Lexus RX300 vs Lexus Rx450H+

What's the difference?

The Lexus RX300 is luxurious but affordable, making it great value and superbly comfortable, with a high level of fit and finish. Fear not about the four-cylinder engine being small – it makes plenty of grunt and handles daily duties perfectly well.

Which would you go for: An entry level Lexus RX300 or a top-of-the-range Mazda CX-9? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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.

I've mentioned the Spindle grille and its jewellery-like appeal, and even the sharp edges of this SUV make the RX300 look like a carved gemstone, but I'm not the biggest fan of this vehicle's proportions. I think the door-to-window ratio is a bit off. There's just too much door for my liking.

That said, I'm intrigued by the craftmanship, the attention to detail and the use of materials, which make this SUV both pretty and intriguing.

The cabin mixes the plushness of cushioned surfaces on the dash and the armrests  with pleasing design elements, like the swooping aluminium trim, which zig-zags its way from the instrument cluster to the passenger's side of the centre console.

The giant media display is impressive, but the functionality is awkward, to say the least, but more on that in the practicality section below.

The Luxury is the entry grade into the RX model and so comes with smaller wheels than the F Sport and Sports Luxury above it, but it does score roof rails, dual chrome exhausts, a roof-top spoiler and rear privacy glass.

How big is the RX300 Luxury? The dimensions show it to be 4890mm long, 1895mm wide and 1690mm tall.

How do the looks compare with rivals such as a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Mazda CX-9 or a Land Rover Discovery? Hmm, each has its own distinctive styling, with the Jeep having brutish American looks, the Discovery boasting prestige British off-roader personality and the Mazda an elegant air that's way beyond its price point.

So why haven't I mentioned the Mercedes-Benz GLE or BMW X5? Because they're at least $20K more than the RX300 Luxury, which costs around $72K. If, however, you can stretch the budget to an RX 350 Sports Luxury then you will be crossing the $100K threshold into Benz and Bimmer territory. So let's talk about price.

The RX isn’t breaking new ground with its plug-in hybrid design, but it still delivers that signature Lexus understated refinement.

The strong, flowing body lines, 21-inch alloy wheels and updated 'spindle grille' all give it presence without screaming for attention.

And in a segment where boxy and bulky designs tend to dominate, the RX’s swoopy silhouette helps it stand apart in all the right ways.

Inside, the cabin feels considered and luxurious. There's a heavy use of premium materials, including the leather and suede upholstery, plush soft-touch surfaces and the big, crisp displays that make the space feel modern and high-end.

The panoramic sunroof brings in loads of natural light, too, which is especially welcome given the dark headliner that might otherwise feel a little heavy.

If I have one gripe, it’s the thin steering wheel, which doesn’t quite match the otherwise solid, tactile feel of the rest of the interior. But overall, the cabin is a space that feels luxurious and well-executed. It's quietly confident, just like the RX.

The RX300 is a five-seater SUV and, while it would be even more practical if there was a third row, the cabin is impressively spacious.

Have a look at my photo of the entry to the RX300's back seat – that's a big doorway  for a car. Parents will understand the value of wide-opening doors and these ones made it easy for my child to climb into his car seat and for me to buckle him up. Head and legroom in the back seats are also good, even for me at 191cm tall, while the flat floor makes it easy to 'scoot' across from one side to the other.

There are two cupholders in the fold-down centre armrest in the back and small door pockets, but storage up front is better, with huge pull-out door pockets, two more cupholders and a large centre-console bin.

There's a wireless charger in the hidey hole in front of the shifter, plus six USB ports on board - the rear passengers have two of their own in the back of the centre console and the rest are up front.

The second row doesn't come with climate control, but the directional air vents back there got a workout over the 40C days we had over summer.

The RX300's boot has a cargo capacity of 506 litres, measured to the top of the second-row seat back.

Now,  the media system. Yes, it's a tech thing, but I'm calling out it out as impractical. The functionality of the trackpad used to navigate around the screen is frustratingly awkward. I think 12 swear words in a row came out of me on one occasion (no child on board, obviously), just trying to use the sat nav. The layout of the display menu is also confusing and non-intuitive.

The RX cabin is thoughtfully laid out and impressively practical, with a premium feel that doesn’t come at the cost of everyday usability.

Up front, there’s plenty of space for driver and passenger, yet the stepped dash design brings a sense of intimacy. The electric front seats are seriously comfortable, with four-way lumbar support and extra adjustment functions that make this an easy choice for long drives.

