Jerry Robbin

2016 Lexus RX 450H

Overview

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 450h has been totally redesigned and is highlighted with a very unique exterior design. The RX new design is a departure from its old sheet metal and looks like a large version of the NX. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

4-wheel ABS Front and rear head airbags Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags Child seat anchors Remote anti-theft alarm system Emergency braking assist Front and rear ventilated disc brakes Rear door child safety locks Daytime running lights Engine immobilizer Front fog/driving lights Auto delay off headlamps Dusk sensing headlamps 2 front headrests 3 rear headrests Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation Rear center 3-point belt Turn signal mirrors Stability control Traction control Rear height adjustable headrests Post-collision safety system Emergency braking preparation Tire pressure monitoring

Emergency Service* Airbag Deployment Notification* Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*

Lexus Safety System+ Lexus Safety System+ w/Triple Beam LED Headlamps Lexus Safety System+ w/Adaptive Front Lighting Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Driving Impression

Power is adequate for the RX 450h and better than its predecessor. This hybrid is very comfortable and extremely quiet. The RX 450h F Sport steering is responsive especially when switched into one of two Sport modes The F Sport’s adaptive suspension makes the handling more controlled when driving any road condition.

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine and a pair of front-mounted electric motor/generators power every 2016 Lexus RX 450h. AWD models have an additional motor for the rear wheels. (Note that there is no mechanical connection between front and rear wheels in the all-wheel-drive RX.) Total system output is 308 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque.

EPA-estimated fuel economy (30/28) with all-wheel drive.

ENGINE TYPEHybrid	FUEL TYPEPremium unleaded (recommended)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY17.2 gal.	RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY)516.0/481.6 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY)30/28 m

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE3.5 L	CAM TYPEDouble overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERSV6	VALVES24
VALVE TIMINGVariable	TORQUE247 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm
HORSEPOWER308 hp @ 6000 rpm	TURNING CIRCLE38.8 ft.

Inside

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Lexus RX 450h has lower seating position and an easy to see and use dashboard makes this vehicle more carlike than its predecessors. With this in mind you still get an elevated view that helps make this a stellar vehicle.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is wide and comfortable. The front seats are supportive and hold you in place when making sharp turns.

Cargo capacity with the 40/20/40-split rear seatback doesn’t quite fold flat.

But capacity is 18 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Multi-level heating passenger seat 8 -way power passenger seat 8 -way power driver seat Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support Multi-level heating driver seat Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support Height adjustable driver seat Height adjustable passenger seat Leather Bucket front seats Split-folding rear seatback Reclining rear seats Folding center armrest Rear ventilation ducts Remote keyless power door locks 4 one-touch power windows Clock Trip computer External temperature display Compass Cruise control Front and rear cupholders Front door pockets Front seatback storage Electric power steering Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.) Tilt and telescopic steering wheel Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel Rear view camera

Roadside Assistance* Interior air filtration Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger Leather steering wheel Turn signal in mirrors Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror Dual illuminating vanity mirrors Memorized settings for 3 drivers Memorized settings includes steering wheel Pioneer premium brand speakers 12 total speakers AM/FM stereo Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control 1 subwoofer(s) Memory card slot USB connection Safety Connect telecommunications service Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

Outside

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The RX has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX450H is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size Hybrid CUV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH6 ft. 2.6 in. (74.6 in.)	HEIGHT5 ft. 7.7 in. (67.7 in.)
LENGTH16 ft. 0.5 in. (192.5 in.)	GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 8.2 in. (8.2 in.)
WHEEL BASE9 ft. 1.8 in. (109.8 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM39.4 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM56.6 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM44.1 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM57.8 in.
REAR HIP ROOM56.0 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM38.2 in.
REAR LEG ROOM38.0 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM57.6 in.