2023 – 2024 Best SUV Find out which SUV is the best for 2022, 2023, and 2024. Here you can find professional reviews and rankings of all upcoming crossover and SUV cars.
The Japanese luxury carmaker has just redesigned its most popular model. Of course, we are talking about the legendary RX, which is now very fresh and has the ambition to retain the leading position in the market. For that reason, the company prepared a lot of novelties for the 2023 model year, which received a complete overhaul. Despite the massive updates, this doesn’t mean that the second production year will come without novelties. Moreover, there is one more version to come, with the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ moniker.
So far, the company offered two hybrid versions of the new-generation RX. This will be the third one and unlike the other two, this won’t be a conventional self-charging hybrid, but rather a plug-in hybrid. Lexus officials promise excellent performance, in a combination with excellent fuel economy. Other than the powertrain, we don’t believe that the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ could be significantly different than the rest of the lineup.
We expect to see this model on sale sometime in the second half of the year.
2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Powertrain
Of course, the most prominent aspect of this version will be its powertrain. This will be the first RX with the plug-in hybrid powertrain but we won’t see a completely new system. Instead, the company will use proven technical solutions, so the setup will be the same or very similar to the RAV4 Prime. That system combines a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with two electric motors, as well as an 18.1-kWh battery pack. The combined output goes around 302 horsepower, while there is also a pretty impressive EV range of around 42 miles.
So, the new 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ will come with a pretty similar setup, though we might see a few revisions that would make this variant more exclusive. For example, we could see a bigger battery and more capable electric motors, which would provide higher output and better all-electric range. The officials are yet to come up with the official details.
2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Design
Other than the powertrain, the new 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ shouldn’t be much different than the rest of the lineup. Therefore, we count on all the novelties that were introduced with the recent redesign. The new generation now rides on the contemporary TNGA platform and brings notable improvements regarding the driving experience. The new model is lighter, features a lower center of gravity and feels easier to drive. At the same time, it is comfortable and very smooth, perfect for long journeys.
Of course, there is also the new styling, which isn’t as dramatic as the previous generation, but rather more elegant. The lines aren’t as sharp as they used to be, but the vehicle still looks pretty aggressive.
Interior
Big improvements came on the inside as well. The previous generation was often criticized for too conservative interior design. The new model is still quite reserved in terms of aesthetics but definitely looks much better. We have no doubt it will age very well. The materials are really nice, while the tech and convenience features look great too. Typically for Lexus, the build quality is excellent and there is no doubt that this SUV will serve its buyers for a very long time.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the new generation offers a little bit more legroom than before. Both rows accommodate adults in such a nice fashion, while we particularly like the front seats, which are some of the best in the class. On the other hand, we don’t like that there are less than 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which is really low for the class.
Features
Considering the expected starting price, we presume that the RX 450h+ could come with more standard equipment than models like RX 350 and RX350h. However, details are still unavailable, so let’s take a look at what more basic versions of this SUV offer as standard, and what are the options.
Base models come equipped with goodies like a 9.8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, a 12-speaker stereo, voice recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, keyless entry and a universal garage door opener.
Also, there are upgrades like a 14-inch touch screen, the Remote Touch controller, navigation, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo, wireless device charging, two more USB ports, ambient interior lighting, a moonroof and a panoramic roof.
2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Release Date and Price
The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ is expected to arrive in the second half of the year, but the officials are still quiet about the price. On the other hand, rumors suggest that the starting price could go somewhere between 60.000 and 65.000 dollars.
