Going The Distance
Instead, we had turbocharged four-cylinder power along with expanded hybrid offerings. That included plug-in models.
A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+
What is it about this luxury SUV that makes us want to do the distance with it?
Let me explain…last year, George and I took the new 2023 Lexus RX 350 to and from that year’s Chicago Auto Show. Based on the review and the subsequent video, we really like it.
It was an evolution on the original luxury SUV/crossover – with a twist. Years of V6 performance ended with this new generation model. Instead, we had turbocharged four-cylinder power along with expanded hybrid offerings. That included plug-in models.
Still, we really liked it. Liked it enough to welcome a 2024 RX into our workflow.
There’s another twist to this. I mentioned that Lexus expanded their hybrid offerings to include plug-in models. This is that plug-in model – the RX 450h+.
The RX 450h+ starts with the company’s venerable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, along with two electric drive motors to make up the brand’s DIRECT4 drive system. All told, this yields a combined 304 horsepower. Connecting between the two electric drive motors on each axle and then gasoline engine up front is a continuously variable transmission.
Lexus states that the battery can provide up to 37 miles of range without engaging the gasoline engine. When the gasoline engine takes over, it can still regenerate energy from braking. Yet, it does not register any mileage from the battery on the dual range meter – even though the battery gauge shows some juice available.
Still, it drives very nicely. Power is available readily without any hesitation. The ride quality is very nice on smooth surfaces. It will react to lumpier roads – and there were a few around my destination.
Oh, I forgot to mention…I took the RX 450h+ on an overnight trip up to Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Before I dive into this part of the story. There is something I want to point out. In a recent Lexus marketing campaign on their plug-in hybrids, they promoted the fact that – and, I’m paraphrasing – you use electricity for shorter drives, gasoline on longer ones. This is true, because it is one way a plug-in hybrid is supposed to work.
However, that is also controversial. Some PHEV marketing gurus believe that you should have the battery juice up to save both the internal combustion engine and electric motor(s) from imbalanced wear and tear and a shorter lifespan. They might be ignoring the fact how tried, tested, and true Lexus’ hybrid drivelines have been for well over a decade.
The PHEV system works. As much as I was tempted to search for a Level 2 charging station in the Iron Range or somewhere within proximity of it – Duluth, for example – there was no need. The ICE did the job of covering the miles the Twin Cities and the Iron Range like a champ.
Fuel economy-wise, it could’ve been better with more battery juice. Yet, 35.7 MPG is respectable. I’ll take that figure! We also got 38 miles on a full charge of the battery, too! It took us almost three hours to recover 14.6477 kilowatt-hours of energy back into a nearly empty battery.
The RX 450h+ also became a champ when it came to practicality. There was more than enough room for everything in the cargo hold behind the second-row seat. All I had to bring with me to the Iron Range was my rollator and an overnight duffel bag. There was plenty more room for other things, if I wanted to haul them up north.
The cabin was also a supportive and luxurious place to drive. Perforated semi-aniline leather and patterned suede adorned the seats. The climate control cooled me, yet it was a bit too cool to switch on the vented driver’s seat. Nice wood-like touches on parts of the cabin also make it just a wonderful space for a few hours on the road each way.
Speaking of open space, just think what if I had a few more people with me. The cargo space would have no problem adding more luggage and my three potential passengers would also feel equally comfortable along the route.
What if it was you in this instance? Would you have gone solo as I have or have more charisma to have others join you?
Enough self-deprecation, let’s talk about the bottom line. This 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury model came with a sticker price of $76,505. Not exactly the figure you usually think of when it comes to a Lexus RX. Yet, when you see that the RX lineup starts at $49,950 and hybrids starting from $52,100, then you might feel less guilty.
Price may be an issue, but you have to ask yourself whether it’s worth it.
There are probably a lot of comparative statements one could make here on that subject. You could argue about the comparative worth of restaurants, watches, audio components, and so forth. All of which would be refuted with statements about inflation and the overall cost of everything since before the COVID-19 Pandemic.
But, I digress.
The answer is that the Lexus RX is worth it more than ever. Regardless of driveline, the original luxury crossover/SUV still retains its leadership for doing everything better you expect it. It is that good of an SUV. The RX 450h+ is something that will attract those looking to get into plug-in driving without any sacrifices.
A nice road trip will do wonders to confirm this notion.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are our own. Travel and logistics were by Victory & Reseda.
All photos by Randy Stern