2010 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Mileage Announced
Toyota’s redesigned luxury hybrid crossover, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, will get an EPA-estimated 28/27 mpg city/highway with two-wheel drive and 28/26 with all-wheel drive.
After introducing the crossover at the L.A. auto show a couple months ago, Lexus has yet to say how much it will set you back when it arrives at dealerships this spring, but the mileage it’s now announced is an improvement over the RX 400h (which was rated 27/24 mpg with FWD and 26/24 with AWD). The AWD version comes in just 1 mpg less than the AWD 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid’s 29/27 mpg rating, and that’s a much smaller, much less powerful hybrid. And if it isn’t already assumed, yes, it is the most fuel-efficient model in Lexus’ lineup, car or SUV.
Toyota improved the fuel economy with a new exhaust-heat recovery system and cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system, in addition to a new Eco driving mode and, most interestingly, a new EV drive mode. The EV drive mode allows the RX 450h to run exclusively on battery power in low-speed, stop-and-go situations, like parking garages, allowing it to run without producing an ounce of emissions.
We’ll keep our eye out for pricing information and a more concrete on-sale date. For now, you can read Mike Hanley’s full review of the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h here.
