You can have it all with the Lexus RX450 Hybrid

THE RX 450h, the hybrid version of Lexus’ bestselling model

People who own SUVs may sometimes feel a twinge of guilt about driving a vehicle that spews more toxic emissions and consumes more fuel than passenger cars. There is a way, though, to reduce your carbon footprint and at the same time enjoy the roominess and versatility of a sport utility vehicle: Buy a hybrid.

Lexus, Toyota’s premium brand, was the first to introduce a hybrid SUV when it rolled out the Lexus RX 400h in 2006. The second-generation hybrid RX was upgraded to 450h and was unveiled last year as the 2012 model, showing the new design philosophy of Lexus in its chiseled front fascia and the more dynamic, athletic profile of its body. But the RX450h is more about fuel economy (the AWD variant averages 12.63 km per liter in combined city and highway driving), plush comfort and quiet luxury than fast and furious driving.

Key to success

INSIDE, an opulent array of high-tech gizmos and creature comforts

EVEN with the rear seat up, there’s 40 cubic feet of carpeted luggage space.

After all, a smooth ride, a cathedral-quiet, spacious cabin, high-quality interior appointments, posh comfort and impeccable craftsmanship together with a powerful drivetrain, impressive safety ratings and the latest high-tech gizmos have always been key to the RX Series’ phenomenal success as the bestselling line of Lexus. The full hybrid system of the RX450h whereby the 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine is supplemented by electric motors and batteries enhances its quiet operation since it goes into silent, electric-power-only mode at low speed and in stop-and-go driving.

The 3.5 liter V6 24-valve DOHC Dual VVTi engine alone delivers 245 hp at 6000 rpm and 317-Nm max torque at 4800 rpm through an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the AWD version, but the total system horsepower is 295. This is 20 percent more powerful than the standard RX, yet its fuel economy is 40 percent higher.

Exterior, interior

A GAUGE on the dash tells you if you’re in hybrid mode.

Adaptive front lighting LED head lamps with daytime running lights, a power sunroof, a roof rack, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and memory characterize the exterior of the RX 450h AWD. Inside is an opulent plethora of conveniences and creature comforts: 8-way adjustable front leather seats with memory and power lumbar support, sliding and reclining leather rear seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column with memory, multi-info display, steering wheel multifunction switches, auto-dimming inside rear view mirror with backup camera, authentic woodgrain trim, smart keyless entry with push stop/start button, dual zone automatic climate control, 9-speaker sound system with 6-disc CD player, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

The 40 cubic feet of carpeted luggage space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat doubles to 80 cubes when the rear seat is stowed. The power tailgate opens and closes easily with the flick of a switch on the key fob.

Insulated

LOOK for the ‘h’ letter under the right tail light to identify the hybrid RX.

The RX 450h’s cabin is perfectly insulated from outside noise, adding to the luxe comfort of its silky smooth ride quality. The suspension is well controlled, though on the soft side. Given all this and the 295 total system horsepower, the RX450h is a pleasure to drive or ride.

SEEN sidewise from the rear, it’s unmistakably a Lexus RX.

This hybrid 5-seater SUV earned excellent scores in US federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. Aside from ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, the RX 450h comes with airbags for driver and front seat passenger, knee airbags for the latter, front and rear side airbags with curtain shields, vehicle stability control, traction control, clearance and reverse sensors, back-up camera, rain-sensing wipers.

Summing up, with the Lexus RX 450h you can have your cake and eat it too in terms of using less fuel and reducing greenhouse gases while savoring the benefits and practicality of driving a luxury midsize SUV. You can have it all if you can afford its P4,878-million price tag.

THE FRONT fascia showcases Lexus’ new design philosophy. Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

THE SPACIOUS leather back seat slides and reclines.