The Lexus RX->ke496 hybrid was one of the pioneers of the hybrid->ke147, luxury SUV->ke145 realm, as is debuted back in 2006 -- known as the RX 400h back then -- when luxury SUVs with electrical intervention were still fairly new. Rolling into 2015, the model continues into its sixth year under the RX 450h name.

For 2015, Lexus->ke47 continues in that tradition, presenting an SUV that combines the fuel economy of a compact sedan, the power of a V-8 and the comforts of a luxury vehicle all rolled into one.

This is the 450h and even with the rather lack of updates on the way it looks, you can excuse the company for that given how relatively new the refreshed package really is.

The 2015 Lexus RX 450h is set to remind us why Lexus knows its hybrids the same way it knows how to build premium performance for its performance line.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Lexus RX 450h.

2015 Lexus RX 450h

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 295
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The introduction of Lexus' spindle grille to the 2014 RX 450h was about as big a change as you could've gotten for the midsized hybrid SUV. And that was last year. This year, with the unveiling of the 2015 RX 450h, Lexus only added some minor updates to the SUV, and the exterior bears little of it.

To be fair, all the things that made last year's refresh are still there, including the redesigned headlights that customers can actually order in either High Intensity Discharge (HID) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. Even the rear lamps were redesigned to be stronger and carry a more sweeping horizontal emphasis.

A new Luxury Package is also set to become available for the 2015 model, offering a number of new options, including a set of 19-inch, triple-split five-spoke wheels with light gray paint and machined finish.

2015 Lexus RX 450h - Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length

187.8 inches (4,770 MM)

Width

74.2 inches (1,885 MM)

Height

66.7 inches (1,695 MM) (without roof rails) 67.7 in (1,720 MM) (with roof rails)

Wheelbase

107.9 inches (2,740 MM)

Ground Clearance

7.3 inches (185 MM)


Interior

The overall design of the RX 450h's cabin remains largely the same, but there are some notable digs that are well worth your attention, including a Standard Display Audio with seven-inch screen for all models that's, mind you, a new hitch to the proverbial wagon.

The interior also has 10-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls and a multi-information switch on the steering wheel that makes it easier for drivers to access function settings more conveniently.

Likewise, a 12-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System is also set to be offered and it comes with a plethora of music sources that doesn't leave you lacking for options. The old reliable CD player is there and if you're into a little taste of modern technology, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB/iPod control and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, are also being offered.

Oh, and if 12 speakers still aren't enough for you, Lexus is also set to make available as an option, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system that delivers 330 total watts of power, doing so with just an incredibly low 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion (THD).

Speaking of connectivity, the Lexus RX 450h also comes with Lexus' Enform connectivity system, allowing customers to customize their smartphones and make them, well, smarter.

2015 Lexus RX 450h - Interior Dimensions

Headroom

39.0/37.7 inches (992/958 MM) (w/o moonroof) (front/rear)

Legroom

43.1/36.8 inches (1,096/934 MM) (front/rear)

Shoulder Room

57.9/57.5 inches (1,473/1,462 MM) (front/rear)

Hip Room

55.5/54.5 inches (1,412/1,385 MM) (front/rear)


Drivetrain

As a full-on hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in a variety of ways, including electric-only, gas-engine-only, or combined gas and electric modes. The SUV can achieve all of those things by combining a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a front-mounted 116-kW electric motor generator, netting a total output of 295 horsepower, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds to go with a quarter-mile acceleration of 16.1 seconds. Unfortunately, top speed is electronically limited to just 112 mph, somewhat disappointing, given all that promise of luxury without the powerful performance bite to support it.

But as a car that relies on its hybrid powertrain, the RX 450h has four selectable driving modes, including EV, normal mode, Eco mode and Sport mode. Depending on your preference, each of these modes come with their own unique advantages, although we like the perfect blend of engine power and handling that the Sport mode provides.

Type

Atkinson-cycle 60° V6, aluminum block and heads

Displacement

3.5 liters (211 cubic inches)

Valvetrain

Four cam, four valves per cylinder, with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Electric-Drive Motor

Front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motors

Horsepower

295 total system horsepower

Fuel Economy (MPG City/Highway/Combined)

30 / 28 / 29

0-60 MPH Acceleration

7.8 seconds

1/4-Mile Acceleration

16.1 seconds

Top Track Speed (electronically limited)

112 mph


Prices

For everything that you're getting, the Lexus RX 450h comes with a higher retail price of $48,355. That figure could very well hit north of $50,000 if you add some options along the way.

Competitors

2015 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

The current generation Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is already a little long in the tooth so its reasonable to expect that the next-generation model, which is scheduled to arrive later this year, makes for a more suitable comparison to the 2015 RX 450h.

No details have been released on the Cayenne's next-gen hybrid system, but we expect it to be similar to the one used in the current version: it combines a 3.0-liter, V-6 supercharged engine with an output of 333 horsepower with an electric motor that adds another 47 horsepower. This system ensures a sprint from 0 to 60 mph of just 6.1 seconds.

2015 Audi Q7 Hybrid

Another new company that's announced plans for a hybrid SUV is Audi. The German automaker hasn't provided details of its plans, except for the fact that the next-generation Q7 is scheduled to be released sometime next year - with a hybrid version in tow.

2015 BMW X5 Plugin Hybrid EDrive

BMW has been coy about its plans of building a hybrid X5, but recent spy photos seem to indicate that the company isn't sitting on any developments being made by its competitors.

Our spy photographers recently sent over photos of an X5 carrying a"Hybrid Test Vehicle" logo on the front door and the same charging slot placed up front as the concept version, which leads us to believe that there could very well be a hybrid X5 in BMW's future.

Other than that, we have no idea about what hybrid system the production version will use, but we expect to be something similar to the concept.

Conclusion

The limited top speed is a big letdown, but other than that, the 2015 RX 450h has a lot of the characteristics on your SUV checklist. Whether its the comfortable ride, the luxurious and techy cabin, and the the tall ride height, you'll get a whole lot of what you're looking for in a luxury hybrid SUV with the RX 450h. Just don't expect to be blazing the road with it anytime soon.