Is there a Lexus 450h?

Yes. Lexus did offer a model wearing the 450h badge—the RX 450h hybrid SUV—back in the early 2010s. In today’s lineup, the 450h badge is not used on new Lexus models in most markets. Modern Lexus hybrids use badges like RX 350h and RX 500h, with plug-in options such as NX 450h+ available in certain regions.

Historical overview: the RX 450h

The RX 450h represented Lexus’s push into mainstream hybrid SUVs, pairing a gasoline engine with electric propulsion to boost efficiency without sacrificing SUV practicality. It appeared with the second-generation RX and became a recognizable option for buyers seeking hybrid performance in a luxury crossover.

What the RX 450h offered

- Launch and powertrain: Introduced for the 2010 model year, the RX 450h combined a 3.5-liter V6 engine with electric motors to produce about 295 horsepower, delivering smoother acceleration and better efficiency than its all-gas sibling.

- Drivetrain and efficiency: The hybrid system was available with all-wheel drive and aimed for a competitive balance of performance and fuel economy for a luxury SUV at the time, with EPA estimates typically around the 30 mpg combined range depending on configuration and testing cycles.

- Lifecycle: The RX 450h remained part of the RX lineup through the mid-2010s as Lexus refined its hybrid offerings, before the badge was phased out in favor of updated naming conventions tied to newer generations of the RX.

These points illustrate how the 450h served as a bridge between traditional luxury SUVs and more fuel-efficient, electrified powertrains, before Lexus reorganized its hybrid naming in subsequent years.

Is there a Lexus 450h today?

In current Lexus marketing and dealership practice, the 450h badge is not used on the standard RX lineup in most regions. Today’s RX hybrids are labeled RX 350h (a more efficiency-oriented hybrid) and RX 500h (a higher-output hybrid introduced with the latest generation). Additionally, Lexus offers plug-in hybrid options in other model lines, such as NX 450h+ in several markets, which mirrors the broader shift toward electrified powertrains with different badge branding.

Before listing the contemporary hybrid options, consider how Lexus has reorganized its lineup to emphasize higher-efficiency and higher-performance hybrids while moving away from the historic 450h badge for most models.

• RX 350h: A non-plug-in hybrid variant of the RX with a 2.5-liter hybrid drivetrain, designed for enhanced efficiency with a smooth, comfortable ride.


• RX 500h: A higher-output hybrid using a turbocharged engine paired with electric motors, introduced with the latest RX generation to deliver stronger performance beyond the standard hybrid.


• NX 450h+: A plug-in hybrid variant of the NX compact SUV offered in multiple markets, combining a gasoline engine with a larger battery for extended electric driving.

In short, the 450h badge remains a historical footnote in Lexus’s lineup. If you’re shopping new, expect RX 350h or RX 500h, and consider NX 450h+ in markets where plug-in hybrids are available.

Summary

The Lexus 450h was a real model during the 2010–2015 period, marking Lexus’s early foray into hybrid SUV technology. Since then, the badge has largely disappeared from new-model branding, with current hybrids referred to as RX 350h and RX 500h, and plug-in options like NX 450h+ available in several regions. For buyers seeking a “450h” experience today, looking at used RX models from the 2010s or opting for the NX 450h+ plug-in in eligible markets are the practical paths.

How much is the Lexus hybrid SUV 450h?

This luxury hybrid SUV starts at $48,020.

What is the difference between Lexus 450h and 450h+?

2025 Lexus RX 450h is a 5-seat SUV that offers 838 L (29.6 ft³) of trunk space behind the rear seats and that opens up to 1308 L (46.2 ft³) with the rear seats folded down. The 5-seat SUV 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ has a 643 L (22.7 ft³) trunk and up to 1328 L (46.9 ft³) with the rear seats stowed.

How many miles per gallon does a Lexus 450h hybrid get?

The Lexus RX 450h hybrid's MPG varies by model year and trim, with the 2022 model achieving an estimated 31 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the standard AWD version and 29 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the 450hL (long-wheelbase) model. For plug-in hybrid versions like the RX 450h+, EPA ratings are around 83-85 MPGe combined, with a specific 37 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine engages. 
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid: 56sCarExpertYouTube · Jul 16, 2025
Specific model year MPG ratings:

• 2022 Lexus RX 450h:
  • Standard AWD: 31 mpg city / 28 mpg highway 
  • RX 450hL (long-wheelbase): 29 mpg city / 28 mpg highway 
• 2021 Lexus RX 450h: 31 mpg city / 28 mpg highway 
• 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid):
  • Gas-only: 33 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined 
  • Combined Gas+Electric: 83 MPGe 
  • All-electric range: 37 miles 

You can watch this video to see a range test of the Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid: 59sCars Made SimpleYouTube · Nov 13, 2024

Which is better, Lexus RX 350 or RX 450h?

The main difference is that the RX 350 is a gasoline-powered vehicle, while the RX 450h is a hybrid. The 450h offers better fuel efficiency, a slightly more powerful hybrid system, and a smoother, quieter ride, but it typically has a higher upfront cost. The RX 350 has a more traditional engine and may be less expensive to purchase initially.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the 2022 Lexus RX 350 and 450h: 56sCar Help CornerYouTube · Nov 17, 2021
Lexus RX 350

• Engine: Gasoline-powered
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Performance: Offers a traditional driving feel, but with more engine noise compared to the hybrid
• Cost: Lower initial purchase price compared to the hybrid model 

Lexus RX 450h

• Engine: Hybrid system combining a V6 engine with an electric motor 
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 
• Performance:
  • Smoother and quieter ride: Especially in stop-and-go traffic 
  • More power: Combined horsepower is slightly higher than the RX 350 (e.g., 308 hp vs. 295 hp for 2022 models) 
• Fuel Efficiency: Significantly better fuel economy, particularly in city driving 
• Cost: Higher initial cost, but potentially recouped over time through fuel savings 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the RX 350 if: You want the lower initial cost and a more traditional, mechanical feel.
• Choose the RX 450h if: You prioritize fuel efficiency (especially in the city), a smoother and quieter driving experience, and slightly more power. Consider the upfront cost difference when deciding. 

You can watch this video to compare the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h: 58sPerformance LexusYouTube · Jul 5, 2025