What is the road tax on a Lexus RX450h?
The road tax for a Lexus RX450h is not a fixed price; in the UK it depends on carbon dioxide emissions and the car’s date of registration, so the exact amount varies. In practice, you’ll see a first-year charge based on CO2 and a separate ongoing annual charge in subsequent years.
Understanding how the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) works helps you estimate costs and check the precise amount for your specific car. The RX450h, being a hybrid, typically falls into mid-to-upper CO2 emission bands, which influence both the initial payment and the yearly tax thereafter. Rates change annually, so it’s important to verify the current year's figures with official sources before purchase or renewal.
How road tax (VED) is calculated in the UK
The amount you pay is determined by a few core factors. Below is a guide to the main elements that affect the VED for a Lexus RX450h and similar vehicles.
- CO2 emissions (grams per kilometer) as measured in official tests
- Vehicle type and fuel mix (hybrid vs petrol/diesel vs electric)
- Date of first registration (the first-year rate is based on this date)
- Whether the car qualifies for any exemptions or discounts available to certain vehicle types
In short, the exact amount depends on the car’s CO2 band and its registration year, and the official government calculator provides the precise figure for your vehicle.
Finding the exact rate for your RX450h
To determine the precise road tax for your Lexus RX450h, use these steps with official sources to confirm the current rates for your vehicle.
- Identify the RX450h’s CO2 emissions from the vehicle's official spec sheet, V5C/registration documents, or a recent MOT certificate.
- Note the car’s first registration date, which affects the first-year charge.
- Visit the GOV.UK Vehicle Tax rates calculator and enter the CO2 figure and registration year to obtain the exact first-year and standard annual rates.
- If you recently purchased a used RX450h, verify the registration date to ensure you’re using the correct first-year rate, as it can differ from the current year’s rate.
Rely on the official calculator for accuracy, since rates are reviewed and updated each financial year. This ensures you know the exact amount you’ll pay when you register or renew your tax for the RX450h.
Road tax in other markets
Outside the United Kingdom, road tax systems differ widely. Some markets charge annual vehicle taxes based on CO2 or engine size, while others bundle vehicle taxes into registration fees or use unrelated annual charges. If you’re buying or insuring an RX450h outside the UK, check the local government or taxation authority for the exact method and rates.
- United States: There is no national road tax; vehicle registration fees and taxes are state- and sometimes county-level decisions, often varying by weight, value, and age.
- EU and other regions: Many countries levy annual vehicle taxes tied to emissions or vehicle type; rates and bands can differ substantially from the UK.
Always verify with the local tax authority or official government tools to understand how the RX450h is taxed in your country.
Summary
Key takeaway: the Lexus RX450h’s road tax is not a single fixed amount. In the UK, the first-year VED is determined by CO2 emissions and registration date, with an ongoing annual charge in subsequent years. To know the exact figure for your car, consult the official GOV.UK VED calculator using your RX450h’s CO2 rating and first registration date. If you’re in another country, check your local tax rules, as charges and calculation methods vary widely.
Is Lexus RX 450h expensive to maintain?
A Lexus RX 450h+ will cost about $8,092 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury SUV models by $4,361.
How much does it cost to replace a Lexus RX 450h hybrid battery?
Labor costs are estimated between $516 and $758 while parts are typically priced around $6,349. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.
How much is the road tax for a Lexus RX 450h?
Road tax. First-year road tax (VED) is included in the price of the Lexus RX 450h, and will be £155 a year after that. However, as they all have a list price above £40,000, you have to stump up a £355 surcharge in years two to six. That means the annual road-tax bill in those years will be £510.
Is there any problem with the Lexus RX 450h?
Common Lexus RX 450h problems include issues with the hybrid system (battery degradation, inverter coolant pump failure), brake system (brake actuator malfunction), and electrical components (12V battery drain, faulty electrics). Other potential issues involve suspension wear, cracked dashboards, and fuel pump failures.
This video discusses some common issues with the Lexus RX 450h: 57sMasterCarsProYouTube · May 13, 2023
Hybrid system issues
- Hybrid battery: Hybrid batteries can degrade over time, leading to reduced fuel economy and performance. Regular maintenance and hybrid health checks can help prolong its life.
- Inverter coolant pump: The inverter cooling pump can fail, which may lead to overheating and warning lights. Sensors are in place to provide a warning before a critical failure, so it's important to heed any messages on the instrument panel and have the coolant level checked.
- Hybrid system warning: A "Check Hybrid System" warning can indicate an issue, which can be confirmed with a diagnostic scan.
Brake and suspension problems
- Brake actuator: The brake actuator is a frequently reported issue, with some owners needing multiple replacements.
- Brake issues: Some owners have reported problems with brake boosters and rust on the brake discs, possibly from energy regeneration.
- Suspension: Due to the vehicle's weight, suspension components like air compressors and shock absorbers can wear out or leak.
This video discusses potential issues with the Lexus RX's brake system: 56sEEPRODUCTIONSKLBYouTube · Apr 14, 2020
Other common problems
- 12V battery: The smaller 12V battery can drain quickly, especially when the car is not used for a few weeks, and can cause a variety of electrical faults. Some owners report having to replace it frequently.
- Cracked dashboards: Dashboards, particularly in cars driven in hot, sunny climates, have been reported to crack over time.
- Fuel pump: Some models have a recall for a faulty low-pressure fuel pump.
- Electric window motors: The electric motors for the power windows can sometimes break.
You can watch this video to learn more about problems with the Lexus RX's electric window motors and other components: 54sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 18, 2024
