RX350 Vs RX450h: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for a luxury crossover SUV, you can’t go wrong with a Lexus. Lexus offers two very similar small crossovers in its lineup, the RX 350 and RX 450h, and many people find themselves wondering which one they should purchase and what the differences are between the two. Let’s take a moment to examine the similarities and differences between the Lexus RX 350 and the Lexus RX 450h to see which one is the better option for you.

Similarities

The Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h look similar and share a number of features. Both come standard with Bluetooth for phone and audio, electronic parking aids, rearview cameras, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. They also share power-adjust seats up front, a universal garage-door opener, all-wheel drive with automatic traction control, automatic LED headlights, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control to keep you safe as you drive.

Both SUVs will hit showrooms in 2020 with upgraded suspension and handling, new styling at the front and rear, and upgraded technology, including the addition of smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

Power and Performance

The first area where the RX 350 and RX 450h differ is in the power and performance put out by their engines. While both are driven by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the RX 350 in 2020 is expected to deliver 295 horsepower, while the RX 450h is expected to deliver up to 308 horsepower when it hits showrooms this fall. Both are good engines, but the 450h is expected to deliver a more powerful performance.

Fuel Economy

Another difference is how far you can go between trips to the gas station. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 350 is 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 450h, on the other hand, is estimated by the EPA to get 30 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. This is because the 450h is powered by a hybrid engine, which provides additional mileage. If the 2020 numbers hold up, the 450h will deliver more power and maintain a fuel-economy edge.

Safety Technology

The two SUVs provide the same safety package. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 powers both vehicles’ active intelligent safety systems. This includes features such as Siri Eyes Free, lane-departure warning and intervention, front-crash warning, automatic emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera. The 2020 model year adds some new features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign reading assist, lane tracing, and a brand-new and unique feature known as low-light bicyclist detection.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are similar SUVs that will carry many of the same features. The 450h, however, will likely cost a bit more but come with more horsepower and noticeably better gas mileage. If a hybrid luxury crossover is appealing to you, you might want to look into the RX 450h when it hits the showroom at Lexus of Huntsville. If cost is paramount, check out the 350. Either way, give us a call for a test drive today.

 

Image used with permission from lexus.com / cropped from original

Posted in Lexus Models, RX 350, RX 450h | No Comments »