Lexus RX 450h (2015-2022) performance, top speed & engine

The Lexus RX 450h's horsepower numbers are pretty impressive, and performance in a straight line is more than respectable. However, enthusiastic drivers will find little there's little fun to be had behind the wheel, as the big Lexus prefers stately progress over fast cornering.

Lexus RX 450h hybrid engine, 0-62mph and acceleration

There are several key components in the 'self-charging' hybrid powertrain that give the RX 450h its efficiency credentials. At the heart of the system is a powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine offering up to 262bhp, which drives the front wheels only with the help of a 167bhp electric motor.

A second 68bhp motor sits on the back axle to power the rear wheels – there’s no drive at all to the rear wheels from the engine. The front wheels get their drive through a constantly variable transmission (CVT), which is a type of gearbox with the equivalent of eight gear ratios. When you put your foot down, everything works together to provide a maximum combined power output limited to 308bhp and results in a potential 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds.

Unfortunately, although the RX 450h's performance looks good on paper, the CVT gearbox makes it feel sluggish and the engine seem uncomfortably strained. A gentler driving style is more rewarding, when the powertrain is quiet and refined. There’s an EV mode for electric-only driving, but this is only possible in short bursts due to the limited battery capacity. Eco mode is also available; this smooths out clumsy driver inputs to maximise efficiency of the hybrid powertrain, while Sport mode makes the engine and gearbox a little more responsive – although the differences are hard to notice. Top speed is124mph for all versions.

Handling

The latest version of the Lexus RX handles with a little more panache than its predecessors, but even suspension updates for the 2020 model-year facelift can't meet the standard set by more driver-focused SUVs from the likes of Audi, BMW and Range Rover.

Once again, the RX 450h responds best to a more leisurely driving style, as pitching it into corners too hard makes the body lean considerably. The steering doesn’t have very sharp responses either, and even if you choose the optional adjustable suspension, its sportiest settings don’t turn the Lexus into a fun ‘driver’s car’. Drive at a more leisurely pace though, and the Lexus’s refinement and cosseting ride shine through, making the RX 450h a fine long-distance luxury cruiser.