2012 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid

If you are looking for luxurious space as well as fuel economy and great style,take a good look at the 2012 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid.

This SUV gets 28 MPG city and 32 MPG Highway. This mid-size luxury SUV is a great value for its price. There are a handful of hybrid SUVs coming out of the woodwork,but the RX exhibits the class and comfort that Lexus has been known for.

Specifications

Performance

This superior Hybrid has a 3.5 Liter V6 gasoline engine with 234lb - ft torque,and two electric drive motors. The 295 horsepower is more than sufficient power for city or highway driving. The Transmission is variable for an extra smooth acceleration. This car handles well and goes from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds.

The Lexus RX Hybrid comes in a FWD or AWD drive version. This is not a high performance sport vehicle and it definitely doesn't provide the sharper driving experience of the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. The 2012 Lexus Hybrid provides a softer ride that is smooth and comfortable.

Exterior

The athletic appearance of the exterior is bathed in high quality anti- chip paint with a choice of exterior colors that will enhance the elegance of this gorgeous SUV. The heated outside mirrors are great and the Zinc plated steel on the sculpted front fenders,hood and doors provides an excellent level of rust protection. Combine all that with standard alloy wheels and a rear bumper protector as well as the UV reducing glass that is used on all the windows and you have a fantastic looking vehicle.

Interior

The rich wood trim and quality leather and exquisite fabric along with comfortable roomy seating attest to the opulence of the Lexus Hybrid. The high tech Navigation system with its remote touch interface is state of the art. The 40 cubic feet of luggage and cargo space makes this more than just another pretty car. The 10 way power front bucket seats,high end audio system,Bluetooth and XM satellite radio just may seal the deal for the discriminate buyer.

Safety

Anti-lock brakes and side airbags for the front and rear seats as well as dual front Knee air bags are just the beginning of the safety features. The emergency assistance button,as well as the stolen vehicle tracker is standard equipment in the 2012 Lexus Hybrid.

Reliability

This car has done extremely well in safety tests and has a basic warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles and a power train warranty that is for 70,000 miles or six years. Of course this means that the 2012 Lexus Hybrid ranks high in safety and reliability.

Pros

• Excellent safety scores
• Comfort and luxurious style
• Great fuel efficiency
• Smart electronic interface
• Smooth ride
• Quality construction

Cons

Available options add up if you choose them,the price can be a detriment in this slow economy.

Competition

There are few hybrid SUVs that the RX Hybrid that have been compared to,the Mercedes Benz ML350 (MSRP $49,865;17 city / 22 hwy),the BMW X3 (MSRP $37,995;19 city / 25 hwy),and the Acura MDX (MSRP $43,925;16 city / 21 hwy).

Overall Rating
85 out of 100

What others say:

“The RX is a refined,quiet,and plush SUV. It rides comfortably and has a very well-finished interior.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Though expensive compared to the non-hybrid RX,the 2012 Lexus RX 450h delivers on its promise of impressive fuel economy,utility,power and luxury.”Edmunds