Lexus RX vs Lexus RX450H
What's the difference?

Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

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Lexus RX450H

—

2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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Summary

2026 Lexus RX

2019 Lexus RX450H

By Emily Agar

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Beautiful build quality
Plush ride
Lots of tech gear

Dislikes

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

Baffling entertainment system
Heavy
Ho-hum drivetrain

2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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2019 Lexus RX450H Summary

This is a review with a difference. For three days, I had a Lexus RX450h and thought it was pretty terrible to drive. Every time I turned the steering wheel, the tyres would squeal as though they weren't inflated with air but instead with tiny, fluffy kittens.

I was bitterly disappointed. How could a car get out the door of the Lexus engineering division with such an aversion to corners. I mean, I know it's not meant to be a corner-carving monster, but normal cornering should have been okay.

After those three days, I'd had enough. The low tyre pressure warning light came on and the penny dropped. I hadn't even thought to check the pressures. They were very, very low. Like only at two-thirds of recommended. So after visiting three separate establishments to find a working pump, I had a whole different car.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus RX 2019 Lexus RX450H

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

Verdict

The RX is a little frustrating - it's going after Mercedes and BMW and Audi in a hotly-contested space and falls over in a couple of key areas. The media/sat nav system is hopelessly outdated and the drivetrain fails to deliver a significant performance or fuel benefit (although, given its 2.2 tonnes, perhaps it delivers a miracle).

It does come with a rock-solid, scandal-free reputation, a reputation for spectacular customer service, it has a lovely cabin and it's certainly an individual looker. For plenty of people, that's quite enough.

Lexus RX vs Lexus RX450H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RX vs Lexus RX450H
What's the difference?