Lexus Rx450H+ vs Holden Commodore
What's the difference?

Lexus Rx450H+

$105,350 - $123,650

2026 price

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Holden Commodore

$7,800 - $26,990

2018 price

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Summary

2026 Lexus Rx450H+

2018 Holden Commodore

By Emily Agar

By Malcolm Flynn

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Comfortable but dynamic chassis
Strong and smooth 2.0 turbo
Liftback's boot practicality over a sedan

Dislikes

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

Relatively unassuming looks
V6 not as refined as the 2.0 turbo
VXR doesn't match the romance of old V8 SS

2026 Lexus Rx450H+ 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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2018 Holden Commodore Summary

For many Australians, calling the new ZB a Commodore is tantamount to being forced to call your Mum’s new boyfriend ‘Dad.’

It's not built here, available in rear-wheel drive, there's no sign of a V8 or a sedan body, so why should we accept it as a worthy heir to the badge worn by Holden’s proudest model since 1978?

One big reason is that it was always going to be the next Commodore, even before Holden decided to stop building cars in Australia. Yes, it was even set to be built here.

Once the VE/VF Commodore’s Zeta platform was axed during General Motors’ post-GFC rationalisation, the next best thing was to align with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia designed primarily for Europe.

Holden was actually involved with the new Insignia’s development from the beginning, which has led to some key details for the Commodore version and Australia, and a whole lot of input from our world-renowned Aussie engineering team.

So it’s a whole lot more Commodore than you may realise. Whether it lives up to its reputation is another matter.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus Rx450H+ 2018 Holden Commodore

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

So will the new Commodore become Australia's favourite car? I strongly doubt it, but it's not the car's fault, and it wouldn't be any different if it was a rear-wheel drive, V8, Australian-built sedan. Australian buying habits have just moved on, and diversified into a range of SUVs, small hatches and dual-cab utes.

Taken as an all-new entry in Holden's revitalised line-up though, the new Commodore ticks all the important boxes required of a mid-size to large passenger car these days. It may not be anywhere near as exciting as a 6.2-litre Redline sedan, ute or wagon, but it’s objectively a far better car overall, and you should definitely give it a drive before dismissing it.

The pick of the bunch in my eyes is the $39,490 RS Sportwagon with the 2.0-litre petrol engine. Yep, the best new Commodore is now a four-cylinder station wagon.

Be sure to check out what James Cleary thought of the new Commodore in prototype guise here:

Lexus Rx450H+ vs Holden Commodore What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus Rx450H+ vs Holden Commodore
What's the difference?