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2021 Lexus RX 450h review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus RX 450h highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Stylish interior and exterior
  • Spacious passenger area
  • A quiet and smooth ride

Cons

  • Not all that fast acceleration
  • Distracting touchpad infotainment interface
  • Trunk cargo capacity is smaller than the competition

Mileage (EPA estimate)

29 city, 28 highway, 29 combined

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A luxury hybrid SUV with style and comfort

The 2022 Lexus RX 450h delivers a whisper-quiet experience, even at highway speeds, thanks to excellent materials, a solid interior build, and a hybrid powertrain. Plus, the supportive seats, soft materials, available leather surfaces, and wood accents all elevate the interior look and feel. Powered by a V6 engine and electric motor, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h is a capable SUV with a functional side. Overall, from highway cruising to running errands around town, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h is an ideal luxury SUV with a hybrid twist.

All Lexus RX 450h years

What is new for the 2021 Lexus RX 450h?

  • The RX 450h is available in a new trim called the F-SPORT Handling.
  • The Performance trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • RX 450h trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Sensors, Panoramic Sunroof, Head Up Display, Mark Levinson Sound, Navigation System, and DVD Video System as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear A/C Seat(s) features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The L Luxury trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
  • The L trim now comes with Cruise Control, Fold-Away Third Row, and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The F-Sport trim now comes with Sunroof(s) and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Cruise Control as standard equipment.

2021 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
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Lexus RX 450h inventory

L:

F-Sport:

  • Includes all features available on the L
  • Sunroofs
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Head Up Display
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • View our Lexus RX 450h F-Sport inventory

F-SPORT Handling:

Luxury:

  • Includes all features available on the F-SPORT Handling
  • No significant upgrades found on the Luxury

L Luxury:

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Lexus RX 450h

1. Plenty of standard features 

From comfort to technology, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h includes the standard features you expect from a luxury SUV. For example, enjoy functional equipment like a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers. Plus, there are tech features like Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration, an eight-inch touchscreen, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Additionally, active driver assists like adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation are standard. 

2. A capable hybrid powertrain 

Go further between stops to the gas station in the 2021 Lexus RX 450h. The 2021 Lexus RX 450h gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway and 31 mpg city fuel economy.

Additionally, if you want to do light-duty towing, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h can tow up to an estimated 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
 

3. Flexible and functional interior 

Not just a luxury SUV, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h can adapt to load up the items that everyday life throws at you. That’s because the second-row seats split-fold 40/20/40, which lets you increase the cargo area up to 46.2 cu-ft while flexing the rear seating. Lastly, store small items easily in pockets and cubbies that efficiently use the interior space. 

4. Available performance-focused trim 

Take your drive to the next level and look for a 2021 Lexus RX 450h with the F Sport package. With adaptive suspension, a lower ride height, and extra drive modes, the F Sport package improves the handling and steering response of the 2021 Lexus RX 450h. The result is a more composed ride that feels more like a sports sedan than an SUV. 

5. A quiet and comfortable interior 

Enjoy the kind of quiet and smooth ride that exceeds what you’d expect from a luxury SUV in the 2021 Lexus RX 450h. Built using high-end materials, wood accents, and available leather seating, the 2021 Lexus RX 450h delivers comfort that doesn’t fade on prolonged trips. Plus, the reduced road bumps and quieted outside noise combine to create a refined all-around ride. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

2 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

L 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Mark Levinson Sound
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

308

Torque (ft-lbs)

247

Engine type

Hybrid

Fuel capacity

17.2

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

196.9"

Width

74.6"

Height

67.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 30.9"/R 22.6"

Head room

F 39.8"/M 38.5"/R 34.8"

Front tires

P235/65VR18

Rear tires

P235/65VR18

Seating capacity

6

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Lexus RX 450h FAQ

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