Storage options are generous, too. There’s a clever dual-opening centre console, large glove box, multiple phone-sized shelves, map pockets and a couple of cup- and drink holders in each row.

Charging is taken care of by four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a wireless charging pad.

Tech is up-to-date and well-integrated. The upgraded 14-inch media display looks crisp, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is paired with a revamped 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a colour head-up display.

The cluster’s new layout is modern and much easier to read than the previous offering. The digital rear view mirror also earns its keep when the cabin’s packed with passengers or gear.

One of my favourite touches? The seat controls on the side of the front passenger seat. It makes quick work of moving the seat forward, especially helpful when you’ve got a kid clambering in with a school bag full of projects.

Access to the rear row is easy, but the stadium-style seating, where you're perched noticeably higher than those in the front, won’t be for everyone.

That said, the rear seats are plush and padded, though they lack side bolsters, which rear passengers might notice during cornering.

Legroom is generous and the hardened kickplates are a dream to clean when your child’s treating the seatbacks like a climbing wall.

My eight-year old gives the back seat a glowing review, thanks to its creature comforts, including rear climate control, directional air vents, seat heating/ventilation on the outboard seats, two USB-C ports and retractable sun-blinds, which are a crowd favourite in our household.

There are three top-tether anchor points, and the bench is wide enough to fit three child seats, though bulky booster seats might be tricky due to the raised seating height.

At the back, the boot is well set up for families, offering electrically folding rear seats, a 12-volt socket, flat loading floor, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Under the floor, there’s a small compartment for your charging cables (Lexus throws in two!) and a usable 612L of capacity when all seats are in use. One downside, though, is the lack of a spare tyre as you just get a tyre repair/inflation kit.

There are four variants in the RX range, and we’re testing the 450h+ Sports Luxury AWD, which sits just below the flagship and packs in plenty of premium kit for its $123,500, before on-road costs, price tag.

That makes it slightly more affordable than its main PHEV rivals; the BMW X5 xDrive50e (from $125,885 MSRP) and the Volvo XC90 Ultra (from $124,466 MSRP).

The Volvo does offer seven seats to the Lexus’ five, which may matter for larger families, and both rivals also outdo the RX on electric-only driving range - 65km in the RX compared with 77km in the Volvo XC90 and a generous 101km in the BMW X5.

Still, the RX fights back with a seriously stacked features list. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 10-way powered front seats with heating and ventilation, electrically folding rear seats (also heated and ventilated in the outboard positions), and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel. Sound is taken care of by a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround system.

Technology has had a solid upgrade with the 14-inch touchscreen multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, digital rearview mirror, colour head-up display, live traffic navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G connectivity, four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a fast wireless charging pad.

There’s also access to the 'Lexus Connected Services' app, allowing you to remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, pre-set the cabin temperature via three-zone climate control, configure driver profiles and even use your phone as a digital key.

Practical features include keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, rear sun-blinds, intelligent seatbelt reminders for the first two rows, a child presence alert and a hands-free powered tailgate. However, due to the plug-in hybrid system there’s no spare tyre, just a tyre repair kit.

The RX300 has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 175kW and 350Nm, with a six-speed automatic transmission. This peppy four-cylinder gives the RX300 a completely different feel to the lethargic-but-powerful oomph of the RX350 and its naturally aspirated V6, even though it doesn't make a great deal more grunt, at 221kw and 370Nm. There's a difference in fuel consumption, too – find out how different below.

Is the RX300 all-wheel drive? Nope, it's a front-wheel drive. Only the RX350 and RX450h are AWD.

Under the bonnet the RX450h+ Sports Luxury runs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT auto and dual electric motors - one on each axle. Together, they produce a total of 227kW of power, though Lexus doesn’t quote a combined torque figure.

Still, it’s quick off the mark for a large SUV, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. There’s more than enough grunt for daily driving and overtaking, even if it doesn’t quite match the outright power of its key PHEV rivals.

Lexus says the RX300, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, should use 8.1L/100km of premium unleaded after a combination of open and urban roads. My own testing over 375.4km - taking in motorways, city and suburban call-of-daycare drop-off-duties - had our RX300 using 11.79L/100km, measured at the petrol pump. The real-world results almost always exceed that of the manufacturer's claims so you can expect the V6-powered RX350, with its claimed 9.6L/100km, to have a much higher mileage again after the same kind of usage.

The plug-in hybrid system brings solid efficiency, with claimed fuel use of just 1.3L/100km. In real-world conditions (mostly urban driving with regular recharging) I managed a respectable 4.8L/100km, which makes a strong case for the hybrid set-up.

