beebs
Skip to main content

2018 Lexus RX 450h review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus RX 450h highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Extremely quiet and smooth ride
  • A hybrid powertrain
  • Sporty driving dynamics in F Sport models

Cons

  • Slower acceleration for a hybrid
  • Available infotainment package is confusing to use
  • Less cargo capacity than competitors

Mileage (EPA estimate)

29 city, 28 highway, 29 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our Lexus RX 450h inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

Find your RX 450h
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our RX 450h inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

A stylish hybrid SUV with lots of luxury

Let the quiet and luxurious interior of a 2018 Lexus RX 450h whisk you away while the hybrid powertrain stretches out the miles between stops to the pump. You can look for various package options that add luxury, comfort, and functional equipment to the 2018 Lexus RX 450h. Or, in the case of the F Sport package, give the 2018 Lexus RX 450h a sporty overhaul that injects some spirited performance into your everyday life. Overall, the 2018 Lexus RX 450h is a well-equipped and engaging luxury hybrid SUV.

All Lexus RX 450h years

What is new for the 2018 Lexus RX 450h?

  • The RX 450h is available in a variety of new trims, including the L and L Luxury.
  • RX 450h trims have been upgraded with Fold-Away Third Row, Rear Sunshade, Power Folding Third Row, Rear Air Conditioning, Third Row Seat, Leatherette Seats, and Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
  • Quad Seats features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Lexus RX 450h trims

Curious how Lexus RX 450h trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 308-hp, 247-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • View our Lexus RX 450h inventory

L:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • Sunroofs
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Third Row Seat
  • Navigation System
  • View our Lexus RX 450h L inventory

F-Sport:

L Luxury:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Lexus RX 450h

1. The capable hybrid system 

Get more out of the 2018 Lexus RX 450h thanks to the hybrid powertrain, which uses a V6 engine, electric motor, and CVT for more thrifty performance. For example, the 2018 Lexus RX 450h gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway fuel economy.

Plus, you can tow up to an estimated 3,500 pounds in the 2018 Lexus RX 450h when properly equipped. 

2. Excellent interior experience 

You’ll enjoy a refined and quiet experience in the 2018 Lexus RX 450h, which you can tweak using the drive mode selector. That’s because each drive mode slightly adjusts how the suspension, transmission, and engine respond for an even smoother ride. Plus, solid interior materials and the tuned suspension soak up most outside noises before entering the passenger cabin. 

3. Upgraded luxury touches 

If you want luxurious features in your next SUV, look for a 2018 Lexus RX 450h with the Luxury or Premium packages. For example, the Premium package adds leather seating and driver memory settings. Or, look for the Luxury package to upgrade the leather surfaces and add natural wood trim, rear sunshades, and ambient lighting. 

4. Dynamic driving F Sport package 

While it doesn’t add anything to the 308 horsepower the combined hybrid system delivers, the 2018 Lexus RX 450h F Sport makes enough changes to stand apart from the base model. For instance, the F Sport package alters the interior and exterior styling to add an aggressive, sporty flair. In addition, the F Sport package adds sports seats, adaptive suspension, a lowered ride height, and special gauges. 

5. Standard and available driver aids 

You can enjoy the perks of modern innovation thanks to some of the active driver assists in a 2018 Lexus RX 450h. That includes technology like adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist. Or, keep the information you need within eyesight on the available full-color heads-up display. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews

Lexus RX 450h features and specs

Curious how Lexus RX 450h trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

F-Sport 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Leather Seats
  • Mark Levinson Sound
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

308

Torque (ft-lbs)

247

Engine type

Hybrid

Fuel capacity

17.2

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

192.5"

Width

74.6"

Height

67.7"

Leg room

F 44.1"/R 38"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 38.2"

Front tires

P235/55VR20

Rear tires

P235/55VR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lexus RX 450h FAQ

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.