard and optional -- to please most technology enthusiasts, including a surprisingly useful mouselike electronics interface, a sweet-sounding Mark Levinson sound system and LED headlamps."

While the Lexus RX Hybrid used to be one of the only luxury hybrid SUVs available (and the most efficient luxury SUV), that’s changing.  Other luxury brands are introducing hybrid SUVs.  While it’s too early to tell if reviewers will like the new kids as much as they like the RX, if you’re not sold on the RX, it may pay to wait. On the other hand, if you go for the RX 450h, reviewers say that you probably won’t be disappointed.
Among luxury SUVs on the market now, if you go for something other than the RX 450h, you may save some money at the dealership, but you won’t get fuel economy that’s as good as the Lexus.

If you don’t want a hybrid but do want a Lexus, go for the Lexus RX 350. You essentially get the same interior, but going for the gas-only powertrain saves you about $5,000. Plus, while it’s not a hybrid, the RX 350’s fuel economy is still near the top of the class.

If you aren’t looking for typically-Lexus smooth performance, check out the BMW X5.  It only gives up one mile per gallon in the city to the RX 350.  And, while it’s slightly more expensive than the RX 450h and has an interior that’s a bit Prussian, it has performance that rivals sport sedans.
he 2011 Lexus RX 450 comes in only one trim in front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The conventional RX 350 is reviewed separately.  The RX Hybrid was redesigned for the 2010 models year, so changes for 2011 are minimal.

    * "There are certainly more entertaining, attractive and powerful ways to transport five people and their weekend getaway gear, but that's never been what the RX is about. Simply put, it's about the destination, not the drive. And because of that, the RX will continue to define the segment without ruffling the feathers of public's consciousness." -- Autoblog
    * “The hybrid model is particularly well sorted out, and both RXs are easier to use as mind-numbing, commute-erasing devices than they were before. Even as enthusiasts, we have to admit there are plenty of days when such a device (especially for this Los Angeles-based editor) would come in handy." -- Car and Driver
    * "Is the RX450h the right thing to do? Well, you could always get a Toyota Prius and get 50 mpg, so it's more accurate to say the big hybrid ute is less wrong than right. Search your conscience and your wallet." -- Los Angeles Times
    * "But even among this growing competition, the 2011 Lexus RX 450h remains a top pick."--Edmunds
    * "Ironically, the 450h also delivers a better driving experience than the RX 350, with the more balanced performance and better low- and mid-range torque provided by the electric components of its hybrid powertrain, so driving enthusiasts also get a better deal." -- MSN

Visually similar to the RX 350, the 450h has a few of its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, special 19-inch wheels, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

Entering its second generation, the RX 450h features an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower -- 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Fuel economy is rated at 32 city, 28 highway with front-wheel drive, and 30 city, 28 highway with all-wheel drive.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive's evolution is the addition of two new systems that further improve fuel efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system. One key feature of the system is the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator, which allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The crossover also features a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized.

The new RX has a long list of high-tech gadgets, including an available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system, featuring an all-new "Remote Touch" controller. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is comparable to a computer mouse. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM satellite-radio capability is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The new RX is available with a selection of option packages, which include features like a Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.

The all-new RX will offer a wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation scree
Lexus rx 450h 2011

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