Lexus RX450h+
Continuous evolution
The control characteristics of the shock absorbers and power steering have been changed, and the DRS rear-wheel steering system, which was previously only available on the RX500h, has been expanded to the RX450h+. The minimum turning radius has been reduced from 5.9m to 5.5m.
What’s amazing about the Lexus RX is that it offers three different hybrid systems in its lineup. The RX500h is a performance-oriented parallel hybrid with a 2.4-liter inline-four turbocharged engine and one motor. The RX350h is the conventional series-parallel system with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and two motors. The RX450h+ is based on this and adds external charging functionality, making it a plug-in hybrid.
Don’t be fooled into thinking, “So, aren’t there really just two types?” The RX450h+ is designed to fulfill its role as a PHV, with a completely different battery and control system than the RX350h. In particular, the battery has been changed from nickel-metal hydride to lithium-ion, giving the EV driving range 86km. As Lexus’ best-selling model, sold in 95 countries and regions around the world, the RX is the gold standard for hybrids.
Well, I borrowed the RX because I heard it had undergone some improvements. That said, there were almost no changes to the design, except for the LCD meter being enlarged to 12.3 inches. Everything else is related to driving performance and quietness.
The hybrid system is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with two motors that produces a total of 309 PS. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 18.1 kWh and is installed under the floor. It can only be charged with a standard charger.
The test drive started with the car fully charged. The engine wouldn’t start at all, not only around town, but even on the highway. As long as you don’t press the accelerator too hard, the car will continue running on the motor up to speeds of over 100km/h. This is in line with the theory behind PHVs, meaning if you use it for commuting every day and then charge it overnight when you get home, you can use it as an EV on weekdays, eliminating gasoline usage almost entirely. For a long time, I’d been accustomed to thinking of RX hybrids as ones where the engine would start immediately after starting, so this was quite a refreshing experience.
The meter has been changed to a 12.3-inch full LCD type. The upper part of the instrument panel is covered in leather, and soft padding is used even at the bottom, giving it a high-class feel. The RX450h+ grade is only available in “Version L” and there is no “F Sport” option.
And don’t miss the updated driving performance. The improved acceleration feeling, achieved by cutting fuel economy by 0.1 km/liter, is evident in the linear response to stepping on the accelerator. The newly installed rear-wheel steering DRS not only improves handling at low speeds, but also impresses with the way the rear wheels firmly plant themselves when cornering in sport mode. Combined with the flatter suspension settings, the sportiness has been greatly improved.
The seats are covered in semi-aniline leather as standard. The cabin is also quieter thanks to the addition of sound-deadening and vibration-damping materials, and the adoption of acoustic glass for the rear doors.
Lexus’s success has been widely reported in recent years, but this is not only due to the weak yen making imported cars extremely expensive, and the widespread use of EVs to a certain extent, which has led to a resurgence in interest in hybrids, but also to the fact that these steady improvements have made Lexus more attractive as a product.
REPORT / Naohide Ichihara
PHOTO / Satoshi Kamimura
MAGAZINE / GENROQ October 2025 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Lexus RX450h+ Version L
Body size: Length 4890, Width 1920, Height 1700mm
Wheelbase: 2850mm
Vehicle weight: 2160kg
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Total displacement: 2487cc
Maximum output: 136kW (185PS) / 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 228Nm (23.2kgm) / 3600-3700rpm
Front motor maximum output: 134kW (182PS)
Front motor maximum torque: 270Nm (27.5kgm)
Rear motor maximum output: 40kW (54PS)
Rear motor maximum torque: 121Nm (12.3kgm)
Transmission: Electric CVT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front strut, rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs
Tire size: Front and rear 235/50R21
Top speed: 200km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 6.5 seconds
Vehicle price: 8.87 million yen
[Inquiries]
Lexus Information Desk
TEL 0800-500-5577
https://www.lexus.jp
