What is the range of the RX 450h+ plug in hybrid?
The electric-only range of the RX 450h+ is roughly 35–40 miles (56–64 kilometers) on a full charge, depending on market and testing cycle; its total range with a full battery and a full petrol tank typically exceeds 500 miles (800+ kilometers). Real-world figures vary with climate, driving style, and wheel choice.
The RX 450h+ is Lexus’s plug-in hybrid variant of the RX SUV, combining a lithium-ion battery with a 2.5-liter petrol engine. This article explains how range is defined, what official tests show, and what drivers can expect in everyday use.
What counts as range for the RX 450h+?
In the context of plug-in hybrids, “range” usually refers to two things: the distance you can travel on electricity alone (electric range) and the total distance possible from a full battery plus a full petrol tank (combined range).
Electric range by testing cycle
Before listing typical figures, note that official numbers come from different test cycles used in different markets. These cycles can yield different results even for the same vehicle.
- Approximately 36 miles (about 58 kilometers) of electric-only range on a full charge.
EPA estimates (United States):
- Typically around 50–60 kilometers (31–37 miles) of electric range on a full charge, depending on wheel size and model year.
WLTP estimates (Europe and other markets):
Real-world electric range often falls short of official tests due to factors like outside temperature, terrain, driving style, and use of climate control.
Total range and fuel economy
- Combined range (electric plus petrol): In practice, the RX 450h+ can exceed 500 miles (about 800 kilometers) on a full charge and a full tank, with exact figures varying by market, fuel tank size, and driving conditions.
- Hybrid fuel economy: Expect roughly 28–35 miles per gallon equivalent (mpg-e) or similar hybrid economy figures in line with the vehicle’s powertrain setup and year, varying by market and testing cycle.
These ranges are the result of the vehicle’s 18.1 kWh usable battery and its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, which work together to maximize electric use before switching to petrol, or to assist the motor when more power is needed.
Factors that affect range
Several variables influence the actual range you’ll see, including battery temperature, charging habits, wheel size, aerodynamics (e.g., aero wheels), climate-control usage, and driving conditions such as city versus highway driving.
Consumers should check the official Lexus specification for their specific market and model year, as ranges can shift slightly with updates, new tires, or different battery management strategies. The RX 450h+ is marketed primarily in Europe and other regions with WLTP ratings, while some markets in North America have different plug-in hybrid variants or naming conventions.
Summary
The RX 450h+ offers a notable electric-only range for a plug-in hybrid—roughly 35–40 miles (56–64 km) under typical testing—and a total range well over 500 miles when combining electric power with petrol. While official figures provide a baseline, actual range will vary based on market, configuration, and driving conditions. For the most accurate numbers, consult the exact spec sheet for your year and country.
What is the difference between Lexus RX450h+ and 500h+?
The main difference is that the RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) focused on efficiency and electric-only driving, while the RX 500h is a performance hybrid with a more powerful, turbocharged engine and a traditional automatic transmission. The 450h+ offers 37 miles of electric range and an e-CVT, prioritizing long-term fuel savings. The 500h is built for sportier performance, with higher horsepower and torque from its turbo engine, making it faster and more engaging to drive, and uses a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission.
RX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with two front electric motors and one rear motor, using an e-CVT.
- Performance: 304 horsepower, 0-60 mph in about 6.2 seconds, and a 37-mile all-electric range.
- Focus: Fuel efficiency and the ability to run on electricity alone for daily commutes before switching to a hybrid mode.
- Driving Feel: Smooth and quiet, especially in EV mode.
RX 500h (Performance Hybrid)
- Powertrain: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Performance: Higher horsepower and torque, with a faster 0-60 mph time of around 6.0 seconds.
- Focus: Sporty performance and a more traditional driving experience with the turbo engine and automatic gearbox.
- Driving Feel: More powerful acceleration and a sportier feel, with the transmission providing a more conventional shift experience.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the RX 450h+ if you prioritize saving money on fuel and want the ability to drive on electric power alone for many of your daily trips, and you value long-term reliability.
- Choose the RX 500h if you prioritize performance and a sportier driving feel over fuel efficiency, and you prefer a more conventional hybrid setup with a turbocharged engine and traditional automatic transmission.
How many miles per gallon does the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid get?
The Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 83 MPGe combined (gas + electric) and 35 mpg combined on gasoline alone. It also has an all-electric driving range of up to 37 miles on a full charge.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus RX 450h+ and its features: 49sBen HardyYouTube · Jun 17, 2025
- MPGe (Gas + Electric): 83 MPGe
- MPG (Gasoline Only): 35 mpg
- Electric Driving Range: 37 miles
What is the electric range of the Lexus RX 450h+?
38-mile
The system provides luxury performance and consistent acceleration off the line with an estimated 6.2 second 0-60 time. The RX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 38-mile driving range rating on electric power only.
What are common RX 450h+ problems?
Lexus RX 450h battery drain problem
Some drivers report the battery of their RX 450h goes flat after two to three weeks of not being used, which is especially inconvenient in a hybrid car because the battery can't be jump-started.
