Hybrid AWD
Comfortably perched atop the 8-way power adjustable perforated leather seats, the front passengers have a commanding view over the road that is lightly threaded upon by the latest iteration of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In the RX 450h, like the 350, the basis point is Toyota's multi-use 3.5L V6. Combined with the front electric motor, the powertrain develops 295 hp and the equivalent of 234 lb-ft of torque.
Managing the energy to the front wheels is a CVT box. As you may or may not know, the 450h is only offered with AWD in Canada. Here, AWD means that all four wheels can rotate with power, however there is no mechanical or physical link between the front and rear axles. Instead, an electric motor is positioned between the rear wheels and it handles the go. It also serves as a generator, like the front one, and recharges the batteries.
Don't push it
Don't push it because you will be surprised by a few things. First of all, as the 450h is essentially a FWD vehicle with power; torque steer is present in the steering wheel in spirited acceleration. Whether the road surface be dry, wet or snow-covered, the wheel will jerk to one side when the go pedal is depressed. Also, a hybrid hates to be rushed. My returned fuel consumption average was of 10.5L per 100 km. Admittedly, I expected better, especially since I decided to do some holiday shopping in the city as opposed to the burbs; hybrids love stop and go traffic. If you are a leadfoot though, your average will climb.
By far, by a really large margin, without a doubt, the RX 450h prefers that the driver be a smooth operator. Frustrating for some, leaving a stoplight by feathering the throttle will have you travel in EV mode for a few blocks at least. If you are able to maintain such a pace, your 450h could get around on as little as 7L of black gold per 100 km.
Dynamics for another crowd
Lexus is not renowned for driving dynamics. If this is what you are expecting from Lexus, look for the letter “F”. Otherwise, comfort and refinement are the orders of the day. The RX is supremely docile unless you put the hammer down as previously noted. Steering is disconnected but precise and the brakes are efficient, thanks in part to their regenerative functions.
Comfortably perched atop the 8-way power adjustable perforated leather seats, the front passengers have a commanding view over the road that is lightly threaded upon by the latest iteration of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In the RX 450h, like the 350, the basis point is Toyota's multi-use 3.5L V6. Combined with the front electric motor, the powertrain develops 295 hp and the equivalent of 234 lb-ft of torque.
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| Don't push it because you will be surprised by a few things. |
Managing the energy to the front wheels is a CVT box. As you may or may not know, the 450h is only offered with AWD in Canada. Here, AWD means that all four wheels can rotate with power, however there is no mechanical or physical link between the front and rear axles. Instead, an electric motor is positioned between the rear wheels and it handles the go. It also serves as a generator, like the front one, and recharges the batteries.
Don't push it
Don't push it because you will be surprised by a few things. First of all, as the 450h is essentially a FWD vehicle with power; torque steer is present in the steering wheel in spirited acceleration. Whether the road surface be dry, wet or snow-covered, the wheel will jerk to one side when the go pedal is depressed. Also, a hybrid hates to be rushed. My returned fuel consumption average was of 10.5L per 100 km. Admittedly, I expected better, especially since I decided to do some holiday shopping in the city as opposed to the burbs; hybrids love stop and go traffic. If you are a leadfoot though, your average will climb.
By far, by a really large margin, without a doubt, the RX 450h prefers that the driver be a smooth operator. Frustrating for some, leaving a stoplight by feathering the throttle will have you travel in EV mode for a few blocks at least. If you are able to maintain such a pace, your 450h could get around on as little as 7L of black gold per 100 km.
Dynamics for another crowd
Lexus is not renowned for driving dynamics. If this is what you are expecting from Lexus, look for the letter “F”. Otherwise, comfort and refinement are the orders of the day. The RX is supremely docile unless you put the hammer down as previously noted. Steering is disconnected but precise and the brakes are efficient, thanks in part to their regenerative functions.
 |
| Combined with the front electric motor, the powertrain develops 295 hp and the equivalent of 234 lb-ft of torque. |