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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

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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?

  • New trim level added for enhanced customization options.
  • All models now include advanced safety features as standard equipment.
  • Infotainment system upgraded to include smartphone integration across all trims.
  • Optional performance package introduced for improved handling and acceleration.

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. 

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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

L Luxury 4D Sport Utility 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

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

Optional Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch
  • Mark Levinson Sound

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

196.9"

Width

74.6"

Height

67.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 30.9"/R 22.6"

Head room

F 38.7"/M 37.9"/R 34.8"

Front tires

P235/55VR20

Rear tires

P235/55VR20

Seating capacity

7

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lexus RX 450h FAQ

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