The fuel tank holds 55 litres and it's worth noting Lexus recommends using a minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol to fill it.

Using our real-world economy figure you can expect a range in excess of 1100km between fills.

The RX450h+ is fitted with a relatively small 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery, supporting an NEDC electric-only range of up to 65km.

While that’s fine for short daily trips, it’s shorter than you'd ideally want in a family SUV of this size and it lags behind rivals like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 in this department.

Charging is simple enough. The RX uses a Type 2 charging port and accepts up to 7.0kW on AC power, which means a full charge takes around 7.5 hours, perfect for overnight top-ups. Lexus also includes an at-home charging cable and second adapter cable as standard, which is a thoughtful touch.

Good seats are the start of a good driving experience and I've not met a Lexus that doesn't have superb pews – from the uber luxury models, such as the LS500 and ES300, to sports cars such as the RCF or LC500, they all have supportive and comfy ones. Lexus somehow manages to  combine the comfort of a lounge chair yet still holds you firmly, all while placing you in a great driving position. The RX300 is no different. Large enough to fit me and my 191cm frame, yet bolstered enough to feel snug.

As for performance, the RX300, with its four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with its six-speed automatic, is responsive and a bit hyperactive feeling. It's a very different sensation to piloting the RX350, which has a V6 and delivers its grunt in a more linear and lethargic fashion. Having driven both back-to-back I'd say the V6 and its eight-speed auto suits the RX personality better, but the 300 is a car that would have had a school report card that read: "Lots of potential, but lazy".

That said, plant the right foot and the RX350 will get the message to hurry up and can do the 0-100km/h sprint in eight seconds flat. The RX300 is keen but can't match it, with  a time of 9.2 seconds.

Either way, the ride comfort is excellent, although body control could be better - the speed bump and roundabout route I take to do the preschool drop off caused it to  get the wobbles, but give the RX300 a motorway and it'll cruise beautifully.

Forward visibility is good but vision through the tiny rear-quarter window (it's even smaller than it looks) while reverse parking isn't great.

The RX450h+ delivers power that’s pert and prompt, with genuine bursts of acceleration that make driving fun. It’s always ready to go and there's no lag in stop-start traffic - which gives it a lively, dynamic feel around town.

The transition between petrol and electric power is seamless; you hardly notice the switch, which makes for a smooth, refined driving experience. The cabin is impressively quiet, even on the highway, making long trips comfortable and peaceful.

Regenerative braking isn’t adjustable and is subtle enough that many won’t notice it which is likely a plus for fans of traditional internal combustion engines who are making the PHEV leap.

The adaptive variable suspension adds a sporty edge to handling, letting you confidently take corners at speed. There’s some body roll but the RX never feels top-heavy or unsettled.

The steering carries the weight of the SUV but remains well-balanced and responsive. Overall, it’s a well-tuned machine that’s a pleasure to drive.

Maneuverability is a strong suit, too, thanks to a tight 11.8-metre turning circle and a clear, easy-to-use 360-degree camera system. Parking is easy-as-pie, which a lot of drivers will appreciate.

The RX earned a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022, scoring highly across all protection categories: 90 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 89 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 93 per cent for safety assist systems.

Standard safety gear includes eight airbags (dual front, front side, curtains, front centre, and driver’s knee) plus a comprehensive suite of driver aids. Standout features include emergency call functionality, child detection alert, side exit assist, front and rear collision warnings, park assist and emergency steering assist.

Additional tech covers blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent seatbelt warnings for the front two rows.

Visibility and parking are enhanced by a 360-degree camera system and front/rear parking sensors, while adaptive cruise control adds comfort on longer drives.

The rear seats have two ISOFIX mounts plus three top tether anchors, accommodating child seats safely. Autonomous emergency braking is active from 5.0 to 80km/h for pedestrians, cyclists, and backover and up to 180 km/h for cars.

Lexus recommends servicing the RX300 annually or every 15,000km, with the first three services capped at $595.

The duration of Lexus's factory warranty is four years/100,000km, which is a bit longer than BMW and Benz's coverage, but behind the five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranties of the mainstream brands.

The RX comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which matches its key rivals but isn’t exactly class-leading by today’s standards.

Servicing is handled via a capped-price program, with each service costing $695. The intervals are well spaced at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

This Sports Luxury grade also includes a three-year complimentary 'Lexus Encore' membership, granting access to a handy phone app and member benefits at partners like Westfield and Ampol. On top of that, you get 24/7 roadside assistance for added peace of mind.