How many miles per gallon does a Lexus 450h plug-in hybrid get?
There is no Lexus model officially named the “450h plug-in hybrid.” The 450h badge has been used on the RX hybrid, which is not plug-in, and Lexus’s plug-in hybrid lineup centers on the NX 450h+ (and related variants). Fuel-economy numbers vary by model year and trim, so check the EPA ratings for the exact vehicle you’re considering.
Clarifying the terminology
To avoid confusion, it helps to distinguish between Lexus’ hybrid offerings that use a battery and those that can be plugged in. The RX 450h is a conventional hybrid (no plug-in charging) in which the gasoline engine and electric drive work together to improve efficiency. The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that can run on electricity from a depleted or charged battery in addition to the gasoline engine.
RX 450h — conventional hybrid (not plug-in)
Before listing typical numbers, note that the RX 450h’s fuel economy is driven by the combination of its gasoline engine and electric motor, with no external charging.
- Typical combined fuel economy: about 30 mpg (varies by model year and driving conditions).
- City/highway split: commonly around the high 20s to low 30s mpg depending on year and configuration.
- Overall behavior: smooth hybrid operation that emphasizes efficiency without on-board charging.
In summary, the RX 450h commonly lands near 30 mpg combined, though exact numbers depend on the specific year, drivetrain, and driving style.
NX 450h+ — Lexus plug-in hybrid
If you are looking at a plug-in option, the NX 450h+ is the current Lexus plug-in hybrid that uses a larger battery and external charging capability. Here are the key figures you’re likely to see summarized for recent model years:
- Electric range: about 36 miles on a full charge.
- MPGe (combined): roughly 74 MPGe when operating as a plug-in hybrid (electric plus gasoline).
- Gasoline-only fuel economy (after battery is depleted): typically in the low-to-mid 30s mpg, depending on year and drive.
In short, the NX 450h+ delivers substantial electric range and strong MPGe for a plug-in hybrid, with conventional gasoline mpg in the low 30s when the battery isn’t powering the drivetrain.
Summary
There is no “Lexus 450h plug-in hybrid” as a single model name. The RX 450h is a conventional hybrid with around 30 mpg combined, while the plug-in option in Lexus’ lineup is the NX 450h+ with an electric range near 36 miles and an EPA-rated MPGe around the mid-70s. For the exact mpg figures, you should consult the EPA ratings for the specific model year and trim you’re considering.
