How much can a Lexus RX 450H hybrid tow?
Up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) when properly equipped with the factory towing package.
Official towing capacity for the RX 450h
The RX 450h’s maximum tow rating is generally 3,500 pounds when the vehicle is equipped with the factory towing package. This ceiling can vary by model year and market, so owners should verify the exact figure for their VIN in the owner's manual or with a Lexus dealer.
Hybrid systems add torque assist and efficiency considerations, but Lexus typically keeps towing guidance consistent with other mid-size crossovers of similar weight class, provided you have the appropriate cooling and hitch equipment.
Key considerations for towing with the RX 450h:
- Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) with the factory towing package.
- Tongue weight: typically up to about 350 pounds (158 kg), roughly 10% of the trailer’s gross weight.
- Required equipment: Factory towing package (hitch and wiring) and, where applicable, a trailer brake controller for trailers with electric brakes.
- Additional precautions: Ensure cooling for the engine and transmission is adequate and stay within payload limits to avoid reducing tow capacity.
Bottom line: While the RX 450h can handle many light-to-mid-range trailers, always confirm the precise rating for your specific year and market and install the recommended equipment before towing.
What affects towing capacity
Several factors determine the practical limit you should observe when towing with a Lexus RX 450h. The following elements influence the official rating and real-world performance.
- Model year and regional specifications, which can adjust the official tow rating.
- Payload capacity, which reduces the available tow capacity as passengers and cargo take up space in the vehicle’s rated payload.
- Cooling requirements for the engine and transmission, especially during long pulls or climbs.
- Drivetrain configuration and overall vehicle weight, including variations between trims and option packages.
- Hitch class and braking system, including whether a trailer brake controller is installed and whether the trailer has electric brakes.
- Tongue weight management and trailer weight distribution, which affect stability and control on the road.
In practice, the official ceiling should be treated as a maximum. For extended towing sessions, it’s wise to operate well below that limit and monitor temperatures and braking performance closely.
Tips for towing safely with the RX 450h
To tow safely and protect the hybrid powertrain and braking systems, follow these steps.
- Confirm the exact towing capacity for your vehicle’s year and market with the owner’s manual or a dealership.
- Install and use the factory towing package hitch and wiring, ensuring compatibility with your trailer.
- If the trailer has electric brakes, install and configure a trailer brake controller as required by local regulations and the manual.
- Check and adjust tire pressures and payload to avoid overloading the GVWR and keep stability.
- Ensure cooling systems (engine and transmission) are functioning properly and consider additional cooling if you anticipate sustained towing or steep grades.
- Plan ahead for hills and headwinds, and drive with smooth acceleration and braking to minimize strain on the hybrid system.
Following these guidelines helps protect the RX 450h’s components while delivering reliable towing performance.
Regional notes and year-by-year variations
In North America, the RX 450h’s towing specification has commonly aligned with a 3,500-pound limit for the current generation, provided the towing package is equipped. Some markets outside North America may have slightly different requirements or equipment, which can affect the rated capacity. Always verify the exact rating for your specific year, trim level and region via Lexus documentation or dealer guidance.
Summary
The Lexus RX 450h hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package, making it suitable for lightweight to mid-size trailers. Confirm the precise rating for your year and market, install the correct towing equipment, and follow safe towing practices to ensure reliable performance and protection of the vehicle’s hybrid systems.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Lexus RX 450h?
There will be five trim retainer clips that you can remove with a flathead screwdriver. There will be four 10 mm bolts. Behind the driver wheel trim you will find one more push pin retainer.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
How it works
- Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds.
- Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit.
Why it's important
- Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops.
- Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
- Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load.
Can a Lexus hybrid tow a trailer?
2025 LEXUS TX TOWING CAPACITY - 5,000 lbs
The TX is also available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, with no tradeoff in towing capacity. Across the board, the TX has a higher towing capacity than the RX, up to 5,000 pounds, and most other midsize SUVs, for that matter.
What is the towing capacity of the Lexus RX 450h hybrid?
The Lexus RX 450h has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the available Towing Prep Package. This capacity is consistent across most model years and trims, including the AWD, F SPORT, and 450hL versions. To achieve this maximum capacity, the vehicle must be outfitted with the Towing Prep Package, which includes necessary components like an engine and transmission oil cooler.
- Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
- Requirement: The Towing Prep Package must be installed
- Package contents: Engine and transmission oil coolers, and a heavy-duty radiator
- Applicable models: AWD, F SPORT, and 450hL trims
