Lexus RX 450hL 2021 Review

Seating for seven people? High fuel economy? These are normally two qualities that are hard to find in one vehicle and yet the 2021 Lexus RX 450hL (mostly) pulls it off. The 450h designation means this is the hybrid version of Lexus' midsize SUV. It gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is well above average for this class of vehicle. Then there's the L designation at the end, indicating this is the longer, three-row RX version.

Unfortunately, that third row is quite cramped and best left for occasional use by small children. The RX 450hL also suffers from a lack of cargo space and a suboptimal infotainment interface that's distracting to use while driving. Still, it will be hard to find a similar mix of luxury, fuel economy and passenger capacity elsewhere. Plug-in hybrid versions of the Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90 will be your best bet for a roomier SUV, but know that they're considerably more expensive.

Which RX 450hL does MatoCar recommend?

The RX 450hL is only available in a single trim level, though we suggest opting for at least the Navigation package for its upgraded infotainment system and premium audio system.

The Lexus RX 450hL is a three-row luxury hybrid SUV with seating for six or seven passengers. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a hybrid powertrain to produce a total of 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.

Standard features on the RX 450hL include:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Keyless proximity entry with push-button start
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Six USB ports
• 8-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Nine-speaker sound system

Also standard are these advanced driver aids:

• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the RX 450hL centered in its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

Notable options include:

• Luxury package
• 20-inch wheels
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row outboard seats
• Rear door sunshades
• Upgraded interior trim
• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated steering wheel
• Navigation package
• Upgraded audio system
• Navigation
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Upgraded LED headlights
• Wireless device charging pad
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)